We've spent a lot of time behind the wheel for our 2009 Acura TSX review and were completely underwhelmed by both the speed and handling of the TSX when driven at more than a Miss Daisy pace. This should go a long way to curing a major shortcoming in at least one of those two areas — important for this comfortable sub-luxury car.

Why you should buy the 2009 Acura TSX:
After working your way through an intense five-year masters accounting program, passing your tests, becoming a licensed CPA and landing a job at PWC you've earned a luxury car. Not just any luxury car, one with leather seats, a kicking stereo, NAV system, backup cameras. The works. You've been driving a Toyota Corolla for the last ten years, saving your money, and you can't believe you've found a car capable of driving better than your Corolla for only $32,000!

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
It's taken 12 years, but you've just completed your undergraduate Philosophy degree and you've just bluffed your way into an awesome, high-paying gig in the city. It's time to ditch the trusty E30 and step up to something more grown up without sacrificing the fun. It doesn't even need to have a stereo and you know how to use a map. You're want to get something capable of driving better than your Bimmer, and you can swing $35,000.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: Yes
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: Yes
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No
Very Serious Businessmen: Yes
Sheiklets: No

Also Consider:
• Audi A4
• Volkswagen CC
• Top-O-The-Line Accord
• Saab 9-3 Sedan
• The 2008 Acura TSX

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Acura
• Model: TSX
• Model year: 2009
• Base Price: $29,160
• Price as Tested: $32,500
• Engine type: NA 2.4-liter Inline-4
• Horsepower: 201 HP @ 7000 rpm
• Torque: 172 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic w/paddles
• Curb Weight: 3,415 lbs
• LxWxH: 186.1" x 72.4" x 56.7"
• Wheelbase: 106.4"
• Tires: P225/50 R17
• 0 - 60 mph: 8.6 seconds
• Top Speed: 130 MPH (est)
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 20/28 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: *****/*****

Also see:
• 2009 Acura TSX, Part One
• 2009 Acura TSX, Part Two

Exterior Design: **
The boldest step the TSX takes, in any direction, is in the "plenum grille" styling. Unfortunately, it's a step in the wrong direction. In profile it's boring, from the rear, mildly attractive and from the front, it's a little scary. It doesn't have to be this way. Check out the Honda Accord Tourer. Same car. Better grille. Whole heap-load less scary.

Interior Design: ***
The interior of the TSX is typical Honda. You've got controls within easy reach, good button feedback and good quality plastics. It's comfortable and ergonomically considerate without making compromises in terms of space or style. Unfortunately, by class standards it isn't luxurious. Even with the well-designed perforated leather seats you feel like you're in a nice Honda Accord, not a premium vehicle.

Acceleration: *
It's so slow. Ridiculously slow. I drive an old Volvo wagon, and it drives as swiftly as you'd expect. This car simply does not. Step on the gas and you'll slowly, but smoothly, climb toward 4,500 RPM. Then the VTEC system kicks in and you start to feel a little kick of power... and then the transmission shifts and you get to do it all again. This happens until you reach fifth gear and push towards the 7,000 RPM redline. Just kidding, you'll get bored well before you hit 7,000 RPM in fifth.

Braking: ***
The Acura's brakes provide a lot of accentuated stopping power with little pedal travel, which takes almost no time to get used to. Of course, if you buy one of these things you'll never drive fast enough to get to use them.

Ride: ***
The ride is a decent balance between making you forget the road is there at all and reminding you you're actually driving a car. It's comfortable over multiple surfaces, prompting little jostling and, when stopping, dive is kept to a minimum.

Handling: **
Nowhere is it written that a FWD car can't be fun. Unfortunately, it's written somewhere you can't sell a FWD luxury car in America worth driving. Steering response is surprisingly quick, letting you change direction without much effort. Unfortunately, try to change direction a second time and the wheels will turn but the car won't necessarily go with them. I hope you're not prone to seasickness, because the price of a soft ride is back-and-forth swaying.

Gearbox: **
Climbing into the little Acura, I was sad to see the automatic transmission but pleased to see paddle shifters on the steering wheel laid out in a common sense way and in an easy-to-find place. Too bad they connect to a tragically underwhelming transmission geared for economy and not response.

Audio: *****
When it comes to music, the Elliot Scheiner-designed sound system is just about the best factory unit you'll find. We've driven luxury cars with more expensive, Bose-designed, million-speaker systems unable to match the 10-speaker Panasonic system. It's almost too much sound for the small car. The 5.1 surround-sound system actually surrounds you with noise. Pulling up songs from your iPod is no challenge at all. It's really too bad most people are going to be using it to listen to Duffy.

Toys: *****
The extra $3,000 you'll drop on the technology package is worth it. Not only do you get the kicking sound system, but also a navigation system with an 8-inch display which does almost everything. You can pull up directions to a restaurant and its Zagat rating with your voice. The AcuraLink traffic system also gives you heads up on actual traffic conditions around you in a way you can actually use. What's the weather tomorrow? Just click on the weather button and it'll tell you. About to drive into a Tornado Warning? It'll route you away from it. The backup camera is the least-exciting feature, but still fun.

Value: **
The most entry-level of foreign entry-level luxury sedans, the $32,000 price tag feels more outrageous than it is. It's cheaper than the cheapest Bimmers and Audis and even Cadillacs, but the sacrifices you have to make with the driving experience are too great. If you're going to spend so much money you might as well get something you'll actually want.

Overall: **
By eschewing V8 power and RWD, Acura still had a chance to separate itself from the pack by offering a fun-to-drive premium car at a slightly-less-than-premium cost. Instead, they just gave it a giant, funky grille. I'm not sure what the actuarial tables say about the life expectancy of the average TSX driver, but anyone who consults an actuarial table will probably want one.

Also see:
• 2009 Acura TSX, Part One

The 2009 Acura TSX wasn't exactly the car I pictured for my honeymoon, but the Audi S5 is currently off press fleets as it receives its new V6. After paying for a wedding without accruing any debt we were just happy to have a car waiting for us at San Francisco International Airport and, honestly, people who make those kinds of mental fiscal calculations are deservedly in the crosshairs of the TSX.

At least it had the technology package. When you've just put yourself through the torturous mental Olympics we deceivingly refer to as "a wedding" you want to shut your brain off and enjoy yourself for a while. The Acura Navigation System, with an 8-inch screen and built-in traffic and weather info system, allowed us to do just this. Short of Ford's SYNC, it's a pretty nice setup.

San Francisco was designed by a prepubescent sadist playing Sim City 2000. More than one intersection we crossed was a blind alley with a two-way stop, on a hill, with a cable car line running through the middle of it. There's a reason why God sent an earthquake and then a fire. But I digress. We were able to find the Golden Gate Bridge easily and on the first attempt. Try finding it without a map. You'll go freaking insane.

Though nothing will make you appreciate so antiquated a system as a cable car as driving around downtown San Francisco, the TSX made the experience easy. This isn't a knock. In city driving the TSX doesn't remove you from the driving experience in the same way some luxury cars might: by numbing the senses. It merely provides the right amount of input when needed. For instance, the Grade Logic Control system did a nice job of not shifting down-up, down-up like most automatic transmissions do when climbing hills. Rather, it selected the appropriate low gear and held it.

The second day of our honeymoon, after an appropriate amount of sleeping-in, we made haste for California's central coast. High on the list of honeymoon activities I was looking forward to and, simultaneously, feel comfortable sharing with strangers, was the drive on California's coastal Cabrillo Highway between San Francisco and a little resort outside of Santa Cruz.

This stretch of highway is uncompromisingly beautiful, consisting primarily of uninterrupted two-lane roads dipping in and out of a rolling winter fog. If it weren't for the many curves, I'd have probably spent more time staring out over the rocky cliffs embracing the serene Pacific water to my right or contemplating the rich green textures of the coastal redwoods to my left. But I didn't want to drive off a cliff on my honeymoon. There's something you'll hear about for the rest of a marriage.

Under these conditions the little Acura performed adequately, though "you performed adequately" isn't something you really want to say or hear during a honeymoon. There's not a ton of power, especially in the low end, but the typically revtastic 2.4-Liter Acura had enough juice to get through the short straights. The 5-speed automatic transmission isn't aggressively geared or tuned for any type of racing, but a downshift using the wheel-mounted paddles yields reasonable oomph to pass a slowly-climbing VW loaded with surf gear. The suspension is soft and can get bent out of shape on the twistier roads, but not without letting you know you shouldn't be doing such a thing.

Here's the best way I can explain it. My wife knows the look I get on my face when I'm about to drive in a way she doesn't deem appropriate. The rocky drops into oblivion and, at times, visibility of less than 100-feet put her especially on edge. While crossing the less-challenging parts of the highway she barely noticed I was driving quickly. Even as I grew more confident with the car she had to look over to take notice of the higher speeds. The TSX is super quiet.

And then we got to what should have been the fun part of the road. The constant downshifting to get the TSX to really pull made it clear to her what I was trying to do. Even worse, when things got really hot and heavy the so-called premium sedan did more body rolling than us. This week was supposed to be about "Yes, es, yes!" but the Acura was screaming "No, no, no!"

Pulling into Santa Cruz the car regained its composure and proved why it's so popular with boring people. You don't want to risk trying a new restaurant? It'll pull up the Zagat guide and show you the nearest restaurant and its ratings for price and ambiance. Afraid to listen to new music? Your iPod will seamlessly integrate with the car's 10-speaker audio system. Truly wonderful. It outclassed the crappy downloaded music in my iPod. Fearful of the outside world? You can't even hear the outside world.

Maybe it was fortuitous we ended up with the TSX for our Honeymoon. We never got lost. The front cockpit's immensely comfortable. It had plenty of room for our luggage. It got us to-and-fro safely. It was fuel-efficient. Most importantly, I never lost focus on the real reason I went on a honeymoon. Not that I would do such a thing, even for an S5, but with the TSX, I had no desires to sneak out of the honeymoon suite in the middle of the night for an illicit drive.

I had high hopes for this new model — I'd spent a week behind the wheel of a 2006 TSX and found myself pleased enough with the responsiveness, handling and slightly-tweaked engine that I was willing to overlook some of what I perceived to be "issues" with the '06 model. One issue I'd had was the power provided by the 2.4-liter in-line four. Another was the numbness of steering. But, overlook them I did and it was easy to do, as the old TSX had a cabin that while sound-dampened, was not overly so — and it gave you the engine sound that could mask the reality of the car's real power output. Overall it was a fun little four-door that, while not overly memorable, didn't find many haters. So the bar for the new model ain't what you'd call overly high.

The new TSX not only meets the bar, it exceeds it. Unfortunately, it's the wrong bar. For starters, let's take a look at the new-look of the exterior. For starters, the front of the car gets the new double-plenum grille already found on the new 2009 RL. While some may like the wide-mouthed front, I did not. Same is true for the interior, which blends plastics like a SoCal fruit smoothie shop.

But materials aside, the interior's got some nice qualities. There's the driver's seat, which bolsters you competently in the corners and there's also the Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition and the neat-o AcuraLink Real-time traffic and weather systems that give you dynamic traffic rerouting in your navigation around jams. There's also the Bluetooth hands-free system included as a standard, as well as a really easy-to-use standard USB port that'll do a commendable job of integrating your iPod with the killer Elliot Scheiner-tuned 10-speaker sound system. Also, the big, thick steering wheel felt comfortable and firm in my hands. It also felt numb.

Seriously, the 2009 takes that particular quality to an all new bar-busting high. I felt as distant from the road in the new TSX as I'd felt in the 747 flying into LAX the day before. It's not just the steering that had as little feeling as a college one-night stand, it was also the enhanced sound dampening. While it may help make the '09 TSX quiet as a tomb, it also denies one the sound one would hope for from an actual sports sedan.

But, with some pushing and prodding, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine of the 2009 Acura TSX was able to provide some pleasant sounds but not the true satisfying engine note you expect from a real sports sedan. Along the twists and turns of the SoCal two-lane state roads, I found myself able to generate the sounds I was looking for out of the little mid-size four-door. Unfortunately, there was precious little room left 'til I hit the redline and that necessary shift up to fourth gear. I'd get a little bit of what I was looking for with each and every turn, but it never seemed enough to truly fill my enjoyment meter.

But the demographic for the TSX may not be searching for the same thing I was. Acura tells me the four purchase reasons given by buyers are:

1.) A well-made vehicle
2.) A fully-featured vehicle
3.) A reliable vehicle
4.) A reasonable price or deal offered

This contrasts sharply with the top four reasons I normally use to make my purchasing decisions. Those are:

1.) Fun to drive
2.) Fun to drive
3.) Fun to drive
4.) Dependable...in the car's ability to be fun to drive

So maybe the TSX isn't for someone like me. But Acura's hoping it'll be for some more buyers then they'd had in the past few years — with a desired sales target of 40,000 units — 7,000 more than targets for the previous generation. So if what you're looking for is a little bit more than what you can get from the standard fare of mid-sized sedans, you may find yourself looking at the new TSX, but if you do, realize that it's just not a luxury sports sedan. Even an "entry-level" one. What you will find yourself with is an over-priced Accord.

The 2009 TSX may be the entry-level for the Acura brand, but frankly we expect more from the bottom rung of the ladder from any luxe brand given the competition from the likes of BMW, Lexus and Infiniti. Maybe our minds could be changed with a diesel or higher-powered option, however neither is currently available.

(Hat tip to Jeff @ Temple of VTEC for help on the car-to-car photos!)

If I were to use four words to describe the new TSX they'd be:

competent yet remarkably boring

All-new 2009 TSX is larger, more agile and more powerful than ever before, raising the standards for Acura's entry-level sedan.

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. - 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 meets 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 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 torque 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.

-more-

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 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 excellent suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. Using a unique deflector plate stack, the new dampers continually 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.

-more-

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 front 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 and AUX jack 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 Recognition™, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, and the highly useful AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System. The navigation system features Real-time traffic™ 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.

-more-

Included in the Technology Package is a premium sound system tuned by 6-time Grammy® award winning sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. This 10-speaker Acura/ELS™ 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 Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. Engineered into the TSX model for the first time, ACE™ 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, ACE™ 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.

-more-

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.

Acura

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 268 dealers within the United States. The 2008 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.

*Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Acura. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Estimates reflect new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

** Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).

# # #

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.

All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 11, 2008 - Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura's popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.

"The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, "The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand."

Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show last week and also announced the company will introduce an-all new TL performance luxury sedan later this year.

The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.

# # #

From Temple of VTEC:

This MOVE allocation will include March production with March arrival of the 2008 TL, 2008 RDX and 2008 MDX and March production with April arrival of 2009 TSX and 2009 RL models.
2009 TSX
Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for the Acura sedan range, the all-new redesigned second-generation 2009 TSX will be offered in two different packages

Standard Package:
· The standard model will be similar to RDX's and 08MY TSX's standard features with new luxury amenities and audio capabilities that all contribute to the new TSX's added appeal.

Technology Package:
The technology package is similar to the RDX's technology packaging and will continue to "Advance" the image of Acura. The Technology Package includes:
· Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition with new functionality
· AcuraLink Satellite Communication System
· Acura/ELS Surround Premium 10 Speaker Sound System

2009 RL
The substantial redesign of the 2009 Acura RL combines added performance, improved technology, more aggressive exterior styling and even greater safety to a top-tier luxury performance sedan.

Three packages will continue to be offered:

Standard Package:

· Improvements include better functionality for the HVAC, HandsFreeLink and audio system

Technology Package:

· The Technology model will be similar to the 08MY RL with new luxury amenities. The Technology Package will continue to "Advance" the image of Acura by adding more functionality to the Acura Navigation System.

CMBS Package:

· CMBS will be available as a stand-alone option.

Unfortunately, we probably won't be getting a wagon version of the Acura TSX. Just squint your eyes and imagine the teaser shots without the shapely trunk area (or check out these spy photos of the 2009 Acura TSX). We hear it'll be coming with an optional 260 horsepower version of the 2.3-liter turbocharged four found in the Acura RDX. [Source: Honda of Euorpe via CarScoop]

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.

Related:
Odo Problem Causes Honda to Extend Warranties; Robot Down: The Untold Story Of Honda Asimo's First Fall; Oy, Robot: Asimo Down! Asimo Down! [internal]

Sure, it looks like a current Honda Accord, decked out with the Auto Zone bra option. But Ben Stewart from Popular Mechanics says it's hardly that. By his estimations, this Honda, caught in Los Angeles, is a test mule for the 2009 Acura TSX. The next-gen TSX will likely get the same turbocharged four as Acura's current RDX crossover, along with standard AWD and a new look to match Honda's Sports 4 concept it introduced in Tokyo back in '05 (gallery below). – Mike Spinelli

EXCLUSIVE Spy Report: 2009 Acura TSX [Popular Mechanics]

Related:
Detroit Auto Show: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept [internal]

We received this link from a tipster, and this image is all we've got to go on. And of course, we speak no Japanese other than what can be found on the menu at your average sushi joint. But if this is indeed the new Accord, is it the American-market model, or the smaller version sold elsewhere that we know as the Acura TSX? Anybody?

larger image

Related:
Honda Accord Hybrid Gets Price Increase, Mileage Decrease [Internal]

The well-received, but slow-selling RSX hasn't hasn't been the Integra-size hit that Acura was hoping for. Plus, they see that the compact is muddling their brand image and competing with well-equipped Civics. So it's off to the boneyard for the little front-drive sportster, which was probably the closest thing to CRX we've seen since, well, the CRX itself. Meanwhile, look for a possible coupe version of the TSX as a replacement in the lineup, albeit at a higher price-point.

Moving Upscale [AutoWeek]

Related:
Acura Introduces A-SPEC TSX Concept at SEMA Show [Internal]

Acura unveiled a new TSX concept in full-blown A-SPEC performance and cosmetic dress, along with an updated 2006 RSX A-SPEC Concept. Outwardly, it's all about the body kit, with kevlar dams, fender flares shrouding 19-inch Pirellis and a carbon-Kevlar rear spoiler. Brembo stoppers and custom exhaust add commensurate performance heightening. On the inside, Recaros upholstered in leather and suede dominate, highlighted by carbon-kevlar panels and other fancy-looking doo-dads. (Click through for more pics, alongside the updated RSX A-SPEC Concept first shown in 2001.)

Read the full press release at Japanese Car Fans

Related:
Honda s Concept-Car Lineup for Tokyo [internal]