Product

SPY SHOTS—2009 ACURA TSX: BOLD STYLING FROM ACCORD AND TL, 260HP ON TYPE-S

Not far from Honda’s U.S. corporate headquarters, Brenda Priddy & Co. spy shooter Chris Doane nabbed these shots of the next-generation Acura TSX. Assuming a more aggressive look somewhere between the new Accord and current TL, the TSX also takes some design cues from the SPORTS 4 concept car shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.

An improved 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor will power the base model with an expected 20-30 horsepower bump. The front-drive entry-level model will sport either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto.

A hotter Type-S model should also appear with around 260hp, coming from an up-tuned version of the 2.3-liter (240 hp) turbocharged motor currently found in the Acura RDX. The sportier model will feature a six-speed auto/manual DSG gearbox, and is expected to feature Honda's Super Handling All Wheel Drive system.


While this vehicle will be sold as the Acura TSX in the United States, this same car, with just a few minor styling adjustments, will also sell in European markets as the new Honda Accord. With the 2008 Honda Accord getting a diesel motor, it’s possible we could see a diesel TSX as well. The TSX should enter production towards the end of 2008.