Jalopnik
Enterprising young whipper-snapper of spy photos Chris Doane happened to snap up some shots of the next-generation 2009 Acura TSX right outside of Honda's US facilities. The new TSX is expected to take on a more "aggressive look" that will, we're sure, not include the duct tape on this test vehicle, but will probably take design cues from the SPORTS 4 concept car Honda's luxe brand showed at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show. We're told we should expect to see a base model with a 2.4L i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine under the bonnet and a Type-S model with the same 240 HP turbocharged motor found under the hood of the Acura RDX — only in the TSX, it'd get a bit of a boost up to 260 horses. Full spy report below the jump from Priddy's main man and click here for the shot in all its high-res glory.
Early this morning, not far from Honda's U.S. falicities, we were lucky enough to get a quick glance at the next generation Acura TSX.The new TSX will take on a more aggressive look, taking design cues from the SPORTS 4 concept car shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.
An improved 2.4L i-VTEC 4 cylinder motor will go into the base model with an expected 20-30 horsepower bump. The entry level model will sport either a 6 speed manual, or 5 speed auto, and will be front wheel drive.
A hotter Type-S model should also appear with power coming from the 260hp turbocharged motor also found in the Acura RDX. The sportier model will feature a 6 speed auto/manual DSG gearbox, and is expected to feature Honda's Super Handling All Wheel Drive system.
While this vehicle will be sold as the Acura TSX in the United States, this same car, with just a few minor styling adjustments, will also sell in European markets as the new Honda Accord.
With the 2008 Honda Accord getting a diesel motor, it is possible that we could see a diesel TSX as well.
Look for the TSX to start production towards the end of 2008.
Comments
A TSX Type S sounds pretty nice. I'll probably be lucky to afford the base model, though :(
RDX makes 240hp, 260 lb-ft, so this would be an improvement. What worries me is that Honda hasn't seemed to focused on keeping the weight down, though.
Looks like a Caddy CTS fighter!
Wow the type S could be pretty hot with 260HP, AWD & DSG. I considered the current model for a minute, but my sister drives one.
@superbmtsub:
This is I believe, a muuuch smaller car than a CTS. It does look similar though if that is what you are referencing.
Thank God it doesn't have the He-Man shield grille like the MDX.
And not until it's rear- or all-wheel drive will it be taken seriously as anything more than a cut-rate entry-entry-level luxury sedan. The TSX has always been a nice car, but does anyone take it seriously as a Lexus/BMW/Mercedes alternative (or really any of the other Acura sedans for that matter)? Maybe more like an Audi A3 alternative, but for those who enjoy reliability.
Without SH-AWD, this will be a dud, so I hope that part is true.
260bhp is okay, but it's still not a contender for my money when my G35 lease is up. Acura really needs to stop wimping out and start putting out some real performers.
@long_live_the_E36: I agree with you whole-heartedly that rear- or all-WD would improve the TSX immensely. But while I don't know hard numbers, anecdotal experience suggests that the current TSX outsells many of it's competitors. Since that's the real measure of being "taken seriously," I'd say it's a success...
I've gotta say that I'm anything but impressed. I'm a huge fan of the current gen TSX and have been waiting with baited breath for leaks on the new TSX, but this just doesn't do it for me.
While adding the turbo and SH-AWD is obviously the right move, I was hoping for power closer to 300bhp.
Not to mention the Sport 4 Concept was a stunning car and this looks like the current gen TL or a large Civic.
@dculberson: Everybody knows that, at least since the demise of the RSX-S, Acuras are for people who don't like cars. Seriously, there are TOYOTAS with more personality.
torque steer city here I come!
I agree that SH-AWD is not close enough to what many consider real AWD.
@416Hammy: I really can't see how it will be a dud. I find the resale market for TSXs to be non-existent and when you do actually find one, they are asking only a few thousand less than the original sticker.
I think people who buy this car don't care about what's under the hood but rather the fact that it says Acura on it and is fairly inexpensive for a (entry) luxury brand.
if the SH-AWD rumor comes true, i think i may have found my daddy-go-faster-mobile.
BTW, i've yet to experience an instance where SH-AWD underperforms AWD. (sans snow drifts)
the stock 2.4 is no slouch but again it isnt any record breaker and not inline with the usual top end pull that hondas are associated with.. the long stroke killed it but for around town mid rpm range grunt is more than enough.. in the 6spd that is
i only hope they dont have the same turbo setup as the rdx as it is indeed a nightmare esp for upgrades
i still wonder when honda will unveil the advanced side of its vtec that was supposed to be out by 09...
we're all for upgrades underneath the skin, but nobody I know with a TSX bought it to race the BMW 3-series - the TSX is an elegant commuter. Adding horsepower doesn't make it a more attractive commuter car.
So why shift to a different market segment? It needs a dose of personality and RWD if Honda expects to attract more automotive enthusiasts. Acura, bring back the RSX and the mid-engine NSX if you have sporting intentions.
Wow it looks like every other car I've ever seen, it's completely non descript. If I wasn't told what it was I couldn't guess the brand or model. I can see someone wanting to steal this car in order to blend in after a bank heist. You could get a lot more pleasure from buying your girlfriend/wife a breast enhancement or vagina reduction rather than buying this same-as-every-other-car-on-the-market.
I hope the TSX doesn't take on the design cues of the RDX and MDX, they are both hideous.
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