When automotive aficionados think of handcrafted vehicles there are several names that leap to mind, and now they can add one more: Acura.
Honda’s luxury brand plans to offer handcrafted limited-edition vehicles, starting with the 2020 TLX PMC Edition. The new model will be assembled at the “bespoke” Performance Manufacturing center – home of the NSX – in Marysville, Ohio.
The new TLX PMC Edition will make its debut next week at the New York International Auto Show with deliveries starting this summer. In addition, the MDX PMC Edition prototype will join the TLX on the stage at the Jacob Javits Center.
“We designed the PMC not only to build NSX, but to give Acura the flexibility to explore handcrafted production of limited-edition models,” said Jon Ikeda, Acura Brand Officer. “The TLX and MDX PMC Edition are the first to take advantage of this unique capability, and we intend to explore additional options.”
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The same team that builds he NSX will also build the new series of PMC Edition vehicles. The 2020 TLX PMC Edition with a price tag around $50,000. The top dog in the TLX line-up, it features Acura’s high-performance direct-injected i-VTEC V6 powertrain and torque-vectoring Acura Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive along with the full complement of premium features shared with the TLX Advance Package.
With a limited production run, the 2020 TLX PMC Edition is distinguished by its deeply lustrous and grade-exclusive Valencia Red Pearl paint with nano-pigment technology, applied in the bespoke factory’s advanced paint facility.
The specialized process also gets specialized paint, which uses a mixture of mica and metal flake with the aforementioned nano-pigment technology to create high color saturation and a deeper contrast. Using robots for the paint process, the car takes five days to paint. The end result is an intense red that won’t be mistaken for any other.
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In addition, the TLX PMC Edition will incorporate the bold exterior and interior design elements of Acura’s A-Spec line, plus multiple PMC Edition-exclusive design elements, inside and out. The other parts of the spec aside from the Valencia red include a body-colored grille surround, gloss black painted roof and door handles; gloss black 19-inch wheels and lug nuts; body-colored side mirror housings, and dark chrome 4-inch dual exhaust finishers.
Inside, the TLX PMC Edition is distinguished by black Milano leather seats with Alcantara inserts, black piping and red stitching for the seats, door panels, and center armrest. An A-Spec steering wheel includes perforated black leather, red stitching and metal-finished paddle shifters. The individually numbered serial plaque on the lower console designates the 2020 TLX PMC Edition as handcrafted at the Performance Manufacturing Center.
The assembly process starts with the delivery of the body-in-white from the main TLX production facility from the Marysville Auto Plant. Once the paint process is finished, the skilled Performance Manufacturing Center master technicians will begin the hand assembly of the PMC Edition, starting with the installation of all drivetrain and chassis components, wiring harnesses and electronics. Next, the PMC Edition 19-inch wheels and tires, and exterior trim are added. Finally, the PMC Edition is fitted with its unique interior including an individually numbered serial plaque on the center console.
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When the hand-assembly process is complete, each TLX PMC Edition will undergo the same quality control process as NSX, including dyno check, final paint inspection, rough-road simulation and water leak test. Finally, these PMC Editions will be wrapped in a specially designed car cover before being transported to a dealer via an enclosed car carrier.
are these just being sold in the US or can they be had in Canada as well?
Will try to find out.