The Acura TSX sports sedan was an all-new, clean sheet design for 2009. Improvements came in nearly every category including a bold new exterior design, added interior refinements as well as enhanced driving dynamics. The second generation TSX has been well received by both customers and the automotive press, garnering awards and breaking sales records. For 2010, the TSX receives major enhancements – including an available V-6 engine.

While the TSX with 2.4L I-4 engine produces spirited driving, TSX engineers want to push the performance envelope with an available V-6 package that delivers substantially more power and sportier handling coupled with larger wheels and tires. The new V-6 package further accentuates the TSX’s sporty driving character that has become an Acura trademark.

The 2010 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, TSX buyers are expected to range in age from 28 to 34 years old and hold a college degree. These customers are split nearly evenly 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.

The buyer for the new TSX V-6 is expected to be older (approximately 38 years old) than the TSX buyer, 80-percent male, 60-percent married, with a household income of about $110,000. Remaining the same is that the TSX V-6 buyer will be extremely brand conscious and eclectic in their tastes and interests. With the introduction of a V-6 powered TSX, Acura will fill a niche in its lineup between the four-cylinder TSX and the all-new TL performance luxury sedan. (concept carz) With the TL moving more upscale following its redesign in the 2009 model year, the TSX V-6 will be aimed squarely at youthful buyers who want a performance-oriented sports sedan in a more personal size.

Price: $29,310 – 37,950.

Invoice: $26,960 – 34,880.

Engine and Powertrain

With the introduction of a V-6 powered TSX, Acura will fill a niche in its lineup between the four-cylinder TSX and the all-new TL performance luxury sedan. Now available for the 2010 TSX is a new 3.5L SOHC V-6 that develops 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 features VTEC® valvetrain control, a high 11.2:1 compression ratio and a dual-stage induction system contained within a lightweight magnesium intake manifold. The V-6 has been tuned to deliver a linear torque curve with emphasis on the rpm range most commonly used for day-to-day driving. The new 3.5L V-6 meets California’s stringent CARB LEV II ÚLEV emissions certification and achieved an EPA estimated 18 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.

Sporty performance, fuel efficiency and low emissions are the hallmarks of the 2010 TSX’s all-aluminum DOHC i-VTEC® inline four-cylinder engine. Displacing 2.4 liters and producing 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (6MT), the engine produces its useable power across a wide rpm range, while the broad torque curve further strengthens the engine’s pulling power at middle rpm levels. This allows the 2010 TSX to be responsive off the line, out of corners and when overtaking other vehicles.

The performance and flexibility of the 2.4L I-4 is credited to a high compression ratio, efficient valve timing, and a high flow intake and exhaust system. Further credit also goes to the TSX’s i-VTEC® ‘intelligent’ valve control system. Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) combines with Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™), to deliver top-of-class power. Likewise, a rear-mounted exhaust manifold layout, a close-coupled catalytic converter design and a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system substantially reduce emissions levels, enabling the 2010 TSX to meet the EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV II Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV) standards. A 6-speed close-ratio manual or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic. The manual transmission features a short-throw shifter with a precise, light action that makes it highly rewarding to use, and its aluminum case reduces vehicle mass to improve all-around performance and efficiency.

The new TSX V-6 features a sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission that can be operated manually via §teering wheel mounted racing inspired paddle shifters. The smooth shifting automatic is also fitted with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, which make driving the TSX on hilly or winding roads more enjoyable.

Interior

Functionality and refinement, luxury and style converge in the interior of the 2010 Acura TSX. Featuring a blend of sweeping shapes, a high level of standard comfort and convenience features, widespread use of premium materials and an available Technology Package, the TSX sports sedan offers an upscale, modern interior that 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 §teering-wheel mounted controls, and from the premium 7-speaker sound system to the dual-zone automatic climate control, the TSX represents a merge of intelligent design and innovation. Bluetooth® connectivity is standard and includes HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone interface that makes communications easier while en route. The TSX’s Keen-Edge design 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 Real-Time Weather™, and the highly useful AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System are the centerpieces of the Technology Package. The navigation system features continuously updated traffic maps covering 77 major metropolitan markets, and offers Traffic Rerouting™ to help navigate around slow-downs. Also available 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 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.

Body and Chassis

The 2010 TSX features a wide and muscular body which translates into outstanding handling and performance. The wide body (72.4 inches), long wheelbase (106.4 inches) and overall length (185.6 inches) give the TSX excellent ride quality and ample interior space for passengers. The high roll center helps reduce body roll during cornering for a more sporty driving experience. The TSX uses Showa dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. The TSX employs Electric Power Steering (EPS) that delivers precise input during performance driving.

Advanced techniques in body design and construction, such as the use of cross-braced roof structure and a strong rear bulkhead, yield a very rigid and vibration-resistant structure. Aerodynamic tailoring included the use of inside frame rails, comprehensive aerodynamic tailoring underneath the car, and the use of A, B and C-pillar separators – all of which give the TSX a quiet cabin even over rough roads and at high speed. The TSX’s slippery aerodynamics also helps fuel economy as well as high-speed stability, all while lowering emissions.

Safety

Providing an array of advanced safety features is among the highest priorities of the 2010 Acura TSX. Leading the way is the TSX’s new Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. 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 2010 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 an integrated automatic tensioning system, plus active front head restraints. 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), pedestrian injury mitigation technologies such as a deformable hood panel, hood hinges, and windshield-wiper pivots. The 2010 Acura TSX achieves the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA*) and independent (IIHS) crash testing – including IIHS’s TOP SAFETY PICK.