2008 Acura TSX

2008 Acura TSX Sports Sedan Delivers Performance, Style and Efficiency

The Acura TSX has made its mark in the highly competitive near-premium sports sedan segment, winning over driving enthusiasts with its taut styling, razor-sharp reflexes and long list of standard luxury features and technologies. The 2008 TSX continues this outstanding blend of performance, style and efficiency that has helped it attract many new drivers from other players in the sports sedan market.
'The TSX has clearly established itself as a serious player in the sports sedan segment,' said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. 'It serves as a critical entry point into the Acura brand for thousands of new luxury customers each year, and delivers in spades on the advanced performance, technology and style of Acura.'
Powertrain
The 2008 TSX is powered by an advanced and efficient 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine generating 205 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque, delivering performance on par with many 6-cylinder powerplants. The computer-controlled i-VTEC® 'intelligent' intake/exhaust valve actuation system delivers enhanced performance across a broad powerband while still providing superior fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions. A direct ignition system with knock control helps optimize power and fuel efficiency by ensuring a properly timed ignition spark at all engine speeds.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs and a self-adjusting camshaft chain help the TSX run for up to 100,000 miles or more before requiring a major scheduled tune-up.
The TSX engine is also equipped with Drive-By-Wire Throttle technology that helps boost performance, efficiency and enhanced driver control. The system continuously adjusts the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal to match driving conditions and also modulates the throttle during gear changes to help make automatic transmission shifts even smoother. It also provides precise throttle control for the TSX's standard cruise control and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system.
The TSX is available with either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission offered as standard equipment. The lightweight 6-speed gearbox features short-throw shifts and multi-cone synchronizers on all gears for quick, light and precise shift actuation. The manual transmission case is made from strong and lightweight magnesium alloy, a material typically reserved for racing applications. The case weighs 6.6 pounds less than a comparable aluminum unit and is extremely rigid to help dampen noise and vibration.
Along with its impressive 205 horsepower output, the TSX with manual transmission earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 19/28 mpg* (city/highway), while the TSX with automatic transmission has a rating of 20/28 mpg*. Air-assisted fuel injectors, a uniquely positioned under floor catalytic converter, and a high-flow stainless-steel exhaust manifold help the TSX achieve the Ú.S. EPA's stringent Tier 2-Bin 5 (and CARB LEV-2) exhaust emissions standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)
Chassis
Providing the foundation for its adrenaline-inducing performance, the
TSX features an extremely rigid unit body structure and a race-bred 4-wheel-independent double-wishbone front and 5-link rear suspension design. The suspension is track-tuned to reduce lift, dive and body roll, and it boasts gas-pressurized shock absorbers, a front shock-tower brace, and large front and rear stabilizer bars.
Computer-developed front suspension geometry allowed TSX designers to build in subtle handling enhancements. The TSX has pronounced steering self-centering to enhance high-speed
stability and lane control, while special anti-dive geometry for the front and rear suspension helps reduce body pitching during hard braking. A quick-ratio, variable power assist rack-and-pinion steering system provides outstanding feel and responsiveness and features an anti-kickback valve for reduced steering wheel kickback on rough roads.
Handling and driver control are further enhanced by the standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). VSA® works in concert with the braking and drive-by-wire throttle systems to provide enhanced control during acceleration, braking and cornering. This 4-channel system also orchestrates the engine's throttle and each of the four disc brakes to seamlessly integrate traction control, anti-lock braking and stability enhancement for increased driver control. The electronically controlled Brake Assist feature helps the driver to more quickly apply full brake pressure during accident avoidance situations.
To provide stability and superb stopping power, the TSX is equipped with large 4-wheel disc brakes (11.8-inch ventilated front rotors and 10.2-inch solid rear) with ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels and P215/50R17 Michelin all-season high-performance tires.
Exterior/Interior
The body of the TSX offers crisp lines and dynamic curves. In front, styling cues include a signature 5-sided Acura grille, angular side markers and bumper-integrated fog lamps. In the rear, the taillights slope to meet a short, high trunk lid that terminates sharply to help air separate cleanly off the back of the car at speed. Stylish nine-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels finish the TSX's sporty appearance.
The five-passenger interior of the TSX is sporty yet refined with modern LED- illuminated instrumentation and intuitive controls. Like all Acura models, the TSX comes equipped with a standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® telephone system. The system allows calls to be placed and received using the TSX's voice recognition and audio interfaces. To make a call, the driver pushes the steering wheel-mounted Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® button which connects their mobile phone to the system. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® can be programmed to
accept up to six different phones and up to 50 numbers may be stored in the system's phone book.
The comprehensively equipped TSX features deeply bolstered, perforated leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, power windows and door locks with keyless entry. A leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel provides an excellent feel and features built-in audio and cruise control functions, as well as voice recognition and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® switches.
The TSX comes equipped with a 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System with standard XM® Satellite Radio and an auxiliary jack for MP3 and other digital music devices. The standard 8-way power adjustable driver's seat features two-position memory, so when the driver enters the car with the key fob, the TSX automatically adjusts the driver seat to a pre-set position.
In addition, a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel allows the TSX to accommodate a wide range of driver profiles. A 4-way adjustable power passenger seat increases passenger comfort and convenience.
The only factory option on the TSX is the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. This easy to use navigation system features an 8-inch display, a menu of 653 voice commands, and a comprehensive destination guide with over 7 million points of interest including the Zagat Survey™ Restaurant Guide, 3-D graphics for freeway interchanges including on and off-ramps and turn-by-turn voice guidance. In addition, 1.7 million Ú.S. cities and street names can be accessed through the voice recognition system. For 2008, the navigation system, replete with an 8-inch touch-screen display, now also includes Hawaii.
To ensure proper maintenance intervals and to reduce the number of service visits, the TSX features a Maintenance Minder™ system that automatically monitors the vehicle's unique operating profile and alerts the driver via a Multi-Information Display when certain types of routine service (including oil and filter replacement and tire rotation) are needed.
As with all Acura models, the TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty along with a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®) that provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.
Safety
The TSX, delivering on Acura's 'Safety Through Innovation' initiative, comes equipped with a comprehensive array of standard active and passive safety features. On the active (accident avoidance) front, in addition to its sophisticated and highly responsive suspension, steering and braking systems, the TSX comes equipped with standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
In the event of a collision, the TSX employs multiple advanced safety technologies to help absorb and redirect the energy of the crash. These technologies include dual-stage, dual-threshold driver and front passenger airbags along with side airbags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger side airbag features an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag deployment if a child or small-stature adult leans into the deployment path.
In addition, side curtain airbags help protect vehicle occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a significant side impact.
These features, working in conjunction with the vehicle's energy-absorbing body structure, help the TSX achieve a NHTSA 5-star rating in Ú.S. government's frontal crash test along with a GOOD rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) 40mph frontal offset test.

Source - Acura