« More Images of the 2008 BMW 135i Released...Enjoy! | Main | 2009 VW Passat CC is Going to Start Below $27,000 »

Full Details for the All-New 2009 Acura TSX Leaked!

2009_acura_tsx_large.jpg
Thanks to the VWvortex Forums we have the full press release for the 2009 Acura TSX that is set to be officially unveiled next month at the New York Auto Show.

From these details it looks like the 2009 TSX grows in size (2.4 inches longer and 3.0 inches wider) but it doesn't get an increase in power. The 2009 TSX is going to be powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder with 201 hp for the model with the manual transmission. The car also remains FWD.

Sadly I am disappointed with these details. Let's hope there is a Type-S version in the works with the turbocharged RDX engineand maybe even the SH-AWD system. The TSX will also eventually get the 2.2L diesel engine in 2009.

Expect more details next month.

Full Story: VWvortex Forums

Related Stories:
New York 2008 Preview: First Official 2009 Acura TSX Photo Released!
Honda Releases Teaser Images of the 2009 European Accord (Acura TSX)
2009 Acura TSX/ Euro Accord Spy Photos
Chicago 2008: Restyled 2009 Acura RL Unveiled...Does it Look Any Better?
More Spy Photos of the 2009 Acura TSX

PRESS RELEASE:
All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show
The second-generation Acura TSX is designed to appeal to young professionals with its keen-edge styling, athletic performance and advanced electronic features

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., February 11, 2008– Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for entry-premium buyers, the all-new second-generation 2009 TSX is larger, more agile, more performance minded and even “more Acura” than ever before. Carefully crafted to honor the original TSX’s vision as a world-class sports sedan, the new TSX has significantly evolved to offer more comfort, convenience, driving performance and safety. It does so with expanded luxury and electronic features, a wider stance for more agile performance, and advanced safety systems.

The 2009 TSX is expected to appeal to current TSX owners, young professionals and other image seekers who will appreciate its innovative styling, technical allure and total performance – while also valuing the outstanding customer treatment that owners have come to enjoy at Acura dealerships. Extremely brand conscious and eclectic in their tastes, buyers will find the TSX as satisfying for driving colleagues to lunch as it is for weekend snowboarding trips or vacation travel.

Powertrain
An all-aluminum DOHC i-VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine heralds a pair of firsts for the TSX model, including dual balance shafts and a direct ignition system. Along with improved performance, it is also cleaner as it now meeting the EPA’s aggressive Tier 2-Bin 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards for the first time in TSX history.

Displacing 2.4-liters and producing 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (with manual transmission), the new in-line 4-cylinder engine produces its useable power across a much wider rpm range, while five percent more torque further strengthens the engine’s pulling power at middle rpm levels. This allows the 2009 TSX to be more responsive off the line and out of corners, and stronger in the middle of the rpm range where the engine operates most of the time.

This newfound performance and flexibility is due in part to a higher compression ratio, revised valve timing, and improved intake and exhaust gas flow. Further credit goes to the TSX engine’s i-VTEC® "intelligent" valve control system, which provides the power characteristics of a V-6 without sacrificing the light weight or fuel efficiency of an in-line four. Likewise, a new rear-mounted exhaust manifold layout, a close-coupled catalytic converter design, and a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system substantially reduce emissions levels. Estimated fuel mileage is 21/30/24 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 5 AT) and 20/28/23 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 6 MT).

Two transmissions are available, both as standard equipment – a 6-speed close- ratio manual with new performance-oriented ratios for Second through Sixth gears, and a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with a new lock-up torque converter assembly. The manual transmission features a short-throw shifter with a precise, light action that makes it highly rewarding to use, while the Sequential SportShift automatic permits fully automatic operation with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, which make driving the TSX on hilly or winding roads more enjoyable. If the driver desires, the automatic transmission can also be operated manually via new steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.


Body and Chassis
The 2009 TSX body structure includes two firsts for the Acura division, including a closed-channel cross-braced roof structure and inside frame rails. Along with a stronger rear bulkhead, the closed-channel cross-braced roof structure yields a more rigid and vibration-resistant structure. The first use of inside frame rails for any Acura model help tailor the aerodynamics underneath the car for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise. In addition, new A-, B- and C-pillar separators improve the TSX’s quietness over rough roads and at high speed. Slippery aerodynamics also helps fuel economy as well as high-speed stability – all while lowering emissions.

In addition to its 3.0-inch greater width and 2.6-inch wider track, the 2009 TSX has a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and 2.4 inches more overall length. These dimensions combine to provide greater interior roominess, more agile handling and improved ride quality. Another first for Acura are the TSX’s new dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. Using a unique deflector plate stack, the new dampers adjust compression damping characteristics to suit the vehicle speed, cornering forces and road surface. In creating the second-generation TSX body design, Acura designers sought to retain the crisp, dynamic design of the original and enhance it by widening the body overall and adding more muscular and distinctive cues to create a keen-edged sports sedan. Their key design goal was to create an aerodynamic design that evokes both emotion and tension with a decisively sporty flair.

Outward visibility is improved with a slimmer A-pillar design, while an auto up/down front passenger window adds convenience and a reverse-linked passenger-side door mirror tilts down to help improve safety while parallel parking. The new TSX also has a wider trunk opening and a lower trunk lift-over height for more convenient loading.


Exterior/Interior
Functionality and refinement converge with luxury and style in the interior of the 2009 Acura TSX. Featuring a blend of sweeping, contemporary shapes, a high level of standard comfort and convenience features, widespread use of premium materials and an available Technology Package, this 5-passenger sports sedan offers the upscale modern interior that customers have come to expect from Acura.

From the precision-crafted metal door sills to the satin-metal finish accents, from new leather-covered seats to the steering-wheel mounted controls, and from the premium 7-speaker sound system to the dual-zone automatic climate control, the TSX represents a merge of intelligent design and innovation. For example, Bluetooth® connectivity is standard and includes a HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone interface that makes communications easier and safer while en route.

Typical of Acura, the TSX offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Included are a standard power passenger seat, a new folding key with remote entry, new automatic headlight activation, a premium 7-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM/XM®, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , and USB port music interface. A HomeLink® remote control system is also standard.

Adding to the already impressive list of TSX standard equipment is the available Technology Package, which bristles with leading-edge electronics that make driving much more efficient and enjoyable. These include an Acura Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, and the highly useful AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System. The navigation system also features Real-time trafficTM covering 76 major metropolitan markets, and offers Traffic Rerouting with dynamic route guidance to help navigate around slow-downs. For 2009, the TSX receives a dash-mounted electronic compass for added directional information while driving.

Included in the Technology Package is a premium sound system tuned by legendary sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. This 10-speaker Acura/ELSTM Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio includes a new Note function for XM® Radio that makes it easy to identify songs to recall at a later date. With push of a button, the Note function can capture 10 seconds of up to 30 songs, along with noting text indicating song title, artist name, and XM® channel.


Safety
The 2009 Acura TSX leads the way in safety with its new Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure. Engineered into the TSX model for the first time, ACETM improves the dispersal of frontal crash energy through the use of load-bearing frame structures that better match the TSX with other vehicles of different sizes and with different bumper heights. Simply put, ACETM helps maximize the effectiveness of the TSX’s front crumple zones, better dispersing crash forces before they reach the passenger compartment.

A broad range of passive safety features likewise contributes to occupant safety, including six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions). Three-point seatbelts and head restraints are provided in all seating positions, and front seatbelt load limiters with an integrated automatic tensioning system further protect the TSX driver and front passenger. A new Active Headrest Restrain System is used for the first time on the TSX, while the rear seat features a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that allows for the easy and secure affixing of up to two child seats. Exterior features designed to further improve safety include daytime running lights (DRL), pedestrian-injury mitigation features such as a deformable hood, hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots, and a 5-mph front bumper and 2.5-mph rear bumper. The 2009 Acura TSX is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)** and independent (IIHS) crash testing – including garnering IIHS’s TOP SAFETY PICK.

Finally, the 2009 Acura TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®) that provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

Comments (18)

Gary:

I just don't understand that decision... How is this car supposed to compete with a 3 series with a 201 HP 4 cylinder? I'm baffled by some of Honda/Acura's decisions lately.

Mazda6 Guy:

@Gary:

Don't let honda surprise you. Be surprised by all the silly people who will be buying this car with those specs and the guaranteed price increase, that is what will surprise me...

Cheap Car Lover:

What the heck? So they made the car larger and didn't really increase power? I'm glad the press release says it's targeted at 'image seekers'. That's obvious....

I'm also amazed by fuel economy. In the AT it's '21/30/24 mpg' I averaged 22.1 in my larger, heavier, rwd, automatic, and FAR more powerful '03 4D G35. The AT must have a less agressive tune than the MT because it gets better mileage. I'm sure it's engine is only 185hp or so.

Any anyone buy's the TSX is completely beyond me.

Cheap Car Lover:

The last sentence should be 'Why anyone buys a TSX is completely beyond me'...

Cheap Car Lover:

The last sentence should be 'Why anyone buys a TSX is completely beyond me'...

zzz:

"I just don't understand that decision... How is this car supposed to compete with a 3 series with a 201 HP 4 cylinder? I'm baffled by some of Honda/Acura's decisions lately."

option out a 328 with the same features as a TSX or any equivalent japanese car, you are nickel and dimed to hell $1400 leather + $500 paint + etc then the price skyrockets. Also even the euro accord has an interior that is 100x better than any 3 series, TSX will have an even better interior than the euro accord

Andrew:

Agreed with zzz, Honda/Acura sell packaged deal cars as where BMW and MB sell Shell cars.

BMW and MB Shells cost as much if not more than a Package 1 of Honda/Acura.

It's funny that my Hybrid Civic came with more standard features at a quarter of the price of my MB....

D:

I'll say it again. I really like the previous TSX styling, standard features, lux touches, and excellent resale. This new one looks like an Altima, has a huge nose, probably weighs more and didn't get the power increase EVERYONE has been asking for since the last gen TSX came out. What is taking Honda/Acura so long to make this right?!

Do we have to wait for a Type S? I can't imagine we'll get AWD and a better engine for a limited run TSX Type S. My guess is in a few years they'll boost power on the base model like they did to me in my 02 TL-S where the base TL has as much HP now.

Honestly, I'll probably check out the upcoming Mazda6 (which looks sweet) and other brands for my next daily driver. Acura could have hit a home run with me to provide a small, nice looking, 4 door, entry-lux daily driver, with decent performance, and they blew it.

Kell:

The TSX is a fine commuter/family car. Like it for what it is. Some people see it as a sports sedan. Seriously, FWD with an I4? I would look elsewhere for performance.

andrew:

I have a 04 TSX and like it a lot.
For the price, there is nothing in it's range that has as much standard equiptments. The only thing to compare is accord v6 which is build in USA rather than japan like tsx.
200 hp is enough for daily driving but I do want more power for passing traffic.
the car is trouble fee now that I had it for 70K miles already...
if it's a BMW...you probably has to fix it a few times already...
plus for the price range..you are looking at a 1- series instead of a 3 series..which has a lot worse equiptment...and you can not even getting the 135 since it's going to cost more than 30K.

However about the new car....it looks exactly like the old one..
except bigger fog light and the front grill that looks like the new
RL which I hates. the rest of the body almost look identical...and with equipment almost the same as my 2004...I think I will look at a G35 before buying another tsx...

Honda is trying to save money or something? re-use old parts and old design.
As least do like a better make over.

JerryL:

Without wanting to comment on the car as a whole, as I've not driven in one: I do share the confusion over engine performance.

It's not that I think that there isn't a market for the 201/176 in-line 4 engine... I just have trouble understanding how that small a 2008 engine is getting only 20-city on a 5-spd automatic. My 2001 3.0L 225/218 in-line 6 gets about 22 city.

For many, the power should be more than sufficient. The TSX is not a large car... but with an engine less powerful than a VW Jetta 2.0T, I would have expected to see MPG numbers at least in-line.

zzz:

ive driven a 04 TSX the car has good pickup for an i4. According to this article they increased the midrange power

I want to see the new torque curve. I would rather have 172 ft lbs in all rpm ranges instead of a peaky 172 ft lb powerband. I really wish manafacturers would give torque curves instead of peak numbers, thats what matters the most

NoDos:

For the price, there are too many other choices that blow the TSX away. Unless you're a diehard Acura/Honda fan, I don't see any reason to buy this car. And its justified because I don't see any on the road.

I remember Honda said that the TSX was suppose to fill the gap that the 4-door Integra left behind. I think it succeded in that, but it didn't succede against its competitors.

dennisil:

@NoDos ok then what cars fit this market, entry level performance with historic reliability and sporty good looks? im thinking you dont know because you didnt even bother to give an example of one in the TSX's price range, and you will be hard pressed to find one that dose all 3 better.

JerryL:

@ dennisil

Entry-level luxury performance car? That Lexus IS?

Though really an up-scaling of non-luxury brands is more likely to be the successor to the Integra: Saturn Sky, Mazda 3, Civic Si, Corolla XRS, Scion Sc.

Interesting, based on the numbers the TSX brings little new to the table. I own a 2008 Accord EX and considering this cars is short wheelbase version of my car with the same or more weight due to luxury features.
The extra width of the platform will yield much greater interior comfort. Interior room will be more like 5er than a 3. I think the launch model is one for the masses of loyal Acura buyers who want a competent new car. I think the performance of the new motor will show in test drives.
I think the good stuff is yet to come. An AVTEC DFI motor could really spring some life into the already potent K24zX.
Motor heads need not apply.
Although I wonder about this press release stating this motor is the first with dual balance shafts and direct ignition? All K motors have had this AFIK.
Honda dose not make mistakes like that in their releases.
Paul

Schinbone:

I have a 95 accord and love that car. I will be in the market next year and was hoping that the TSX would have the motor and SHAWD. Granted I am a bit more of a gear head ( why else would I be here :) but like others said how are the dealers supposed to sell it. I know its a good car but when your standing there trying tell the average joe that its more reliable ect..... when he just left the BMW, MB, Audi, Infinity, or Cadillac dealer.
No sir it does not have an wheel drive option, nope no v6 option, yes only 200hp thats correct. Im sorry but I fail to see why Honda makes world beating superbikes, dirt bikes ect...... and not one proper sports sedan or coupe. Yes I know of the s2000 but what is it faster than? A civic? Just not sure what Honda is thinking here. When I sold Acura's in 1992 the dealership was empty then too. Oh well heres hoping they dont muck up the S-Type.

FlyingMonkey:

I am rather disappointed with the new TSX. The engine is still fairly the same. I would've expected at least 220-230 with a new avtec engine. No advance safety features either like the Euro-Accord's precollision systems.

Post a comment

The Torque Report is part of Bestofmedia LLC