2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Supercar Charm Meticulously Handcrafted
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition, unveiled at the New York Auto Show, adds a spark of supercar appeal to Acura's premium sedan lineup. The car, exclusively crafted in Acura's Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, promises an intricate amalgamation of top-tier features from the TLX Advance Package and the sporty aura of the A-Spec line.
A Supercar's Playground: The Performance Manufacturing Center
The Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC), the birthplace of the Acura NSX supercar, takes center stage in the creation of the TLX PMC Edition. Master technicians, seasoned with the experience of hand assembling the NSX, bring their craftsmanship to this exclusive TLX variant. The concept behind PMC is not only to produce the NSX but to explore limited edition models' handcrafted production. This time, it's the 2020 TLX PMC Edition that has the privilege, and an MDX version will follow suit.
Exquisite Paintwork: Valencia Red Pearl
The TLX PMC Edition sports a brilliant Valencia Red Pearl finish, a paint previously exclusive to the NSX. Engineered with mica, metal flake, and nano pigments, this paint exhibits extraordinary color saturation and contrast. The application of this color is executed using PMC's advanced robotic paint system, ensuring consistency and quality. After several base coats for intensity and two clear coats for luster, the car undergoes meticulous hand inspection, similar to the NSX's process.
A Detailed Process: Handcrafted Build
Once the body paint is complete, the assembly begins with installing the drivetrain, chassis components, wiring harnesses, and electronics. Each vehicle then receives its PMC Edition 19-inch wheels and tires, exterior trim, and a unique interior, complete with an individually numbered serial plaque. Following assembly, each TLX PMC Edition undergoes a rigorous quality control process, including a dyno check, paint inspection, rough-road simulation, and water leak test.
Exclusive Elements: PMC Edition Features
The TLX PMC Edition stands out with its unique features, both inside and out. Externally, it flaunts its Valencia Red Pearl paint, a body-colored grille surround, gloss black 19-inch wheels, and a gloss black roof. It also bears dark chrome 4-inch dual exhaust finishers, adding to its sporty personality.
Internally, the TLX PMC Edition is distinguished by its black Milano leather seats with Alcantara™ inserts, accented with red stitching. Its A-Spec steering wheel, complete with red stitching and metal-finished paddle shifters, rounds off the PMC Edition's distinctive interior ambiance.
The TLX PMC Edition: A Unique Blend of Features
Some of the exclusive features of the TLX PMC Edition include the Valencia Red Pearl nano pigment paint, a unique PMC Edition numbered serial plaque, and gloss black 19-inch split-5-spoke wheels with black lug nuts. On the technology front, it includes Acura ELS Studio™ premium audio system with 10 speakers, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera system among many others. Comfort isn't compromised either, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Final Thoughts: The Essence of Handcrafted Mastery
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition exemplifies what can be achieved when a relentless focus on quality and craftsmanship meets the passion for creating unique, limited edition vehicles. The car, with a limited production run and an asking price around $50,000, is not just a new variant in Acura's lineup; it is a testament to the brand's capability to meticulously blend premium features and sporty character. While the TLX PMC Edition is a compelling offering, future explorations of handcrafted limited editions in the Acura stable will be interesting to observe.
-Ed
2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition
