Earlier this year Honda's CEO, Takeo Fukui announced that Honda was going to introduce its first four-cylinder diesel in the U.S. in 2009. Many speculated that the Acura TSX would be the first recipient of the new engine. Well now it looks like those plans have been put on hold "indefinitely."
Apparently Honda's 2.2L i-DTEC engine can't pass the strict emission standards in the U.S. when it is mated to an automatic transmission. Honda doesn't use the urea injection system that Mercedes and other automakers use to pass the standards. The 2.2L i-DTEC mated to a manual transmission does pass the emission standards, but Honda does not see a market for a manual only diesel in the U.S.
It's also being reported that work is underway on a V6 equipped TSX. Let's hope they are also planning an all-wheel-drive version as well.
Full Story: The Car Connection
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Comments (8)
a v6 AWD version of the TSX would be a monster car for Acura. I wouldn't mind seeing them put the turbo engine from the RDX into one either...
Posted by ripp | October 29, 2008 10:13 AM
Posted on October 29, 2008 10:13
@ ripp
Yes that would be a kick ass car. The 2.3L turbo and sh-awd, sure that's a great combination. Probably great enough to push people from the TL. And probably pricey enough to cost as much as a base TL.
Okay, I don't get it. How do you have an engine that can't pass emissions when running on an automatic, but can on a manual?
How about we just test the engines? Doesn't that make more sense? I mean I drive my cars hard, doesn't that make more pollution? What about the CVT? (Don't know the max torque rating on what Honda has...)
Posted by Brian | October 29, 2008 10:22 AM
Posted on October 29, 2008 10:22
This car is Fangtasticly horrible. Excellent ride to scare the children this Halloween.
Posted by Sandman | October 29, 2008 12:21 PM
Posted on October 29, 2008 12:21
"Acura TSX Diesel killed?"
I don't think they're gona kill it, this is Acura not Dodge.
Posted by 426Hemi | October 29, 2008 12:39 PM
Posted on October 29, 2008 12:39
Scrap the V6 and put the K23T in there! The V6 will be too heavy for this car unless they put a rinky dink 3.0 or smaller in there. Can you say understeer?
Posted by Gary | October 29, 2008 1:34 PM
Posted on October 29, 2008 13:34
the truth,
with a can-opener in front, diesel clatter just behind it, it was too much a caterpillar.
Posted by lowest iq | October 29, 2008 9:04 PM
Posted on October 29, 2008 21:04
This is great news actually, we don't need a bunch of can-opener inspired ugly Acura's belching diesel smoke on our roads. The bad news is that this car will last, so we will have to look at it for years. Maybe a full front leather black bra will be offered to cover it up. While they are at it, maybe a full rear diaper black leather bra too....
Posted by sparky | October 30, 2008 4:02 PM
Posted on October 30, 2008 16:02
God damn it, I wanted this car in turbo diesel!!!
stupid Honda/Acura better not ruin it!!! I wanted it in a 6 speed manual anyways.
Posted by philip | November 22, 2008 11:32 PM
Posted on November 22, 2008 23:32