2008 New York Auto Show: Acura

Honda's luxury division took the wraps off of the worst kept secret in auto land at the 2008 New York Auto Show: the next-generation Acura TSX. For 2009, the redesigned TSX grows slightly larger, gets a bump in torque, and features more comfort and convenience features.

Acura's entry-level sedan rides on a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and grows 2.4 inches in length and 3.0 inches in width.

CG Says...
What happened to the rumored turbocharged, all-wheel drive TSX? We hope Acura didn't put this idea on the shelf and are hoping for a mid-model-year addition to the lineup.

The second-generation TSX will again be powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, but this engine makes 201 horsepower (down four from 2008) and 172 lb-ft of torque (up eight from 2008). It is also now all aluminum and environmentally cleaner and more fuel efficient, Acura asserts. Standard 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions carry over to the redesigned model. Acura estimates automatic models will get 21/30 mpg city/highway and manual models will get 20/28 mpg city/highway.

New features include a Technology Package that consists of a navigation system with voice recognition, AcuraLink real-time traffic, AcuraLink weather, and AcuraLink Satellite communication system. Other features like a reverse-linked passenger-side door mirror that tilts down to help parallel parking maneuvers, a rear backup camera, and a 10-speaker premium surround sound audio system are also new for 2009. Leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power sunroof are again standard.

Acura expects TSX to retain its core audience and continue appealing to young professionals and " extremely brand-conscious image seekers." Look for the 2009 Acura TSX on sale this spring. TSX comes on the heels of a refreshed RL introduced at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. TL is next on Acura's update list.