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2010 Acura TSX Offers V-6 Power for Performance

07/28/2009

Acura

For 2010, Acura expands the performance and appeal of the popular TSX sports sedan by adding a V-6 powered TSX to its line-up. Targeted at a performance oriented luxury buyer, the 2010 TSX brings more power by offering a new 3.5L V-6 model in the popular sport sedan line-up.

"With strong V-6 power, the 2010 TSX can go toe-to-toe with the top sports sedans in its class," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "Matched with new 18-inch wheels and revised suspension, the TSX V-6 is proof positive that a smart vehicle choice doesn't have to be a boring vehicle choice."

Designed as a desirable choice for luxury sedan buyers, the second generation TSX is larger, more agile, more performance minded and even "more Acura" than ever before. The latest TSX has evolved to offer more comfort, convenience and safety. It does so with expanded luxury and electronic features, a wider stance for more agile performance and advanced safety systems.

Even though the all-new for 2009 TSX received high praise from top automotive journalists, TSX engineers developed an entirely new V-6 powered model for 2010. Delivering a potent 280 horsepower channeled through a specially-geared Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, the TSX V-6 generates substantially improved performance for drivers who prefer the more interesting route over the quickest route.

While the TSX with 2.4L I-4 engine provides a spirited driving experience, pushing the performance envelope is an available V-6 package which further defines the TSX's sporty driving character that has become an Acura trademark. In addition to added power, the V-6 model also receives exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and tires along with brake system upgrades.

Powertrain

For 2010 the TSX is available with two distinct powertrain choices: a high-revving 2.4L DOHC I-4 with iVTEC and a new 3.5L V-6 with strong mid-range torque. The available SOHC V-6 develops 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque thanks to a high 11.2:1 compression ratio, VTEC(R) valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system contained within a lightweight magnesium intake manifold. The V-6 engine yields a linear torque curve with emphasis on the rpm range most commonly used during day-to-day driving. The 3.5L V-6 meets California's CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification and delivers an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy of 18/27 mpg.

The 3.5L V-6 engine teams with a sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission to maximize performance and fuel economy. The transmission 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 Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually via steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Also offered is a dynamic DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine. Producing 201 horsepower, the 2.4-liter engine produces its power across a wide operating range with an exciting high rpm charge thanks to its iVTEC valvetrain system. The 2.4L I-4 is very responsive off the line thanks to 172 lb-ft of torque (6MT).

The performance and flexibility of the 2.4L I-4 is credited to a high compression ratio, "intelligent" iVTEC(R) combined with Variable Timing Control(TM) (VTC(TM)), and excellent intake and exhaust gas flow. The 2.4L I-4 powertrain is available with a choice of two transmissions - a standard 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic.

Body and Chassis

All 2010 TSX models feature a state-of-the-art double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control. The new V-6 model's independent front suspension receives firmer springs and revised calibration for the dual-mode suspension dampers.

The new suspension generates a level of sporty handling that is synonymous with the mission of the new V-6 model. *For 2010, all TSX models benefit from revised EPS programming to deliver crisper steering response and improved "on center" feel.

The 2010 TSX comes standard with 17x7.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels and Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 P225/50R17 all-season tires developed specifically for the vehicle. The TSX V-6 model is upgraded to 18x8-inch aluminum wheels with a split 5-spoke design that are fit with performance minded Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 P235/45R18 all-season tires. All TSX wheels have a clear-coat aluminum finish designed to compliment the exterior color choices.

The new TSX V-6 model uses special rear brake pads that deliver enhanced stopping power. In addition, the V-6 model uses a larger brake master cylinder, a revised pedal ratio and a new brake booster to deliver a more performance minded braking feel.

All TSX models make use of a chassis that includes 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 model 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. The TSX V-6 model features expanded use of Acura's Electronic Control Mount system for the engine and transmission that delivers more control over drivetrain generated NVH.

With the second-generation TSX body, Acura designers sought to retain the crisp, dynamic design of the original TSX and enhance it by widening the body overall and adding more muscular cues to create a keen-edged sports sedan. Externally, the TSX V-6 looks similar to the four-cylinder model with the exception of a V-6 badge on the trunk and a slightly revised front fascia with functional side openings for improved radiator cooling.

Exterior/Interior

Functionality and refinement converge with luxury and style in the interior of the 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, this 5-passenger sports sedan offers the upscale modern interior that customers have come to expect from Acura.

For 2010, all TSX models receive an easier-to-read navigation screen (when equipped with the Technology Package) and an improved look of telephone number text displayed on the Multi Information Display (MID). The TSX V-6 receives model specific interior upgrades including a one-touch ignition key starter system and an updated tachometer face with a unique rpm redline range that corresponds to the operating parameters of the new 3.5L V-6 engine.

Also part of the TSX V-6 package is a new Active Sound Control system that is much advanced over Acura's previous Active Noise Cancellation(TM)** (ANC) system. Whereas ANC dealt with the elimination of low sound pressure entering the cabin, the new Active Sound Control system has a much broader range including the elimination of unwanted high frequency noise.

Typical of Acura, the 2010 TSX offers an exceptional level of standard equipment including a leather appointed interior, power front seats, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a folding key with remote entry, automatic headlight activation, a premium 7-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM(R) Radio, Bluetooth(R) HandsFreeLink(R) along with USB audio interface and AUX jack connectivity.

An available Technology Package delivers leading-edge electronics that make driving more efficient and enjoyable. Features include an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting(TM), AcuraLink Real-Time Weather(TM) and the highly useful AcuraLink(R) Satellite Communication System. The navigation system features AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic(TM) covering 77 major metropolitan markets along with Traffic Rerouting(TM) and dynamic route guidance to help navigate around traffic slow-downs. In addition, a rear view camera helps the TSX driver more carefully navigate when in tight locations.

Included in the Technology Package is a premium sound system tuned by 6-time Grammy(R) award winning sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. This 10-speaker Acura/ELS(TM) Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio (with 500-times higher resolution than traditional CD) includes a new Note function for XM(R) 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(R) channel.

Safety

The Acura TSX leads the way in safety with its Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure. ACE(TM) 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 different bumper heights. Simply put, ACE(TM) helps maximize the effectiveness of the TSX's front crumple zones, better dispersing crash forces before they reach the passenger compartment.

For all TSX models, a broad range of passive safety features contribute to occupant safety, including six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual-chamber front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions). Head restraints are provided for all seating positions and the front seats employ an active headrest restraint system. Three-point seatbelts are provided for all seating positions along with seatbelt load limiters with an integrated automatic tensioning system for the driver and front passenger seat belts.

Exterior features designed to help improve safety include daytime running lights (DRL), pedestrian-injury mitigation features such as a deformable hood, hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots, and a 5-mph front bumper and 2.5-mph rear bumper. The 2010 Acura TSX achieves the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)** and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including garnering IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.

The 2010 Acura TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care(R) (TLC(R)) that provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

Acura

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2010 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the all-new ZDX four door sports coupe.

For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com.

*3.5L V-6 mileage based on preliminary 2010 EPA mileage estimates determined during internal testing that reflects new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

** Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).