Hefty Acura: 2009 Acura TSX V6 @ 2009 CAS

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That's how the Acura midsize sedan lineup has shaken out since Honda's luxury division invented the TSX back in 2004. Made perfect sense to us and the rest of civilized society, and the TSX has grown in popularity with its recent redesign and the world's newfound focus on fuel mileage and smaller engines.

Acura, however, thought something was missing from the mix: a V6-powered TSX. And here it is: the 2010 Acura TSX V6. Acura says it fills a niche between the four-cylinder TSX and the larger, recently redesigned TL.

OK, we'll buy that. But the two front-wheel-drive sedans now share the same 3.5-liter V6 with VTEC and a dual-stage induction system. In both cars the engine makes 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. That's enough to get a TL to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds, and the smaller and lighter TSX V6 should be even quicker.

And more fuel-efficient. A four-cylinder TSX is rated at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. A TL is rated at 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The V6 TSX should split the difference; MPG estimates are 19 city/28 highway.

The only transmission is Acura's Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic, which is also used in the TL. Shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel are standard. That's right: no third pedal with the V6, just the four-banger.

The V6 model does get its own suspension tuning, and it features larger five-spoke cast-aluminum 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The exterior of the car is set apart by a slightly revised front bumper and a V6 badge on its derriere. Inside the car, you'll find leather upholstery, a sunroof, automatic climate control, CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a USB port and aux-jack music interface as standard equipment, and all the usual Acura tech goodies will be available in the optional Technology package that includes a navigation system with rearview camera.

Sales start this summer, with pricing north of the four-cylinder TSX's base price of $28,960 and south of the TL's base price of $34,995.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2009
• Acura
• TSX
• V6
• CAS
• Chicago
• Auto
• Show
• car
• motor
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• Line

[cepnoi]

Because it's safer, cheaper than a RWD, and because people want passing power on freeways, rather than a track day animal, and for that, FWD is fine.

[mokos23]

the TL is ugly as hell.

[Alex1029998]

how do we open the sunroof???

[KatiushaVN4]

Just bought the 4-cylinder model. Awesome!

[fasthonda]

His voice tone sounds forced like he isn't that enthusiastic about the TSX V6. This is such a nice car, the materials used in the interior feel so cool!

[EvenSteven2004]

@martin20xx, the problem is that the TL is ugly now. I'd still take a V6 TSX over a TL just because it is so much better looking.

[Neokhan]

@mabdiuhrman dont get it get v6 it's feel's better

[immortal4942]

meh dw about it the v6 is a rip-off u could buy a base tl with that money

[wtfimalive]

Yea, but many are turned off by the new design of the TL, including me. I'd choose the v6 TSX over the TL myself, just a pity that the TSX still does not have SH-AWD or RWD.

[mabdiuhrman]

I'm getting the 4 cylinder one because it will save me more gas and ppl that had it said that it feels like a v6 !

[martin20xx]

i just check the new V6 tsx its pretty much the same price as the TL

in that case people will choose the TL instead of the TSX if they are the same price

[gtachild]

wow whats the point of the base model TL now that theres a V6 tsx, I actually liked the tsx because it was a quick little four cylinder.