Acura TSX Diesel Killed?…But TSX V6 is On the Way

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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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