All-new 2009 Acura TSX: larger, more agile, and more performance

Honda took the wraps off the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan, which made its debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The all-new second-generation 2009 TSX is larger, more agile and more performance oriented than before.

The new TSX offers 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 those who will appreciate its innovative styling, technical allure and performance, while also valuing the customer treatment that owners have come to enjoy at Acura dealerships.

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 aggressive Tier 2-Bin 5 emission standards.

Displacing 2.4-litres 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.

Two transmissions are available – a standard 6-speed close-ratio manual with new performance-oriented ratios for 2nd through 6th gears, and an available 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.

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 vehicle 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 76-mm greater width and 66-mm wider track, the 2009 TSX has a 33-mm longer wheelbase and 61mm additional overall length. These dimensions combine to provide greater interior roominess, more agile handling and improved ride quality.

In developing 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.

Functionality and refinement converge with luxury and style in the interior of the 2009 Acura TSX. Featuring a blend of contemporary shapes, a high level of standard comfort and convenience features, widespread use of premium materials and available Technology and Navigation Packages, this 5-passenger sports sedan offers the upscale modern interior that Canadian buyers have come to expect from Acura.

The TSX offers an exceptional level of standard equipment, including standard sunroof and power passenger seat, new folding key with remote entry, premium 7-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM and a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink cellular phone interface. A HomeLink remote control system and a dash-mounted electronic compass are also standard.

The Premium Package adds leather seats, XM Radio, automatic headlights, two-position driver memory seat, and digital media auxiliary USB jack with iPod/iPhone compatibility. HID headlights and fog lamps also improve functionality and add style.

The available Technology Package adds a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound Audio System. This 10-speaker Acura/ELST 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. The Technology Package also adds Acura Navigation System with Bi-lingual Voice Recognition and rearview camera.

The 2009 Acura TSX leads the way in safety with its new Advanced Compatibility EngineeringT (ACET) body structure. Engineered into the TSX model for the first time, ACET 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 differing bumper heights. ACET is designed to help maximize the effectiveness of the car’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.

The 2009 Acura TSX is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both U.S. government (NHTSA) and independent (IIHS) crash testing, including garnering IIHS’s ‘TOP SAFETY PICK.’