Many enthusiasts felt that Acura's nimble, cutting-edge TSX would be a serious contender in the sport-luxury market, if only it had enough power and a couple of extra cylinders to compete with the likes of the Audi A4, Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G. It appears that Acura has come to the same conclusion, as it unveiled the latest addition to the lineup, the TSX V6, at the Chicago Auto Show today.
The update is a simple one: Acura has shoehorned a 3.5 liter V6 engine under the hood. The 280-horse powerplant features a dual-stage induction system and VTEC valve control, of course. Acura's sequential SportShift transmission handles shifting duties, and includes paddle shifters, Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control for spirited driving.
Exclusive suspension tuning is also part of the mix; the TSX V6 gets unique 18-inch split five-spoke wheels and tires and a tauter suspension, to handle the additional power. Double wishbones are used up front, with five-link construction at the rear.
Apart from the mechanical changes and a slight design change on the front fascia, the TSX V6 is the same as the four-cylinder version. A laundry list of standard equipment includes a power moonroof, automatic climate control, XM satellite radio with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port and a seven-speaker sound system. The optional Technology Package adds voice-commanded satellite navigation and an upgraded sound system.
The TSX V6 goes on sale this summer as a 2010 model. Acura says this car is the first in a series of upcoming introductions from the brand that will result in "significant enhancements" to every model in the lineup.
More Powerful TSX Blows into the Windy City
Acura debuted an all-new V-6 model for its TSX sports sedan line-up at the Chicago Auto Show today. Scheduled to go on sale this summer, the 2010 TSX V-6 will be equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and additional enhancements.
"The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan."
Since its redesign last year, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura's best-selling sedans. As the entry point to the Acura brand, the four-cylinder TSX has won over customers with its nimble handling, agile driving feel and balanced performance. The V-6 model adds a new level of power on top of these winning traits for a more sporty and spirited driving experience. The V-6 will surely satisfy driving enthusiast's appetite for a fun-to-drive, yet refined sports sedan.
With the introduction of a V-6 powered TSX, Acura will fill a niche in its lineup between the four-cylinder TSX and the all-new TL performance luxury sedan. With the TL moving more upscale following its redesign in the 2009 model year, the TSX V-6 will be aimed squarely at youthful buyers who want a performance-oriented sports sedan in a more personal size.
Powertrain
A new TSX powertrain choice means performance luxury buyers can enjoy a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6, with sophisticated VTEC® valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system. For maximum performance and efficiency, the engine will be coupled to Acura's Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. If the driver desires, the Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.
Body/Chassis
The new TSX model will feature a state-of-the-art, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control. To generate sportier handling, the V-6 model will also use exclusive suspension tuning along with 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The larger wheels and tires will help distinguish this performance- minded TSX, as does the slightly revised front fascia and a V-6 badge on the trunk.
The TSX V-6 model will be generously equipped with the latest advancements in safety technology and is anticipated to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including garnering IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.
Interior
Like all Acura models, the new TSX will feature an exceptional level of standard equipment, including leather-appointed interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , USB port and AUX jack music interface and more.
Similar to the four-cylinder TSX, the V-6 model will be available with the optional Technology Package that includes the AcuralinkTM satellite navigation system with rear-view camera and the Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system for a top-in-class audio experience.
The introduction of the TSX V-6 at the Chicago Auto Show is the first step in a series of major advancements to the 2010 Acura lineup. Almost every Acura sedan and SUV will receive significant enhancements for the 2010 model year.
Schizo0223
February 12, 2009 4:40 AM
