2013 Acura TSX

The TSX has long been one of Acura's most popular models. As an all-new, clean sheet design for 2009, the automotive media was immediately impressed and TSX sales were strong. Thanks to a great mix of styling, sporty performance, luxury appointments, good fuel efficiency and outstanding value, the TSX has remained the volume leader within its segment according to Global Insight.

Rather than resting on its laurels, for 2011 Acura debuted an all-new TSX variant— the TSX Sport Wagon. With crisp styling and added utility, the TSX Sport Wagon was a smart alternative for those considering a compact SÚV. Besides offering better fuel economy, the TSX Sport Wagon provides cargo area comparable to that of many CÚVs. Plus, the TSX Sport Wagon offers an available power actuated tailgate, a multi-configurable rear cargo area (with numerous hidden storage areas) and a low lift-over height allowing for easy loading. In today's tough economic environment, the time is perfect to offer a smarter choice for buyers— one without sacrifice or that is a compromise for the needs of today's savvy buyer.

In 2012, Acura introduced another TSX variant— the TSX Special Edition. Designed to evoke the fun-to-drive 4-cylinder Acuras of the past, the TSX Special Edition added even more sportiness to the TSX lineup thanks to numerous exterior and interior upgrades for Acura's entry-level sedan. (concept carz)

The TSX Special Edition package consists of numerous upgrades to the exterior including a more aggressive front spoiler, a new rear bumper fascia, unique side sills and an exclusive 'Special Edition' badge on the trunklid. In addition, the TSX's 17x7.5-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels feature a polished finish with dark grey background, unique to the Special Edition model. The TSX Special Edition package makes use of Acura's acclaimed K24 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and will be available with either the close-ratio 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmissions.

Inside, the TSX Special Edition makes use of sport-minded appointments including exclusive seating surfaces with perforated black Lux Suede® inserts with red backing. Únique red stitching (used for the seats, steering wheel and the shift knob) combines with red lighting for the instrument cluster gauges, overhead lighting and footwell lighting. Adding more appeal to the driver's footwell are aluminum pedal covers with a race-inspired look. Rounding out the Special Edition's interior upgrades is the use of bright silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters along with black headliner material (standard TSX have grey headliner material).

The 2013 TSX remains fun to drive thanks to two powerful engine choices; a spirited 2.4L inline four cylinder (available on TSX Sedan, Sport Wagon and Special Edition) and a torquey 3.5L V-6 (available on TSX Sedan). Both engines recently received numerous improvements to reduce internal operating friction which help improve fuel economy. As a result, the friction reduction measures are a significant element to improve fuel economy as (for example) there are improvements in city, highway and combined fuel economy for both the 2.4L I-4 and the 3.5L V-6 versus the earlier designs of the TSX engines.

Source - Acura

For 2012, the 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC® inline four-cylinder engine remains as the standard engine. The engine offers good acceleration while generating excellent fuel efficiency. The all-aluminum I-4 engine produces 201 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque (6MT), and incorporates Acura's i-VTEC® 'intelligent' valve control system that features Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) combined with Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™). Though peak horsepower is virtually unchanged versus the previous generation 2.4L engine, peak torque output has risen by 8 lb-ft. In addition, the engine's torque curve has fattened considerably. Horsepower, for example, is up five percent at 4,400 rpm. The result is stronger throttle response and better acceleration just about everywhere in the engine's operating range. To achieve these power gains, the engine has a higher compression ratio, different valve timing, and intake and exhaust flow improvements. An aluminum and resin composite intake manifold reduces weight over the previous I-4's aluminum design, while better insulating the engine's incoming airflow from under-hood heat.

The use of numerous friction reducing technologies (applied to both the 2.4L I-4 and the 3.5L V-6 engines) help reduce internal operation friction which helps deliver improved efficiency.

Both the 4- and 6-cylinder engines make use of a plateau honing technique for the cylinder bores that generates a smoother surface. As a result, the piston rings achieve more consistent contact with the cylinder walls which generates improved ring-to-bore sealing along with reduced overall friction.

With the 2.4L I-4, the pistons make use of a low-tension piston ring that reduces operating friction while the 3.5L V-6 uses a redesigned ion-plated piston ring design. In addition, the outer skirts of both the 4- and 6-cylinder pistons now feature a molybdenum coating applied in a unique dot-pattern application. The result is reduced overall friction as the pistons move within the cylinder bores.

Other friction reducing items include the use of lower viscosity engine oil (0W-20 weight versus the previous 5W-20 weight oil) along with lower viscosity oil for the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) In addition, the 5-speed automatic fitted to the 2.4L I-4 engine makes use of a fluid warmer assembly warmer that helps improve shift quality and engine fuel economy for TSX owners who live in colder climates.

A rear-mounted exhaust system layout, close-coupled catalytic converter and advanced Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) team to help both the I-4 and V-6 engines meet EPA 2 - Bin 5 and CARB LEV II Últra Low Emission Vehicle standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)

Beginning in 2010, the TSX was available with a transversely mounted 3.5-liter all-aluminum V-6 engine with single overhead camshaft (SOHC) cylinder heads. The V-6's 12 intake valves are actuated by Acura's acclaimed VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system. The compact and efficient V-6 engine produces 280 horsepower and 254 lbs-ft of torque. The power curve has been specially tailored to deliver strong, linear power in the rpm range used in most day-to-day driving conditions.

Source - Acura