Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TSX

[spyder5786]

Originally Posted by archknight

New to the forum and have been waiting for the next TSX to make it's debut. I have been all over the net trying to dig up any information on it & have only come up with the obvious speculations: It will be employing the Advanced VTEC engine (turbo 2.4L), Sports4 concept body/interior, & SH-AWD (since Acura is trying to become a true luxury division). I even read on one site where a guy claims to overhear a conversation from some engineers, that it may possibly go to a V6 considering it's based on the Accord platform. What I haven't found is any definite information on what to look forward to when this vehicle arrives. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I have driven the current model but there is no way I would pay $31K for a 4-banger unless it was truly special. The combination of the turbo A-VTEC and SH-AWD appeal the to me the most, since the new engine gives more torque as well, we may have an awesome A4/Impreza/Evo/Speed6 fighter.

Whatever source you heard is not very legitimate. Yes the TSX is based on the Accord platform, but it is the EUROPEAN Accord which is smaller in almost all dimensions and cannot accomodate a V6. If the TSX got a v6, then there would be precious little to differentiate the TL from it. Not to mention one of the reasons why the TSX is so great to drive is because of its lightweight, thanks in part to the inline-4. The more likely possibility is that the TSX will get a turbo-4, very similar to the RDX but tuned for more power and less torque.

[archknight]

Originally Posted by spyder5786

Whatever source you heard is not very legitimate. Yes the TSX is based on the Accord platform, but it is the EUROPEAN Accord which is smaller in almost all dimensions and cannot accomodate a V6. If the TSX got a v6, then there would be precious little to differentiate the TL from it. Not to mention one of the reasons why the TSX is so great to drive is because of its lightweight, thanks in part to the inline-4. The more likely possibility is that the TSX will get a turbo-4, very similar to the RDX but tuned for more power and less torque.

Thanks Spyder5786, I kind of figured the whole V6 thing wasn't true. I have driven the 2007 TSX and loved how it handled, but it just felt very underpowered. I have a feeling that since they have announced this new engine (A-VTEC) and that Acura lineup revamp includes all vehicles possessing SH-AWD, that will be the combination that appears in the next TSX. The Sports4 concept is a HOT car and I would love to park one in my garage. Honda has a way of holding back until the right moment and then pouncing on the competition, I am just excited to see what they will release and where the pricing will be. They have mentioned that the TL and RL will grow in size, as well as the rumors of the mysterious V8s they are developing. They may stuff the 3.7-liter in the next TL and use the 3.5-liter as the base engine. While the 3.7-liter becomes base for the RL and a new 4.5-liter V8 may make an appearance for it's FMC, leaving room for a revamped 3.0- or 3.2-liter for the TSX, but this is all speculatory. Either way, if the horsepower, pricing (topping out at $33K w/o navigation), and driving dynamics suit me I will be buying this car.

[QKSLVER03]

the current TSX can't accommodate a V6, but the next gen. TSX might. I'd rather it have a turbo-4 for the torque.

[archknight]

I am really hoping the TSX will be more inline with the Lancer & Impreza, both vehicles have viturally equal horsepower to torque ratios and are extremely quick. If the Sports4 is truly the next TSX and Honda is listening to complaints of dealers and customers, who have brought this to light, it will definitely be one of the hottest selling cars under $35K. I know alot of people are saying that it's inching closer to the TL starting price, but if they are moving Acura more upscale then look forward to a new V8 version in 2009. They may not have announced it yet, but they have been giving subtle hints as usual, the test mule for the NSX is no coincidence and the rumors of the V8 appearing in the next RL doesn't surprise me either.

[spyder5786]

I assume you mean the WRX STI and EVO, respectively. The TSX is not designed to compete with those cars. I doubt the HP will get that high. Like you yourself said, it would blur the line between the TSX and TL. BTW no way the TL gets a v8. Nothing else in the segment has one...

[archknight]

Originally Posted by spyder5786

I assume you mean the WRX STI and EVO, respectively. The TSX is not designed to compete with those cars. I doubt the HP will get that high. Like you yourself said, it would blur the line between the TSX and TL. BTW no way the TL gets a v8. Nothing else in the segment has one...

I was speaking of the EVO and WRX STI, love both vehicles but they lack the ride quality of the TSX. I had reservations about the thought of the TL possessing a V8 as well, but then again there is really nothing stopping them either. The RL as I said before is out in limbo, although slated for a redesign in 2009 it would make more sense to introduce another amped up Type-S version of the TL. BMW 5-series/Mercedes E-class/Lexus GS430/Infiniti M45 all have V8's under their belts as well as V6's.

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2007/..._for.html#more

This article explains that all the Acura lineup will be 300+ hp including the TSX, it's also not the only article stating that. Acura really wants to become a true luxury sport division and releasing rumors a few years ahead before implementing a measure keeps people on their toes. Besides if Hyundai is releasing the 2009 Genesis with a V8 powerplant, surely Honda will not be outdone by a smaller company.