2011 Acura TSX sedan further improves style, performance and efficiency

11/16/2010 - TORRANCE, Calif. 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."

Acura's philosophy of smart luxury is well evidenced by the combination of great looks, a luxury interior available with a wide variety of technology features, and excellent safety-- all for an exceptional level of value. Thanks to this great mix of attributes, the TSX has the largest percentage of buyers under 30 among all luxury sedans and has remained the volume leader within its segment according to Global Insight.

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.

Interior
Inside, the 2011 TSX receives a host of visual upgrades in the form of revised styling for the center console, darker trim pieces, brightly finished door handles, an updated parking brake handle and new garnishes for the steering wheel. In addition, new is contrasting-color stitching for the leather seats, door armrests and center console. Rear seat occupants will enjoy added comfort thanks to the addition of heating/cooling vents mounted at the rear of the center console.

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 United 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 SUV, 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. Use 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;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/acura-automobiles-headlines/releases/2011-acura-tsx-sedan-further-improves-style-performance-and-efficiency

*UPDATE* Honda to phase out Acura RL (NOPE) and its Japanese version, the Legend

*UPDATE: Acura has released a statement saying that RL will continue to be the brand's flagship model and it's in no danger of being euthanized. -autoblog
Honda’s reorganization plan includes ending a few models that have become unpopular. A report from Nikkei business daily states that Honda will be discontinuing the Acura RL as well as its Japanese version, the Honda Legend.

In the US, the Acura RL is positioned at the top of the premium range. In the past few years, sales of the Acura RL declined primarily as a result of the TL model that is slotted under it. Many consumers preferred the TL because of its better overall package and interior design, more superior powerplants and other features that exceeded the flagship model. The Nikkei business daily also said that the production changes that Honda made recently only targeted its domestic market. It’s apparent that the Civic’s gasoline version will be discontinued. This indicates that the Civic lineup will only include the hybrid version of the car until the arrival of the next generation late next year. It was also reported that the production of the Elysion minivan will soon end.

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/honda-to-phase-out-acura-rl-as-well-as-its-japanese-version-the-legend/

Canadian Exclusive: Acura announces limited edition TL A-Spec

Apparently this car will only be available in Canada....
Toronto, Ontario – The new Acura TL A-Spec limited edition package is now available in Canada, priced at $51,290. The package adds 19-inch wheels, an aero kit and other features.

The 2010 TL A-Spec features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and includes all of the features of the TL SH-AWD Technology Package trim, with either a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission.

Unique to the A-Spec are its 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, full aero kit package with front, side and rear skirts, midnight chrome grille and rear piece, and A-Spec badge and floor mats.

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/05/12/acura-announces-limited-edition-tl-a-spec.htm

Temple of Vtec: Acura's "Smart Luxury" future is confirmed, and so is a sub-TSX model

As a followup to last week's news item about Acura's rumored adoption of the "Smart Luxury" tagline (and migration away from the previous "Tier 1" target), we have been able to confirm that this course deflection has in fact been communicated to the dealer body.

We can also confirm that Acura has told their dealer body to expect:
-a new entry-luxury model
-an "amazing flagship" model
-a line of hybrid vehicles done "the Acura way".
-NO rear-wheel-drive or V8-powered vehicles

The key drivers for this change in course are said to include the global economic crisis and upcoming 2016 federal mandates which dictate a fleet average of more than 37mpg for Honda and Acura combined. This figure represents an increase of more than 10mpg over where they currently stand.

We are told that Acura has also promised that the future model lineup will feature more differentiation (in terms of size) between models, though the pipeline's rate of introductions may slow down a bit. Acura has previously stated that the lineup would offer an MMC or FMC every 6 months for the next several years, but now they are saying an MMC or FMC "every year".

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=868825

2009 Honda Odyssey Approaches Luxury Ride and Cabin Isolation

The Odyssey utilizes a wide variety of technology, construction and space age materials to reduce road noise to the lowest levels available in the minivan segment. The Odyssey has the following features that address NVH:
-Floating front and rear subframes with rubber bushings (new on rear subframe)
-Advanced sound absorbing material lines majority of cabin (new material technology)
-Active Noise Control (exclusive to EX with Leather and Touring models)

To maximize gains derived from the Odyssey's stronger body, both the front and rear subframes of the current generation Odyssey have structural enhancements to improve ride and handling precision characteristics along with noise reductions. The points where the front and rear subframes attach to the body have rubber bushings, which help to isolate the effects of noise transmitted from road surfaces and bumps through the fully independent suspension.

Lightweight Soundproofing Material

The Honda Odyssey utilizes a new style of lightweight sound proofing material that reduces weight and absorbs more noise than traditional insulation. Traditional soundproofing material works by "insulating" the cabin from noise with a thick, heavy layer of foam padding (like carpet padding) on top of a layer of rubber meltsheet (and then adding an additional thin layer of meltsheet). The Odyssey still uses meltsheet, but the soundproofing material is comprised of a much thinner layer of lightweight sound absorbing substrate that "absorbs" sound rather than "insulates" or "reflects" it. This material can save more than 13.6 kg of weight compared traditional soundproofing material while providing higher sound deadening performance.

Active Noise Control (ANC)

Additional sound reduction is achieved through the Active Noise Control (ANC) system (on models with Variable Cylinder Management).

The Odyssey uses advanced technology to create one of the quietest automotive interiors on the road. Models equipped with the leather interior (which includes some EX models and the Touring model) have Active Noise Control (ANC). The ANC system uses a microphone at the front of the vehicle interior to create "anti-noise" through the audio system speakers. More specifically, the audio system analyzes the sound waves entering the cabin, and then instantaneously creates an opposite sound wave (anti-noise) to cancel the unwanted noise. This helps reduce interior engine noise that may occur during certain cycles with the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system on EX with Leather and Touring models. The system also reduces road noise and numerous other external sound factors. The end result is a superbly quiet cabin typical of vehicles in the pure luxury class of automobiles. The system will not counteract voices inside the cabin whether desired or not.

Source;
Honda Canada