Introduction
The TSX sports sedan complements the sporty TL and the luxurious RL in Acura's lineup of performance luxury sedans. The TSX is positioned as a stepping stone to other Acura products and provides luxury sedan buyers with an entry point to the Acura brand.
The front-wheel drive TSX was engineered and appointed to compete with Europe's best sedans in the sporty near-luxury segment (the European D segment). This segment includes cars like the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series.
In keeping with its European competitors, the TSX driving character is sharply focused on the sporty end of the scale. Its multi-link front and multi-link rear suspension has sophisticated geometry that helps the TSX corner flat and resist acceleration lift and braking dive. In addition, the TSX has P215/50R17 Michelin MXM4 V-rated tires, including a Tire Pressure Monitoring System for the first time, 4-wheel disc brakes, and an impressive arsenal of electronic driver aids including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). A highly refined power rack-and-pinion steering system provides outstanding road feel that rivals the best Europe can offer. The takeaway for the driver is an ultra-competent entry luxury sports sedan that's immensely fun to drive.
The TSX is powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine that produces 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 164 lb-ft at 4500 rpm. The TSX is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission (with a lightweight magnesium case) or a 5-speed SportShift™ automatic that offers quick and precise gear changes. Thanks to its i-VTEC™ intelligent variable valve timing and lift, the engine provides a broad, useable powerband that's uncommon in a 4-cylinder engine, together with a stirring high-rpm power rush. The TSX engine is backed by 40 years of Honda international racing experience in Formula One, CART, Indy Car and Grand Prix motorcycles.
The body of the TSX enhances its aggressive demeanor while retaining the superior aerodynamics that has been such a large part of its high performance nature. In front, styling cues include the bumper, a signature 5-sided Acura grille, more angular side markers and bumper-integrated fog lamps that give the TSX its sporty appearance. More substantial side sills accent the nine-spoke alloy wheels. In the rear, the backlight slopes to meet a short, high trunk lid, which terminates sharply to help air separate cleanly off the back of the car at top speeds. The rear bumper and taillights give the TSX an aggressive look.
Creature comforts include a dual-zone climate control system and a power moonroof with sliding shade. Steering-wheel mounted switches control the standard 360-watt Premium Sound System, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, cruise control and functions of the optional latest-generation Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. The TSX is also equipped with the HandsFreeLink™ wireless phone interface, an auxiliary jack for digital music players and Acura's Smart Maintenance System.
For the 2007 model year, the TSX is now equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Design summary
While the TSX is a finely honed sports sedan, it's also a magnificently comfortable 5-passenger commuter. Its tremendous unit body stiffness, achieved through the use of high-tensile steel and state-of-the-art computer engineering processes, makes an ideal attachment point for the suspension, and also offers a quiet haven for passengers. Attention to aerodynamics has provided a drag coefficient (Cd) as low as that of any other sedan in the TSX segment. The benefits of this aero-achievement include enhanced high-speed stability and an aggressive appearance.
The interior of the TSX connotes a sporty feeling, backed by the latest safety advances including side airbags and side curtain airbags with a larger protective area than that of the competition. The racing-inspired front seats feature pronounced side bolsters that help keep the driver and front passenger comfortable while cornering. The steering column is manually adjustable for both telescope and tilt. An 8-way power adjustable driver's seat (with 2-position memory) and a 4-way adjustable passenger seat come standard on every TSX.
TARGET BUYER
Young. Hip. Technically astute. Raised on Japanese cars. Aspiring to own upscale brands. They are all of this and much more, but these terms perfectly define the buyers that are attracted to the distinctive styling of the TSX, its advanced engineering and its sporting handling. Today's leading automotive designs are sporty and aggressive, and TSX buyers will recognize these cues in this sporty Acura sedan.
These young and affluent buyers have an emotional attachment to their cars, but require a rational base to support their purchases. The TSX supports both needs with its outstanding handling, strong engine performance, distinctive overall design character, and the world-class quality inherent in all Acura products.
SINGLE TRIM LEVEL WITH MANY STANDARD FEATURES
The Acura TSX comes in one trim level that includes perforated leather upholstery, a power glass moonroof, HID headlights, a premium sound system and much more. It features either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or an advanced 5-speed SportShift automatic transmission. The only factory option is the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition.
BODY FEATURES
CHASSIS FEATURES
POWERTRAIN FEATURES
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES
SAFETY FEATURES
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES