The last time we heard anything about the Acura NSX – it pretty much made us very depressed. Rumor has it that the car will now become a “Super Hybrid Sports” model that would be powered by a 450-hp 3.5L V6 engine mated to a hybrid system. Every dream of seeing a 600-hp 5.5L V10 NSX to compete with the Nissan GT-R and the upcoming Lexus LF-A has shattered into a million pieces.

In that sense, when Honda announced last year that is shelving the NSX for good – they weren’t kidding.

According Acura’s senior manager of product development John Watts, the next NSX will be scaled down. The original NSX was “too high a halo,” Watts told CARandDRIVER. “For it to be fully effective, it couldn’t be too far removed” from Acura’s other products.

So expect the “next NSX” to have a fairly affordable price-tag and to share a platform from a current product in Acura’s lineup.

Source Egmcartech

Even though it’s been going on for more than two years now, the tale of the Acura NSX is like a news story that just broke: you have to keep checking back for details, and each subsequent update could turn the whole story on its head. The V10 NSX that was going to own the sports car gods on Mt. Olympus was killed, and a rumored newly resurrected NSX is said to be a V6 hybrid that will challenge Toyota’s own will-they/won’t-they FT-HS/Supra.

Whereas Toyota’s entry is reported to put out 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, the NSX will reportedly get about 450 horses going to all four wheels via Acura’s SH-AWD system. Dubbed the “Super Hybrid Sports,” sources claim it will be built on the same steel platform as the next generation Acura RL.

While this speculation sounds like an interesting car – at least, until the next update comes along – it is a redefinition of what NSX means to us and could take a while to get used to. And if Acura is truly intent on becoming a top shelf luxury maker, we can’t help but find it a bit quizzical that they’re taking their flagship sports car brand downmarket to compete with a Toyota Supra.

Source Autoblog

Acura today released more details and images of the production 2010 Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe crossover. The new Acura model will arrive in dealerships nationwide later this winter.

Power comes from a 3.7L SOHC V6 engine that produces 300-hp with a maximum torque of 270 lb-ft. The engine is mated to 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheels mounted paddle shifters “that gives the ZDX excellent acceleration while increasing fuel-economy.” The 2010 Acura ZDX also features Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive System.

When the 2010 Acura ZDX goes on sale in the winter, buyers will have the choice of picking between three trim-levels including ZDX, ZDX with a Technology Package and the ZDX with a Advance Package. Like all Acura vehicles, standard features on the ZDX include a leather interior, HandsFreeLink^TM Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a high powered audio system with CD player, AM/FM/XM radio and USB audio interface with iPod integration are all standard features.

Source Egmcartech

The live New York reveal of the new 2009 Acura TSX bored reviewers. While the car was described as competent, it didn’t raise any excitement bells.

As reported by Ray Wert:

You already saw the official live reveal of the new 2009 TSX, and as I told you earlier, there’d be more coming tonight. The “more” is I’ve already had the chance to drive the 2009 Acura TSX, but we’ll get to that tomorrow at our regularly scheduled noon review time.

First, let’s take a moment to talk about the whole business of writing an entertaining review about a car. A vehicle on the extremes of terrible and amazing is much easier to write about than reviewing a car sitting smack-dab in the squishy vanilla middle between dull and duller. Given the adjectives available for both ends of the spectrum are so much more appealing, it’s no wonder this is the case — think epic, brilliant, orgasmic and their diametric opposites of appalling, disgusting and vomit-inducing. When emotion drives your verbiage it usually means you’ve driven either an amazing car or a complete pile of horse excrement. When it’s none of the above, it’s hard to get the same level of excitingly quotable quotes. Which brings me to the subject at hand — the 2009 Acura TSX.

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

competent yet remarkably boring

But what should one expect from a car given alternately the titles of “entry-level sports sedan” and “entry-level luxury sedan” by the PR team at Acura. To me that seems a lot like this car is what happens when those two worlds collide — you get more “entry level” than you do “luxury or “sports sedan.” But you’ll have to wait until noon tomorrow to get the full driving impression from my weekday spent in sunny California behind the wheel of a new manny-tranny’ed TSX for 2009.

Originally by Ray Wert from Jalopnik on March 19, 2008, 9:01pm

Moments after revealing, the 2009 Acura TSX received favorable reviews on the questionable design. The TSX has a 2.4-liter four with 201 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque and lots of features standard including bluetooth Bluetooth, a USB port, iPod integration, a seven-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, HID headlamps and a moonroof.

As reported by Autoblog:

The redesigned 2009 Acura TSX was revealed live at the New York Auto Show just a few moments ago, and despite the new face of Acura, the TSX isn’t nearly as ugly in person as we suspected. We’ve found that the key to the new nose is partnering it with lighter colors (silver, white, etc.) and avoiding the darker hues that don’t do much to blend with the bright metallic mug.

While we’ve already covered details of the TSX in our previous post, a few of the high points are worth repeating. The new 2.4-liter four is making 201 hp and a much-needed 176 lb.-ft. of torque, while still doing extremely well on the fed’s sniffer test. The track has been widened and the wheelbase lengthened, but the emphasis on the TSX’s sportiness was lost in the list of standard and optional equipment.

The TSX gets standard Bluetooth, a USB port, iPod integration, a seven-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, HID headlamps and a moonroof. Option up for the Technology Package and you get an additional three speakers, a rear-view camera, plus voice-activated navigation with Acura Link, traffic rerouting and real-time weather. Aiming at the well-to-do youth market is Acura’s plan for the TSX and execs hope to “dramatically increase” the 30,000 or so TSXs they’ve unloaded per year since the car’s introduction. And in an effort to raise the high-class status of the entire Acura brand, the automaker has also partnered with the W hotel chain to have Acura vehicles as the preferred whip at the high-end urban enclaves.

PRESS RELEASE

INTRODUCTION

Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for the Acura sedan range, the all-new second-generation 2009 TSX is larger, more agile, more powerful and even “more Acura” than ever before. Carefully crafted to honor the original TSX’s vision as a world-class sports sedan, the TSX has significantly evolved to offer more comfort, safety, convenience and driving performance – dramatically raising the standards for Acura’s entry-level sedan.

With sharp-edged and athletic styling, a powerful, clean and efficient i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, a choice of automatic or manual transmission, and the kind of driving character that’s an Acura trademark, the 2009 TSX continues as a valuable asset to the Acura division – and to a loyal following of customers. Major advances in handling agility, safety features, emissions reduction, ride smoothness and quietness, and interior comfort and convenience features all contribute to the new TSX’s added appeal.

THE ENTRY PREMIUM MARKET

With a price point typically in the high $20,000 to low $30,000 range, the “entry premium” sedan segment represents the gateway to over a dozen automakers. Customers will find the Acura TSX positioned alongside the Audi A4 2.0T, BMW 328i, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS 250, and Mercedes-Benz C300. With the entry to a luxury brand comes high expectations, and the TSX – together with the award-winning Acura dealership experience – is ready to meet all of them. Over 30,000 TSX vehicles are sold per year, and with the new TSX, this number is expected to increase as the entry premium segment is projected to grow by close to 10 percent by 2012. As such, with its wider stance, more agile performance, keen-edge styling along with high quality and comfort credentials, the Acura TSX is ideally situated – and right on time – for the entry-premium buyer.

TARGET CUSTOMER

The 2009 TSX is designed to appeal to young professionals who are previous TSX owners, conquests from other luxury brands such as Audi, BMW and Lexus, as well as to customers whose income and tastes are moving upscale. Demographically, they are expected to typically range in age from 28 to 34 years old and hold a college degree. These customers are nearly split between male and female, and slightly less than half are married. They are image seekers and will appreciate the styling, technical allure and total performance that the TSX offers – while also valuing the outstanding customer treatment that owners have come to enjoy at Acura dealerships. Extremely brand conscious and eclectic in their tastes and interests, they will find the TSX as welcoming for driving colleagues or clients to lunch as it is for weekend snowboarding trips or sightseeing out of town. Whatever the venue or occasion, the new TSX satisfies their passion for performance and high quality equally well.

POWERTRAIN FEATURES

Engine

* 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine
* 201 horsepower at 7,000 rpm
* 172 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm (6 MT); 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm (5 AT)
* i-VTEC® “intelligent” valve-control system combines Variable Timing Control (VTC) with VTEC®
* Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System
* Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
* Dual balance shafts
* Direct ignition system
* Lightweight alloy pistons and high-strength connecting rods
* 100,000 mile tune-up interval (may vary with driving conditions)
* Maintenance Minder™ system

Emissions/fuel economy

* Estimated mileage of 20/28/23 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 6 MT) and 21/30/24 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 5 AT)
* EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5, CARB LEV II ULEV emissions compliance
* Cylinder-head integrated rear-facing exhaust ports, close-coupled catalytic converter and under-floor converter

6-Speed manual transmission

* Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission
* Compact, highly rigid, lightweight magnesium transmission case and bell housing
* Multi-cone gear synchronizers
* Short shift throws
* Short-stroke clutch pedal
* Compact, low-inertia clutch

Sequential SportShift 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

* Sequential SportShift via steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters
* 5-position straight shift gate
* Advanced Grade Logic Control
* Linear solenoid direct-acting control
* Drive-by-Wire™ cooperative control
* Lockup torque converter

*Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

BODY & CHASSIS FEATURES

Design & Styling

* Bold new Keen-Edge design featuring signature Acura grille, crisp body lines and distinctive character
* Projector-style HID low beam and halogen high beam headlights with integrated fog lamps
* Thinner A-pillars for increased forward visibility
* Advanced underbody aerodynamics
* Greater body width (3.0 inches wider than first-generation TSX)
* Wider trunk opening
* Lower trunk lift-over height

Structure

* Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
* Frame rails repositioned to inside of floor pan for improved aerodynamics
* New closed-channel cross-braced roof structure
* New A, B & C-pillar separators
* New rear bulkhead safety-cage structure

Wheels & Tires

* New 5-spoke, 17-inch diameter aluminum alloy wheels
* Wider tires (P225/50R17)

Steering, Suspension & Brakes

* New Electric Power Steering (EPS)
* New dual-mode dampers
* Double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension
* 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS

INTERIOR FEATURES

* Driver-oriented cockpit
* New automatic headlight activation
* Large, easy-to-read LED backlit analog instruments
* Multi-Information Display (MID)
* New dash-mounted electronic compass
* Thicker leather-wrapped steering wheel with fingertip controls
* Tilt and telescopic steering column
* 8-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support and new 2-position memory
* 4-way power adjustable passenger seat
* Front seat heaters
* Roomy interior with seating for five
* Leather-trimmed seats
* Dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system
* Auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror
* Keyless entry system with window controls and folding key
* Premium 7-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM/XM®
* Bluetooth Audio®
* Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone interface
* USB port connectivity (for iPod, iPhone, or removable “memory stick” mass storage device)
* Auxiliary jack interface (for MP3 music players)
* HomeLink® remote control system

Technology Package features (optional)

* Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, Zagat® restaurant information, and rearview camera
* AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System
* AcuraLink® Real-time traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ (in available areas)
* AcuraLink® weather (in available areas)
* 10-speaker Acura/ELS® Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc DVD-Audio changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, Note function for XM® Radio, and Dolby Pro Logic II
* GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system

Comfort & Convenience

* Power moonroof with new one-touch operation
* New reverse-gear linked passenger-side door mirror
* New auto up/down front passenger window
* New door-mounted electric trunk release button
* Auto-locking fuel door
* Strategic noise insulation

SAFETY FEATURES

The 2009 Acura TSX features the following safety technologies as standard equipment:

Active safety systems

* 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
* Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control (Electronic Stability Control)
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Passive safety systems

* Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
* 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions
* Front seatbelt automatic tensioning system with integrated load limiters
* Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags
* Dual-chamber front-seat side airbags
* Side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions
* Active front head restraints
* Rear head restraints for all seating positions
* Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system in the rear seat
* Front 5-mph bumper and rear 2.5-mph bumper

ENGINE & POWERTRAIN

Improved performance and cleaner emissions are the hallmarks of the 2009 TSX’s all-aluminum DOHC i-VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine. Displacing 2.4 liters and producing 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (MT), the new engine produces its useable power across a much wider rpm range, while newfound torque (an improvement of 8 lb-ft or five percent) 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. In short, the 2009 TSX is more refined and fun to drive than the previous-generation TSX.

The newfound performance and flexibility is credited to a higher compression ratio, revised valve timing, and improvements to both intake and exhaust gas flow. Further credit also goes to the TSX’s i-VTEC® “intelligent” valve control system. Featuring Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) combined with Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™), while maintaining top-of-class power the system provides power characteristics like those of a V6 without sacrificing the light weight or fuel efficiency of an inline four. Likewise, a new rear-mounted exhaust layout, a close-coupled catalytic converter design, and a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system substantially reduce emissions levels, enabling the 2009 TSX to meet the aggressive EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5, and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards for the first time.

Acura TSX customers have a choice of two transmissions as standard equipment – a 6-speed close-ratio manual with new (more performance oriented) ratios for second through sixth gears or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with a new lock-up assembly. The manual transmission features a short-throw shifter with a precise, light action that makes it highly rewarding to use, and its magnesium case – a rarity in the industry – helps reduce vehicle mass to improve all-around performance and efficiency. 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 so desires, the automatic can also be operated manually by new steering wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

BODY & CHASSIS

The 2009 TSX dramatically advances the design themes of its predecessor with a broad new stance that’s a clear indication of its sporting intentions. With body-width increased three inches and wheel track dimensions up by 2.6 inches over the outgoing model, the TSX fully looks the part of a leading-edge sports sedan. Besides adding a more muscular dimension to the TSX’s appearance, the wider stance serves double-duty in increasing handling agility as well as adding to interior comfort and roominess.

Besides its greater width and wider track, other important key body and chassis advances for the 2009 TSX include a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and 2.4 inches greater overall length, which combine to benefit both ride quality and interior roominess. A higher roll center helps keep reduce body roll during cornering for a more sporty driving experience. The TSX marks Acura’s first use of new Showa dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. Electric Power Steering (EPS) is now standard on the TSX (previously utilized on the NSX sports car), and TSX now has enlarged rear disc brakes (11.1-in. vs. 10.2-in. on the previous generation).

Improved body design and construction techniques such as a new cross-braced roof structure and a stronger rear bulkhead yield a more rigid and vibration-resistant structure. Aerodynamic tailoring includes the first use of inside frame rails on an Acura, comprehensive aerodynamic tailoring underneath the car, and the use of A, B and C-pillar separators – all of which significantly improve the TSX’s quietness over rough roads and at high speed. The TSX’s slippery aerodynamics also help fuel economy as well as high-speed stability – all while lowering emissions.

INTERIOR

Functionality and refinement, luxury and style converge 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, the TSX 5-passenger sports sedan offers an upscale modern interior customers have come to expect from Acura.

First impressions are powerful, and an initial look inside the TSX reveals much about its character. 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 merger of intelligent design and innovation. Bluetooth® connectivity is standard and includes a HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone interface that makes communications easier and safer while en route. The TSX’s Keen-Edgedesign blends perfectly with its range of electronic features in a way that makes the driving experience more satisfying.

Adding to the already impressive list of TSX standard equipment is the available Technology Package, which bristles with leading-edge electronics that make driving that much more efficient and enjoyable. The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic and AcuraLink® weather, and the highly useful AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System are the centerpieces of the Technology Package. The navigation system features Real-time traffic covering 76 major metropolitan markets, and offers Traffic Rerouting™ to help navigate around slow-downs. For 2009, the TSX receives a dash-mounted electronic compass for added directional information while driving. Also new is a 10-speaker premium sound system tuned by legendary recording engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner. The 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio System 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 feature can capture 10 seconds each of up to 30 songs, along with text indicating song title, artist name, and XM® channel.

SAFETY

Providing an array of advanced safety features is among the highest priorities of the 2009 Acura TSX. Leading the way is the TSX’s new Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. Appearing for the first time in a TSX model, ACE™ improves the dispersal of frontal crash energy via load-bearing frame structures that better match the TSX with other vehicles of different sizes and with different bumper heights. Simply put, ACE™ maximizes the effectiveness of the TSX’s front crumple zones, better dispersing crash forces before they reach the passenger compartment.

Contributing to the safety performance of the 2009 TSX is a broad range of passive safety features, 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 the TSX driver and front passenger are further protected by front seatbelt load limiters with integrated automatic tensioning system, plus new active front head restraints, used for the first time on the TSX. The rear seat features a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that allows for the secure and quick affixing of up to two child seats.

Exterior features designed to further improve safety include daytime running lights (DRL), a reverse-gear-linked passenger-side downward tilting door mirror, pedestrian injury mitigation such as a deformable hood panel, hood hinges, and windshield-wiper pivots, a front 5-mph bumper and rear 2.5-mph bumper.
Originally by Damon Lavrinc from Autoblog on March 19, 2008, 3:27am

It has been suggested for some time by pundits and car enthusiasts that Acura should drop its ban on rear-wheel-drive and V8 engines, although no one really expected the automaker to do so. The ban was part of Acura’s brand identity and its “thing”. Though an Acura may be down on torque and driven by the wrong set of wheels compared to its German competition, most buyers at least marvel at how much the engineers have done in terms of performance and handling when saddled with a V6 and front-wheel-drive or part-time all-wheel-drive.

We’re hearing more rumors that Acura’s long holdout may be coming to an end. In addition to the last report from Best Car, now Inside Line is also claiming that the next Acura RL flagship model will be powered by a V8 and be rear-wheel-drive, or at least have a revised SH-AWD system that engages the front wheels when the rears are slipping. IL’s source claims that a 4.8L V8 producing 420 horsepower is being developed and will feature cylinder deactivation technology to keep fuel economy up.

Acura showed us its Advanced Sedan Concept at the 2007 LA Auto Show, which some thought foreshadowed the next-gen RL. Inside Line claims that after the concept’s lukewarm reception, Acura stylists went back to the drawing board for a new design. Whether or not the new sheetmetal will be accompanied by a big break in tradition for Acura remains to be seen. We’re still a bit skeptical, but anything’s possible in this competitive climate.

[Source: Inside Line]

Originally by John Neff from Autoblog on March 18, 2008, 5:31am