A-Spec variants will also be expanded to include all core Acura models in the future, said Toshiaki Mikoshiba, president and CEO of American Honda Motor, at the North American International Auto Show where the 2019 RDX prototype made its global debut.

The last Type S was the 2008 TL. The next one is still a few years out and Acura officials are not saying which vehicle will get the first performance boost.

The high-performance engine in development is also a few years out. It will be a turbocharged V-6 exclusive to future Acura vehicles, which helps differentiate the luxury brand from Honda. It builds on the direction set forth by the twin-turbocharged V-6-powered NSX supercar, the automaker says.

The new engine will be used in a number of future Acuras and will be paired with the latest generation of Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive which will returns on the 2019 RDX.

"Acura will pursue a unique powertrain strategy that underscores the brand's rightful place as the performance division of Honda," said Mikoshiba.

In continued efforts to raise Acura's performance pedigree, A-Spec sports variants will be offered with all core models in the future. This latest A-Spec wave started with the TLX last year and the new RDX will launch with an A-Spec as well.

"We have made a major commitment to Acura to bring each element of Precision Crafted Performance to life through a new generation of products," said Mikoshiba.