2011 Acura TSX

Amidst an aesthetics hailstorm, Acura introduced its redesigned TSX and the brand new TSX Sport Wagon for the 2011 model year.

The 'beak' grille, as some were calling it, received an emphatic 'no' vote from Acura diehards. In response to this criticism, Acura redesigned its TSX's grille slightly, but it is still prevalent at the front of the car and as it blends into car's lines. Though still present, in an attempt to subdue the uprising, Acura's new grille would appear to go too much in the other direction—blasé.

Compared with the 2010 model, the lines of the TSX have remained relatively unchanged. The bodywork and surrounds around the foglights have been redesigned for the 2011 model. Comparing the 2011 TSX model with the redesigned 2010 model, the car features only subtle changes in appearance, including a single strip of chrome trim that runs between the two taillights.

The majority of the refinements for the 2011 TSX come inside the car's interior and under the hood. Though seemingly familiar, the 2011 model boasts a number of visual changes throughout its interior. Such changes and refinements include an optional interior and steering wheel trim package, as well as, a number of other sporty and functional options.

The 2011 model comes with either a 201 hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, or, a 3.5-liter V6 engine. In either case, the engines can be mated to either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Of course, one of the most important refinements in this day and age is in mileage. Acura's TSX continues to stretch the limits of both power and economy with its new model year. The engine continues to provide sporty performance but has been further refined to offer greater fuel economy. Priced at $30,470, and matched with Acura's priceless reliability, the TSX should seda should remain a solid performer for Acura in 2011, despite the issues with the car's styling.

New to Acura's TSX model for 2011 is the highly-anticipated Sport Wagon. For years, Honda offered its Tourer to customers over in Europe. This successful wagon gained a very popular and demanding following in the United States. As a result, Honda brought its wagon to America rebadged as the TSX Sport Wagon.

The TSX Sport Wagon offers its passengers a sturdy and nimble handling ride, all in plush leather comfort. Not offered with a manual transmission, the Sport Wagon leaves some Acura purists without a truly exciting wagon like that of the new Cadillac CTS Wagon or the Audi A4 Avant. However, its versatility, interior size and features makes it a more than capable wagon for carrying the family to and from sporting events and other family functions. On top of the wagon's performance and features, perhaps Acura's greatest feature is its reliability.

In the current economic situation, a wagon that can provide impressive performance and versatility with rock-solid reliability, albeit in a so-so look, still deserves a fare amount of attention. This is why, despite what it could be, the TSX Sport Wagon will remain an eye-catcher throughout the model's debut season here in the United States.

Sources:
'2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon', (http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/1102_2011_acura_tsx_sport_wagon/index.html). Automobilemag.com. http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/1102_2011_acura_tsx_sport_wagon/index.html. Retrieved 8 February 2011.

'2011 Acura TSX', (http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/los_angeles/2010/1011_2011_acura_tsx/index.html). MotorTrend.com. http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/los_angeles/2010/1011_2011_acura_tsx/index.html. Retrieved 8 February 2011.

'Acura 2011 TSX: Accessories', (http://www.acura.com/accessories.aspx?model=tsx&context=interior). Acura Advance. http://www.acura.com/accessories.aspx?model=tsx&context=interior. Retrieved 8 February 2011.

By Jeremy McMullen

2011 Acura TSX Sedan Further Improves Style, Performance and Efficiency

Despite the TSX sedan being a top choice in its class, Acura has not rested on its laurels, as a host of major updates have been made for 2011. Topping the list, the TSX sedan receives a freshened exterior look along with a wide array of new features and technology-- with particular attention being paid to further improving quality and cabin quietness. In addition, significant improvements have been made to both the 2.4L I-4 and 3.5L V-6 engines that yield improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and longer engine life.

'The 2011 TSX offers even better looks, more owner relevant technology and class-leading fuel economy,' said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. 'In short, the best entry luxury car just got better.'




Exterior
On the outside, the 2011 TSX receives a new front fascia, revised chin spoiler, new fog light garnish assembly and an updated grill. The updated front end teams with new underbody panels to improve aerodynamics. At the rear, revised taillights and an updated rear license plate garnish add more visual appeal for the TSX.

The standard 17-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels for the 2.4L 4-cylinder model are more cutting edge as they now incorporate a machined lip on the face of the spokes, and the split 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels remain standard with the 3.5L V-6 model.



Acura is known for its outstanding array of user relevant technology, and the 2011 TSX further expands on this concept. New for 2011, the TSX with available Technology Package now includes an LED backlit full VGA navigation screen (that generates 400-percent better resolution than before), improved navigation system functions (faster performance, improved search ability and expanded map coverage), Song By Voice™ (SBV) user interface, a 60-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) system, and the ability to download 15-gigabytes of personal music to the HDD system. Now with the ability to store more than 3,500 songs*, there is no longer a need to carry around bulky CDs.

Acura has always put much emphasis on building an interior that is exceptionally quiet, and for 2011 the TSX has even greater cabin serenity thanks to items such as a new acoustic glass front windshield, even thicker side glass, increased use of sound-deadening insulation, improved floor mats and new underfloor covers.

Drivetrain
The 2011 TSX sedan remains fun to drive thanks to two powerful engine choices with class-leading fuel efficiency; a spirited 2.4L inline four cylinder engine and a torquey 3.5L V-6. For 2011, both engines receive numerous improvements to reduce internal operating friction which help improve fuel economy, lower carbon dioxide (CO2) output and increase engine life.

As a result, the friction reduction measures are a significant element to improve fuel economy as evidenced by improvements in city, highway and combined fuel economy for both the 2.4L I-4 and the 3.5L V-6.

New automatic transmission programming helps maximize the engine output by allowing for Shift Hold Control during cornering along with 'smart shift' functionality that allows for semi-manual operation when in Drive-- not just when in Sport Mode. In addition, the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission now features a fluid warmer that helps improve shift quality, transmission durability and engine fuel economy for TSX owners who live in colder climates.

Pricing
On sale at Acura dealerships on November 23, the 2011 TSX with 2.4L I-4 engine will have an MSRP of $29,610 for both manual and automatic transmission models. Equipped with the available Technology package, the MSRP will be $32,710. The TSX with 3.5L V-6 engine will have an MSRP of $35,150, or $38,250 when equipped with the Technology Package.

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the Únited States. The 2011 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SÚV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

Along with every new Acura, the 2011 TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For additional media information, please go to www.acuranews.com.

*Approximate capacity based on an average size of 4.0 MB per song at a 128kbps bitrate

**Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Úse for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle

Source - Acura