Spy Shots: Acura TSX
It's handy to work next door to Honda's US Headquarters if your goal is to snag pictures of future models. A user from the Temple of VTEC forums named Tyson grabbed a couple shots of what's believed to be the 2009 Acura TSX. He'd been seeing the silver sedan for a few days, and was finally able to think quickly and grab the camera phone. What we know as the Acura TSX is the rest of the world's Honda Accord. Being their bread and butter sedan, Honda's not gone out on a limb here, but what we can make out is a pleasing evolution from the current TSX/Euro Accord. Having experienced the cavernous new Accord, we find the TSX a bit more "right-sized" when you think in terms of sports sedans. Hopefully, sporty moves will be delivered by Honda's SH-AWD hardware, with the RDX's turbo-fed mill providing the twist -- at least that's what we're praying for. Production is expected to start later this year.
[Source: VTEC.net]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
DCragtop 7:58AM (2/05/2008)
Shawl is chunky in the rear. Baby got back! I almost mistaked this a Lexus GS at first. Thanks for clearing up the confusion.
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Trevor 8:01AM (2/05/2008)
looks like a Fusion from the side
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Bling Bling Boy 8:10AM (2/05/2008)
Why is the TSX being produced anyway? I don't understand Honda/Acura. They offer vehicles like the MDX and then undercut it's presence with the RDX..
But back to the TSX..It's roughly the same size as the TL and it fills no segment gap in this class..Just because you have an available platform laying around doesn't mean you should build it...I guess Acura isn't concern with it's brand identity as evident of these useless models..
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Tom 9:44AM (2/05/2008)
Actually the TXS is considerably smaller than the TL. Personally I think it's the perfect size, and I'm a little sad that the next one is going to be larger. Wouldn't mind the turbo and SH-AWD though.
Throwback 8:15AM (2/05/2008)
What's changed? looks like the same car.
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Hamud 8:16AM (2/05/2008)
Was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw it, even the wheels are pretty similar. Had to read the headline to realize it wasn't the Fusion.
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benjamin.pollock 8:22AM (2/05/2008)
Sweet. A Fusion's side and a Sebring's grille. just great...I think I'd rather buy a Mercury Milan. At least it's got a V6 and AWD. I never have and never will understand what goes through Acura's head 90% of the time. What a lost brand.
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Tyo 8:25AM (2/05/2008)
TSX's are a little smaller than the TL. And as far as vehicle size is concerned, Honda is all out of whack. The current Accord is as big as an RL!
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psarhjinian 10:37AM (2/05/2008)
Not really. The Accord is the nonpremium mid/fullsize, rather like the Impala or Taurus. Do people criticize the Impala because it's about the size of a DTS or STS? No? Then what's the problem with the Accord?
The problem with Acura is that, without the RSX, there's no way for young buyers to enter the brand. The RDX and TSX are very slightly too expensive and, well, old. The RSX was very good at getting young, urban professionals into the showroom and, when they've grown up a little, into TSXs, MDXs and TLs.
I guess Honda figured these people would have defected to the Civic Si and, to a degree they have, but not in the numbers Acura needs. And quite a number have moved to VW and Mini instead.
I know Honda wanted to take Acura upmarket, and to a dgeree they've managed it with the MDX. But they're overstretched in resources and squeezed between markets. The RL needs to be better-differentiated from the TL, true, but a lack of an RSX replacement is what's hurting them. The rest of the lineup is actually pretty good.
calebe 8:27AM (2/05/2008)
Reply button does not work
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Seoultrain 10:27AM (2/05/2008)
click the date of the comment and reply there.
John R 8:35AM (2/05/2008)
meh...
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Mr. Blake 8:37AM (2/05/2008)
Nice, clean lines... I like it, but then again, I have always liked the TL and TSX.
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geo.stewart 8:50AM (2/05/2008)
The current TSX is pretty tight in the back, about the same as a gen4 Jetta as far as leg room. kind of a bland design.
BUT, much more attractive than this thing. the front end just makes it look bloated. maybe the grill is more angular in real life and in keeping with the lights.
Hopefully, its just that these lores pix just arent doing the cars any favors
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Taz 8:55AM (2/05/2008)
1st Gen looks way better than this..
What is Acura thinking?! I know for sure, my next car will not be an Acura!!
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Andrew 8:54AM (2/05/2008)
Did the Japanese give up on being innovative with their designs? This looks like crap.
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PJ 9:12AM (2/05/2008)
The TSX is one of my personal faves. It's a superbly balanced total package--compact, refined, efficient, comfortable, and just sporty enough to be fun. It's also got one of the best six-speeds on the planet.
As for its market niche, you have to consider that the current model is a $28,000 car. The only option is nav. You could spend that much on a mainstream family sedan, and the TSX' dynamics and tactile quality are somewhere between an Accord and a 3-Series.
The TL, besides starting at $33K, is just a bigger, fatter car to drive--more power, but less tactile feedback and duller controls. The TSX is a Honda like they used to build 'em.
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Atomicbri 9:19AM (2/05/2008)
I was thinking the same thing!
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Atomicbri 9:20AM (2/05/2008)
Ok I was posting a reply and I ended up at the bottom instead of the reply! LOL! I was saying I was thinking it looked like a Ford Fusion myself from side view.
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sk 9:40AM (2/05/2008)
Looks and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. With that said, I don't like the changes they made to this Euro Accord aka Acura TSX. Should have left the styling the way it is overseas.
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