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Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TSX
by John Neff on Oct 3rd 2007 at 3:12PM 
click above image for more spy shots of the 2009 Acura TSX
Chris Doane has finally caught the 2009 Acura TSX outside of a Honda facility in the U.S. It would appear the car is about the same size as the current model, or perhaps slightly larger. From the rear it looks like those fender blisters give the car a wider track. The design will reportedly get more aggressive, which you can already see on the nose of this test vehicle despite the liberal application of tape by Honda engineers.
We're especially excited for the next iteration of the TSX, because along with a 20 - 30 bump in horsepower for its rev-happy 2.4L four-cylinder, we're also expecting an S-Type model powered by a 260+ HP uprated version of the 240 HP, 2.3L turbo in the Acura RDX. We've sampled that mill before, and are addicted based on what it can do in a CUV. The 2009 Acura TSX S-Type, however, should be on a different level entirely. Torque steer is an issue, as the TSX is and always has been front-wheel drive. We have faith Honda engineers, some of the best in the biz, can quell it, though. (NOTE: Thanks to the astute reader who reminded us the Type-S model will have S-AWD, which should irradicate any hint of torque steer.)
Follow the jump for Brenda Priddy's full report on the 2009 Acura TSX.
[Source: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.]
Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX - spy shots
Early this morning, not far from Honda's U.S. falicities, we were lucky enough to get a quick glance at the next generation Acura TSX.
The new TSX will take on a more aggressive look, taking design cues from the SPORTS 4 concept car shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.
An improved 2.4L i-VTEC 4 cylinder motor will go into the base model with an expected 20-30 horsepower bump. The entry level model will sport either a 6 speed manual, or 5 speed auto, and will be front wheel drive.
A hotter Type-S model should also appear with power coming from the 260hp turbocharged motor also found in the Acura RDX. A hotter Type-S model should also appear with around 260hp coming from an up-tuned version of the 2.3L turbocharged motor found in the Acura RDX. The sportier model will feature a 6 speed auto/manual DSG gearbox, and is expected to feature Honda's Super Handling All Wheel Drive system.
While this vehicle will be sold as the Acura TSX in the United States, this same car, with just a few minor styling adjustments, will also sell in European markets as the new Honda Accord.
With the 2008 Honda Accord getting a diesel motor, it is possible that we could see a diesel TSX as well.
Look for the TSX to start production towards the end of 2008.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
a_wolfn 3:20PM (10/03/2007)
This is entirely too similar to the Camry and Accord.
They should put the front of the MDX on this, and the RDX taillights, and some of the RL into this.
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SPG 6:12PM (10/03/2007)
Minus the RL influence and I agree.
Paul 3:22PM (10/03/2007)
FYI, the press release says that the Type-S model is expected to have the SH-AWD, so torque steer would not be an issue.
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RG 3:30PM (10/03/2007)
I'm pretty sure that Honda engineers are skilled in making a FWD car with over 250-hp (Accord, TL, CL) but that doesnt make it ok by me.
The beauty of AWD, other than additional stability in the white stuff is the fact that you can add power without grossly effecting the handling dynamics. Power that is easily added with a turbo engine. I'm not saying that a lot of TSX owners will be modding their cars, but one of the great things I love abou my Legacy is I was able to up the horsepower and torque by over 20% and the car can handle it.
Although, I suppose it is a little inappropriate to expect SH-AWD in this iteration of the TSX- I think the TL will be getting it. Let me rephrase that- I think it needs to get it. I guess SH-AWD will finally trickle down to the TSX in its next iteration.
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SOhp101 3:30PM (10/03/2007)
Since when did the RDX offer a 260+ hp motor? The only one I know of is their 2.3L turbo. 240hp, 260lb-ft torque.
But that thing gets horrible gas mileage.
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RG 3:31PM (10/03/2007)
Oops, guess I should read it before I blab. :-)
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AZ 3:40PM (10/03/2007)
DSG, hmm.........
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sk 3:45PM (10/03/2007)
Just check out the new European Accord for details on this car. This spy-shot basically confirms that...
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Greek Boy 3:51PM (10/03/2007)
Oh Gawd!!!
I did not think it could be Honda Accord ugly, but then again...it is an Accord.
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DJ 3:52PM (10/03/2007)
Revealed!
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-honda-accord-tourer-previews-accord-wagon/
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Ken 4:07PM (10/03/2007)
I'll take a TSX with the RDX engine, SH-AWD, and manual transmission please.
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Jimesq 4:08PM (10/03/2007)
I really hope they never use the MDX type grill again in another Acura application. Love the current TSX, but it sure seems expensive for what you get. Based on the current models and prices, the turbo AWD version of the TSX, while it may be seriously fun to drive, will probably start in the $35K range. IMO, Acura just doesnt have the prestige to command that sort of money. I drove the RDX, and thought it was nice, but again couldnt justify the price, especially when you can get the better looking Mazda CX-7 with 90% of the performance for considerably less. I fear Acura is going the way of Mercury, simply rebadges with a couple of extras. Sales figures would seem to confirm this. Just buy a V6 Accord, save some cash, get more power, more room, the same quality interior and call it a day.
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commissioner gordon 5:02PM (10/03/2007)
wagon PLEASE!!
http://news.windingroad.com/concept-cars/frankfurt-honda-accord-tourer-concept-bows/
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John R 4:36PM (10/03/2007)
I love Honda's Acura designs and AWD is great, but they really need to pull the trigger and make a RWD saloon...I mean sedan. I was just watching Fifth Gear.
Imagine a 260bhp turbo four with RWD. How SICK would that be?
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stefan 4:40PM (10/03/2007)
I hope that the JDM euro R will still have the 220BHP K20.
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CalGuy 4:45PM (10/03/2007)
I'm a wagon nut. If the shots of the Euro Accord wagon are anything to go off, the new TSX [wagon] will be possibly the finest looking wagon on the market. The new Mazda 626 is very good looking too, but nothing holds up when you see the new Accord 'Tourer'. Maybe, just maybe, Acura will take the leap and add the wagon to the stuffy sedan lineup, for a REAL sport/utility.
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Maestro1 4:58PM (10/03/2007)
I am really disliking how pretty much every new car that comes out is bigger/chunkier than its predecessor. Why can't they try and use the space the frame has more effectively or something?
Not all of us want to drive around in huge tubs on wheels...
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SPG 6:15PM (10/03/2007)
I thought of the TSX as a modern Infiniti G20.
Low power front wheel drive car that can really handle despite not having lots of power.
I'll have to read some road tests and see the pricing and dimensions to decide if I like this car.
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Chris 6:35PM (10/03/2007)
Holy crap, have you actually ever driven a G20 or a TSX? A G20 is a Sentra with leather. The TSX is extremely luxurious mid size sedan that has good power (with the 6MT) and a fantastic interior.
The TSX is a great car and I will almost certainly consider buying the next one if they can package SH-AWD, the 2.3 turbo, a 6MT and a navi for not much more than the current model's $32k price.
SPG 1:11PM (10/04/2007)
Keep in mind that the TSX came to the market around the same time the G20 left.
Back in the early 90's when the G20 came out very few cars had chrome and metal interior trim or the options that the Euro Accord/TSX has today.