Motorweek Car of the month
12-04-09, 10:23 AM
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Motorweek Car of the month
December 2009
2010 Acura TSX V-6
Power Play
By John Davis
When Acura introduced their all-new 2009 TSX sedan about 18 months ago, MotorWeek found the high-styled compact coupe to have sharp handling, and to be impressively roomy, technologically advanced, and more than anything else, a hoot to drive. The fact that it was powered by a four-cylinder engine didn't faze us one bit. Indeed, the second generation TSX is the model of what a more environmentally conscious sporty four-door should be. Unfortunately, many prospective sport-luxury sedan buyers think a V-6 engine is still required equipment. So, for 2010, Acura has now added a V-6 option to the TSX, a move designed to please everyone.
Thus, the TSX is now available with both its original 201-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, and a free-breathing 3.5-liter V-6 from big brother TL. It's rated at 280-horsepower, for 40% more go.
But, our first experience with the TSX V-6 was more slow than go, that is until we managed to escape the jammed streets of Manhattan, and reached the country byways of New York's Hudson River Valley. From there on out, testing the new TSX V-6 was a total delight.
The extra power enables you to challenge the full capabilities of the responsive chassis underpinning both TSX variants. The engine also mates well with the 6-speed paddle shift automatic transmission. Downshifts are clean and crisp.
For the V-6, each corner of the TSX's cross braced chassis adds higher spring and damper rates, 18-inch wheels, and high-performance rubber. The TSX's electric steering is retuned for crisper response. A larger brake master cylinder coupled to a revised pedal ratio also improves the TSX's ability to stop. But, with all its extra prowess and power, the TSX maintains a compliant ride that won't dislodge your fillings when the pavement turns rough.
Besides wheels and tires, other visual alterations include a revised front facia for better engine cooling, and a modest V-6 badge on the trunk lid. Otherwise, there is little on the exterior to distinguish the TSX V-6 from the base car.
The curvaceous, businesslike interior is little changed too, except for V-6-exclusive one-touch ignition, a revised tachometer, and the addition of a more advanced active sound control system to mask powertrain noise and vibration.
The compact sport sedan market is the heart of the performance arena for some of the world's finest carmakers. Acura has managed to instill a level of confidence and stability in its front-wheel drive sedans that is comparable to many of its best rear-drive rivals. The TSX continues that tradition. But, with the addition of a V-6 option, the TSX is now a serious compact sport sedan player that cannot be taken lightly.
MotorWeek's comprehensive Road Test of the 2010 Acura TSX V-6 is featured on episode #2914 which begins airing on December 4th on PBS stations.
2010 Acura TSX V-6
Power Play
By John Davis
When Acura introduced their all-new 2009 TSX sedan about 18 months ago, MotorWeek found the high-styled compact coupe to have sharp handling, and to be impressively roomy, technologically advanced, and more than anything else, a hoot to drive. The fact that it was powered by a four-cylinder engine didn't faze us one bit. Indeed, the second generation TSX is the model of what a more environmentally conscious sporty four-door should be. Unfortunately, many prospective sport-luxury sedan buyers think a V-6 engine is still required equipment. So, for 2010, Acura has now added a V-6 option to the TSX, a move designed to please everyone.
Thus, the TSX is now available with both its original 201-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, and a free-breathing 3.5-liter V-6 from big brother TL. It's rated at 280-horsepower, for 40% more go.
But, our first experience with the TSX V-6 was more slow than go, that is until we managed to escape the jammed streets of Manhattan, and reached the country byways of New York's Hudson River Valley. From there on out, testing the new TSX V-6 was a total delight.
The extra power enables you to challenge the full capabilities of the responsive chassis underpinning both TSX variants. The engine also mates well with the 6-speed paddle shift automatic transmission. Downshifts are clean and crisp.
For the V-6, each corner of the TSX's cross braced chassis adds higher spring and damper rates, 18-inch wheels, and high-performance rubber. The TSX's electric steering is retuned for crisper response. A larger brake master cylinder coupled to a revised pedal ratio also improves the TSX's ability to stop. But, with all its extra prowess and power, the TSX maintains a compliant ride that won't dislodge your fillings when the pavement turns rough.
Besides wheels and tires, other visual alterations include a revised front facia for better engine cooling, and a modest V-6 badge on the trunk lid. Otherwise, there is little on the exterior to distinguish the TSX V-6 from the base car.
The curvaceous, businesslike interior is little changed too, except for V-6-exclusive one-touch ignition, a revised tachometer, and the addition of a more advanced active sound control system to mask powertrain noise and vibration.
The compact sport sedan market is the heart of the performance arena for some of the world's finest carmakers. Acura has managed to instill a level of confidence and stability in its front-wheel drive sedans that is comparable to many of its best rear-drive rivals. The TSX continues that tradition. But, with the addition of a V-6 option, the TSX is now a serious compact sport sedan player that cannot be taken lightly.
MotorWeek's comprehensive Road Test of the 2010 Acura TSX V-6 is featured on episode #2914 which begins airing on December 4th on PBS stations.
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