In the first press conference of the New York Auto Show, Acura unveiled the all new second-generation TSX which surprisingly is one of the few all new vehicles that has failed to leak to the web ahead of its debut other than a rather revealing teaser shot released earlier this month.
The TSX has been redesigned inside and out to be “more Acura” than ever to continue its appeal in the entry level sports sedan segment setting it up to do battle with the likes of the Audi A4, Infiniti G37, BMW 3 Series. Power will come from a 2.4-liter DOHC VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine producing 201hp, which is a decrease of 4hp on the outgoing model, however torque has increased and it also meets ultra low emission vehicle standards.
A great emphasis has been placed on safety for the new generation TSX, among many safety features, it uses Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and is fully expected to receive high safety ratings NHTSA and IIHS.
Pricing is likely to be set at a little under $30,000.
Acura provided a one-two punch with the world debut of the all-new second-generation TSX sports sedan along with the appearance of the redesigned RL luxury performance sedan at the New York International Auto Show today. With new engines, refined drivetrain, and Acura's latest Keen Edge Dynamic styling, the all-new TSX and RL highlight a new direction for Acura sedans.
"With powerful looks and performance, the debut of the new TSX has taken an enthusiastic bite out of the Big Apple," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "Besides offering enhanced performance, the 2009 TSX has improved fuel economy, lower emissions, added safety features, and more technology than ever before."
Producing 201 hp from a 2.4-liter engine, the DOHC VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder now delivers its power across a much wider rpm range. Along with more torque, the new 2.4L is also cleaner as it meets EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards.
Merging crisp, dynamic design with a bold new signature Acura grille, the 2009 TSX is more distinctive and sporty. Due to its greater length and width, wider track, and longer wheelbase, the new TSX provides additional interior room while new fully independent front and rear suspension with dual-stage dampers provides more agile handling.
The TSX is equipped with an impressive list of standard equipment which includes a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, power windows/mirrors/locks, a premium 7-speaker sound system (with CD, AM/FM and XM® Radio), Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface.
The available Technology Package features leading-edge electronics including the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink® weather. Included in the Technology Package is an audiophiles dream in the form of a 415 watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS™ Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio designed by Grammy® Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner.
Designed with an emphasis on safety, the 2009 TSX now makes use of Acura's esteemed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The 2009 TSX, with ACE™ and a host of other safety features, is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both governmental (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.
Also making its first appearance in New York is Acura's new 2009 RL luxury sedan which features bold new styling, an all-new 3.7-liter engine, chassis enhancements and numerous technological upgrades. Performance improves with the 2009 RL thanks to a new 300 horsepower V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC® valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves. The top-of-the-line Acura furthers cutting edge technology with the addition of new high-tech items including AcuraLink® weather, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™, a new Note function for XM® Radio, Active Sound Control, and Bluetooth® Audio to an already robust list of features found on the previous RL. To enhance handling, new chassis technology abounds in the form of enhanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a revised steering system, firmer coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and larger wheels and tires.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 268 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com.
*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Safety claims based on internal test results.
desiathate
March 19, 2008 6:59:07 PM
can anyone say euro accords rear and from of the new accord this is getting annoying i mean the new maxima looks just like the G on the inside .. i thought the point of having a luxury brand was to have them differ form each other!!
Somewhat of a dissapointment...Especially on the interior. Oh and by the way nadster, the Euro Accord's interior is the same as the NA Accords interior, which is a lot different than the TSX's interior. The new TSX and Accord have too much similarities; at that point I'd rather go with the Accord for more power if they are going to be that much similar.
I Like Acura/Honda. However I think that the TSX should have a little more power, maybe not 300hp or anything like that but don't lower the horsepower and loose that chrome piece in the front grill.
Honda is making an egregious mistake by trying to pawn off an underpowered EU Accord in America. When the TSX first dropped, 200HP in a premium vehicle was the absolute least you could get away with. Now, if you come to the game with anything less then 300HP you're starting behind the pack. 200HP at 7000RPM in a $34,000 sports sedan is a joke. And a bad one at that!
can anyone say euro accords rear and from of the new accord this is getting annoying i mean the new maxima looks just like the G on the inside .. i thought the point of having a luxury brand was to have them differ form each other!!