2010 Acura TSX Now With V-6 Power

The Acura TSX compact luxury sedan, now in its second generation, has always had a four-cylinder engine. Now it's getting the 3.5-liter V-6 from the larger TL sedan in a new trim level, called the TSX V-6, which hits dealerships this summer. Along with the larger engine comes a sportier suspension and 18-inch wheels. The four-cylinder will remain unchanged as the base TSX model.

Comments

There is $5700 difference between the base TSX and base TL MSRP--they are already within spitting distance of each other. I can't help but wonder what Acura's marketing strategy will be here. Up until now, the TSX covered the market for small, nimble, lightweight, luxurious sports sedans, and the TL covered the market for those who wanted a luxurious midsize sedan that was still sporty. Now what?

Strategy would be to compete against cars like the IS 350, and the G37. The TSX has been underpowered to the extreme ever since its been out, with hp ratings from 200-205. Thank god theres a V6. Now it can get back into the game.

Good move. Sign me up after we get out of this recession. I'm assuming Acura wants to take each model upmarket. Seems the new TSX replaces the market for the old TL. The new TL replaces the RL and the RL will either be discontinued here or redesigned to compete with the LS, S-class, or 7-series.

I agree with Jay and I think they'll also try and slot in a new entry-level model to replace the old RSX. Depending on how Lexus does with its HS, it might even be a hybrid, although I'd like it to be something more sporty. And there have been rumors for a while now of an upcoming new RL sporting a V8 in an attempt to fight it out with the likes of A8 and 7-series. That one can't come soon enough as the current model is a joke.

Naturally they add a nice engine, but force you to opt for the slush box to get it. Pass.

A rebadged European Honda Accord even with a V6 will not come close to getting them "in the game".

This makes no sense. Its only going to hurt TL sales in the end. Why not give this car a 3L V6 with better mileage? The TSX is not much smaller inside than the TL and now you can get the same engine in a cheaper, lighter package. Acura must be responding to lackluster sales for the TSX for them to make this type of change.

how good is a FWD, small, expensive (or "luxury") car when you add too much power?

the ones people buy -- just look at the list by T -- are RWD and, more frequently now, AWD. again, i'm talking about luxury cars that have gobs of power.

People appreciate Honda engines in compact packages that are high-revving -- Civic Si, S2000. the efficiency and nimbleness of the TSX will be lost in this overpowered, torque-steering version that will surely be much closer to the TL in price (i.e., too expensive) ... basically what segfault said.

the TSX is too coarse to take away any market from FWD cars like the more plush Lexus ES, because it doesn't cater to those who are willing to pay for cushy soft at a premium and don't care about handling, etc.

instead of dropping a heavy V6 that will torque steer your thumbs off if you use its added power, why not work on sweetening the 4-cyl?

^^^Because Acura has identity issues.

a turbo four cylinder with direct injection would've been nice but Honda has no such engine.

Yes, they do have a turbo 4 engine. What do you think is in the RDX?

andiamo,

I said turbo with direct injection. They dont have an engine with both. The most advanced small engines these days have direct injection. Thats why GM gets 260hp from 2L while Honda gets 240hp from 2.3L and poor mileage to boot. Bottom line is the TSX should have a smaller, more efficient engine- not the same one in the TL.

"...small, nimble, lightweight, luxurious sports sedans..."
I didn't know that cramped = luxurious
Just because it has leather seats doesn't make TSX a luxo car. You can call it anything you want.
Sport sedan? with FWD? - NO. That would be G37.
Also, G37 has more room in the back.

"...Strategy would be to compete against cars like the IS 350, and the G37..."
Yea. Compete. Not even close.

I don't even understand who would buy this thing for 30K+? You want sport - G37. You want plush/room - ES350. Both are better at what they do then TSX. Lets put it this way. A packed Accord is worlds better then TSX.

It's really interesting to see you guys and your problems with everything. If there was an ad on the TSX before, you would bitch and moan about it not having a V6. But now there announcing a V6 version, and you do the same. There has never been an article that this website posts where at least 10 people have a problem with it. Its getting really annoying, and you need to get over yourselves.

ken,

Nothing wrong with the TSX having a V6 but the point is Acura has two models that are very similar in size with the same powertrain. Why exactly would anyone buy the FWD TL once this comes out? Acura needs more variations in its lineup. It has 3 V6 powered sedans that look similar.

I thought tht Japaneese were so worried about helping America rid itself of vehicles that burned hugh amounts of gas that they would only ever build vehicles with highly fuel efficient engines, on I forgot, you cannot make any money on those so they have to build trucks/Suv's and cars with bigger engines so they can charge more for them.

Ken,
I don't care what Acura is building.
I stay on the side and express my opinion. This is something this forum is for, for the people to express.
As TSX goes - to me it is worthless vehicle in any form, 4 or 6 cyl. I would never buy one like this.
You put a bit more money and get a good German car, like 3 series, which is built to save you from trouble in case of emergency. Acura is an expensive tuna can.

I know that you can express your opinion, i'm obviously fine with that. It just seems like the majority of the comments on this website are negative regardless of what's being posted.

May be, if manufacturers read them (our comments), they would know what to do.
For example, how much will people complaint about hump in the floor and on the seat? Front wheel drive cars shouldn't have it on the floor. No car should have hump on the seat. Why call the car 5 passenger if middle person can sit ther for no longer then 10 minutes?

Ken, people always to say negative before they find positive.
But for this particular car... What is the positive here? Powerful 4 cyl? Leather seats? This is two-person car, with ocasional back seat riders in discomfort. Oh! this is Acura! Right. Like Acura is different from Honda. Forget about.
Take the whole Acura lineup, think about and you'll see that only car there that gives you something is MDX. RL, TL, TSX - these have much better counterparts in the same price range.

I'm getting a the new 6 cyl TSX and wanting to see aftermarket pictures of wheels that look the best on it. Anyone gone that route to dress up their ride? Any suggestions?
If you have pics, send them to pvmtrips@yahoo.com

whatever it takes to minimize that nasty torque steer

Torque-steer. Glad someone brought it up, because it has been a defining characteristic of the TL since Acura dropped the high-output 3.2 liter Type S model back in '02.

I can imagine it's only going to fare worse in the TSX, which is significantly lighter than the TL. Perhaps, in time the SH-AWD will be fitted to the TSX as well.