With the arrival of the TLX prototype at Detroit, Acura will, in one fell swoop, replace two models in its lineup. Introduced as a "red carpet athlete," the midsize TLX will replace both the TL and TSX, slotting in between the ILX and range-topping RLX in the marque's band of sedans. When the production-ready TLX goes on sale later this year, expect it to differ very little from the Prototype.

It's taught, muscular sheetmetal coated in Athletic Red Pearl is characterized by a chiseled hood, aerodynamic side skirts and angular front end. A prominent grille is flanked by Jewel Eye LED headlights that are reinterpreted in the side mirrors where an LED strip lights up with the flick of a turn signal. The V-shaped front splitter will likely remain on the cutting floor when the concept transforms into a production model, but we hope the custom five-spoke alloys get a stay of execution. In keeping with modern luxury sedans' mantra of less cylinders, more power, the production TLX will come with two distinct powerplants.

A 2.4-liter four-pot paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch and a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a nine-speed automatic. All-wheel drive will come standard on the V6, while front-wheel drive models will come equipped with Precision All-Wheel Steer system. Both driveline options will feature an Integrated Dynamics System offering four driving modes that will adjust a host of driver inputs ranging from throttle response and steering to transmission shift points and heating settings.