TLX

Make
Acura
Segment
Sedan

The Acura TLX Type S is, quite possibly, one of the most underrated sports sedans on the market today. The 355-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 may not be the most powerful in its class, but that doesn't make it any less exciting than its German foes. Determined to create an even better offering, Acura announced the PMC Edition back in July.

This limited edition iteration may not get more power, but a raft of model-specific upgrades set it apart from the rest. We'll examine the changes shortly, but the big news here is that reservations for the Type S PMC Edition (of which only 300 examples will be made) open on October 6 on Acura's website.

This first batch of reservations is only for Curva Red-painted models and will be followed by the 130R White allocation on November 9. The Long Beach Blue allocations will only be available for reservation on December 8. Acura still hasn't nailed down an exact MSRP but says customers a figure "in the low-to-mid $60,000 range." 100 units will be offered in each of the three colors.

That would make the PMC Edition considerably more expensive than rivals such as the Audi S4 ($52,400) and the BMW M340i ($54,850). But what does the highly limited TLX bring to the table, bar exclusivity? Well, quite a lot actually. Exclusive exterior additions include NSX-inspired 20-inch lightweight wheels painted in a new Copper finish. But that's not all.

Each PMC Edition features a Berlina Black paint finish on the roof, door handles, and antenna. The darkened theme is extended to the exhaust tips, which have been treated to a classy black-chrome look. To underline the even sportier look, Acura has bestowed the limited edition TLX with a rear carbon fiber spoiler, a diffuser in the same material, lower side sill garnish, and gloss-black exterior badging.

The carbon fiber theme continues inside, where you'll find the lightweight material adorning various trim panels. Additional cabin upgrades include illuminated side sills and premium floor mats with colored accent binding. Depending on the chosen paint, the color of the Milano leather interior - with Ultrasuede seat inserts - varies. As such, Curva Red models receive an Ebony interior, Long Beach Blue with Orchid, and 130R White with a red color scheme.

As mentioned, the PMC Edition retains the 355-hp V6 and standard 10-speed automatic transmission from the regular Type S model. The only performance upgrade the PMC Edition seems to get are the stickier 255/35 Pirelli P-Zero tires. It may not seem like such a big deal but, remember, this special variant is hand-built to exacting standards and receives the same red carpet treatment as the NSX.

Every model goes through a dyno check and paint inspection before being wrapped up in a specially designed car cover and shipped to dealers via enclosed car carriers. With just 300 examples on the way, Acura fans will certainly be scrambling to reserve a model for themselves. After all, it's not often that a PMC Edition hits the scene.