2009 Acura TSX: Will Sports4 make its debut?!?!

[archknight]

Well we all know by now that the new Euro/JDM Honda Accord (US Acura TSX) will be introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but will it be a watered down version of the Sports4 or something different to surprise the entire world?

[archknight]

Here are pics of the new Honda Accord Tourer, lots of RDX inspiration and would be a great addition to the Acura lineup as an alternative to the SUV. However, if this is in fact the design direction of the sedan, then I will pass on the new TSX. The Sports4 concept is the perfect candidate for the next step in TSX's evolution, it's sleek design, muscular wide stance, and athletic profile screams for it to be driven. Although Acura is not a worldwide name, there is also speculation that all its design will be handled by the newly opened California studio. I will hold my breathe on this until the Geneva Show when Honda will unveil the production Euro/JDM Honda Accord sedan and tourer, who knows there maybe a surprise in store.

[redlight_005]

Not seeing the pics

[archknight]

Sorry about that, seems the originals were deleted but here are some I found hopefully the next TSX will take more cues from the Sports4 concept. As well as the introduction of the A-VTEC (or as like to call it Acura VTEC) engine series into this new model. If Acura is truly serious about becoming a upscale luxury marque, it will have its own line of engines as well as the exclusivity of SH-AWD. Hopefully they will introduce two versions of the TSX base with 220+hp (FWD) and Type-S (290+hp & SH-AWD).

[redlight_005]

Not liking that one at all, looks like a Dodge......

[archknight]

http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=687615

http://www.hondata.com/reflash_rdx.html

The following links show increases in horsepower and torque from the K23T in the Acura RDX, which will also make an appearance in the all new 2009 Acura TSX TYpe-S. The first on a modified RDX done by Church Autmotive, shows that this engine can be pushed to the 300hp realm and to 300+lb-ft of torque. The second by Hondata, adds a gain of 26hp and 33 lb-ft to the engine alone. Also adding an upgraded exhaust system could add to horsepower/torque output, with that in mind Acura could take on the likes of the EVO X and WRX STI. This clearly shows that Honda/Acura is truly looking to offer exceptional performance from it's newest powerplant.

Spy shots have appeared of a prototype TSX, many seem to assume that this is close to a finished product. I, on the other hand, am not so naive. As the Accord Tourer concept is the precursor for the Euro Accord wagon, the Sports4 should make its appearance as the next Euro Accord/TSX sedan. The production models for both are to debut in March at the Geneva Auto Show and we won't see the first TSX's until late spring or early summer, this leaves plenty of room for Acura to perfect this new incarnation before its release.



Acura should only tweak the exterior to accommodate for the turbocharger intercooler. This can be accomplished by slightly modifying the MDX grill into a more open honeycomb version allowing air to flow freely. The location of the slender functional fog lamps can also receive this treatment. They could overlay it with fog lamps from the current TL or push them further out to the corners incorporating them into the body. The headlamp assembly should remain the same, adding HID Bi-Xenon projectors.



The rear should remain unchanged as well, by adding LEDS this would increase the safety aspect since they tend to light up brighter than the common bulb lights and create a more upscale appearance.



Finally, the interior is only rivaled by Audi if released with suede/leather combination. The gauge cluster only adds to the sporty feel of the car and gives the appearance that your in a refined aircraft cockpit. As for the center stack hopefully they will have something similiar to the one found in the MDX:



Definitely the best Acura has produced so far and would be the perfect anchor in the TSX. Lastly, as for my favorite feature the dual skyview roof, it would be a unique and appealing feature compared to conventional sunroofs. My current car has a sunroof and I rarely open it, although I have at times pulled the sunshade back on a beautiful day to allow sunlight to pour through or gaze through on a clear night. It's all just suggestions if I had my way with more horsepower to rival the competition, refined cabin with a more luxurious feel, and SH-AWD to outperform any vehicle in it's class, Honda/Acura will truly have a car that will be impossible to beat.