rb6teg

The new SUV will be based off of the concept RD-X that appeared about 2 years ago at autoshows.






The RD-X was (I believe) the first concept Acura to showcase the AWD IMA system.

iNteGraz92

it will be cr-v based. that doesn't mean it will be a rebadged cr-v

provench

Just got around to reading this article and this quote jumped out at me:

"The TSX and the Accord coupe were comparable in roll-ing acceleration from 20 to 40 mph, and in braking. "

Comparable rolling acceleration from 20-40 with the V6 Accord Coupe! [cartman] You will respect my authoritaaay! [/cartman]

This also goes with the stellar 5-60 numbers that folks have seen. This is what we like to call usable acceleration. Not bad for a 4 banger at ALL is what I say

jackspat2

geezus, what they trying to do? Make us take the bus?

Raheel

RDX = Aztek Lowered + Batmobile

provench

Another SUV ... blah blah ...

Let's get back on the AWD TSX topic

Weck

Provench, can I get one more SUV post in? Pleeease?

Perhaps discussing both of these vehicles (AWD TSX and RDX) in the same thread may help us understand Acura's marketing strategy ... I may be way off base, but here's my theory (for what it's worth)

To me, the RDX represents Acura's progress towards a hybrid vehicle or tall wagon (aka: Pacifica, FX35/45, RX330...) - that is, a cross between car and SUV. Having AWD in this near luxury/luxury market is mandatory and Acura knows this. On the other hand, adding AWD to a near luxury TSX wouldn't generat any more sales since it would inflate the price beyond it's intended demographics. (not me personally - I want, no, need an AWD R-Type ). Acura may be thinking the majority of AWD buyers want a hybrid and vice versa.

Because of this, I see the RDX as being the only AWD car-like vehicle in Acura's stable.

(Infiniti/Lexus has the same marketing strategy - SUVs and Hybrids being the only AWD options).

rb6teg

No, the new RL will be AWD...100% it's going to happen. I promise. And so will the TL eventually. The RDX will be the third vehicle in Acura's lineup to have AWD, and maybe the fourth, considering the DNX (the new NSX) concept was AWD IMA.

gavriil

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY HONDA

Acura TSX A-SPECÔ Concept
Since its debut in March, the 200-horsepower TSX has exceeded Acura sales goals in the extremely competitive sports sedan segment. With the car’s aggressive styling, responsive powertrain and sporty chassis building a strong and rapidly growing following with the aftermarket, Honda Access America, the accessory division of Honda, designed a prototype A-SPEC kit to highlight the potential of this hot-selling new model. The performance package features an aero kit, and a sport suspension that gives it an even sleeker, more aggressive look while taking advantage of the TSX’s unique and potent performance capabilities.

Chassis/Suspension Modifications o Prototype sport suspension with track tuned shocks and springs
o Modulo sport exhaust
o Brembo prototype front brakes
o 18-inch wheels
o Yokohama 235/40 ZR tires
Exterior Modifications o Prototype front bumper
o Prototype deck lid spoiler
o Side and rear valances
o Front side markers with white lenses
o Fog lights
o A-SPEC badging
Interior Modifications o Momo steering wheel
o Prototype Recaro front seats
o NSX-R aluminum sport shift knob
o Prototype interior trim finish
o Sport floor mats

soopa

Full Size Images:

http://photos.acura-tsx.com/soopa/sema2003//tsx1.jpg

http://photos.acura-tsx.com/soopa/sema2003//tsx2.jpg

http://photos.acura-tsx.com/soopa/sema2003//tsx3.jpg

http://photos.acura-tsx.com/soopa/sema2003//tsx4.jpg

http://photos.acura-tsx.com/soopa/sema2003//tsx5.jpg

http://photos.acura-tsx.com/soopa/sema2003//tsx6.jpg

http://photos.acura-tsx.com/soopa/sema2003//tsx7.jpg

Collective27

I like it.

did they black out the headlights?

Sarlacc

Hot

cusdaddy

Looks decent, but not as hot as the A-spec TL

Crazy Bimmer

blah. Seats look goofy as hell

danny25

those new TL wheels look good in chrome

typeR

that front bumper is exactly what i want for my cl

danny25

a drop would do wonders

charliemike

I'm not paying that kind of money for superficial shit.

Give me more hp

heyitsme

would rather see hondata on that list than 18"chrome wheels, just adding more and more weight. everything else looks good though.

Chaptorial

Love the blueish foglights.

gsrblack

Why is there still so much wheel gap? I thought they are putting some springs on it...they need a drop bad, or at least a better one!

Red Nj-s

Really wish they would put a good motor in the car...it's so hot looking.

gdubb

Red Rider

I guess the " A " is for accessories ! How about a power upgrade.

nandowong

VeeralS05

I WANT TO GET THOSE TSX A-SPEC RIMS AND PUT THEM ON MY CL...GIVE IT A NICE CUSTOM LOOK YET WITH A FLAVOR OR STOCK...I'LL TAKE THE BRAKES TOO

LeMasseHammer

Sorry if this is old news, but I haven't seen any threads talking about the Consumer Reports article. I haven't seen the article, but my dad called to razz me because CR doesn't list the car as "recommended." Apparently because of the stiff ride? Although the article had mostly praise for our beloved TSX.

Can somebody who has the article scan it or something?

Dan Martin

It doesn't take much for Consumer Reports to not like a car. I always take their reviews whith a grain of salt because they don't seem to be very consistant with their likes and dislikes.

LeMasseHammer

Absolutely -- I should have mentioned that. CR has to take the mainstream point of view, while the TSX is obviously more of a niche vehicle.

I don't think CR's lack of recommendation had anything to do with predicted reliability, resale value, safety etc.

TMQ

the WSJ today has a cover story on the vehicles that CR recommends for 2004. TL is one of the them. (others include Accord/Passat, Honda Pilot, Subaru forester, Lexus RX330 and LS430. Ford focus replaces Civic in the small vehicle category, and focus SVT replaces WRX as the most fun to drive car.

I haven't read too much about SVT, but seriously, how much does CR know about fun to drive? Reliability score from them might be more reliable.

The article says that avg American cars are now more reliable than avg European cars.

DarkSithCL

iTrader: (1)

drop it and they will come.....

darth62

You should call your dad and raz him back, because he completely distorted what CR had to say.

CR didn't list the car as recommended because they have completed testing yet. They're not publishing the test until Sept of 2004.

However, I participated in one of the discussions at the site that are limited to subscribers. I asked the Auto editor if the TSX would be on the recommended list. He basically said that he could see any way it wouldn't wind up recommended AFTER the testing was complete.

As for the preliminary comments, they basically liked the car a lot. They said both transmissions were slick, the engine was smooth and quick, and the car handled well. Their only complaint was that the ride "was firm but well controlled."


Acura TSX

Product: Acura TSX sedan
Full report: September 2004



When Acura dropped the Integra in 2001, it replaced the car with the sporty two-door RSX. In spring 2003, Acura introduced a new four-door sedan, the TSX, based on the Honda Accord that is sold in Europe, Japan, and elsewhere outside the U.S.

The TSX, designed to be sportier than the typical family sedan, has a 200-hp, 2.4-liter Four. For about $27,000, it comes well equipped with heated leather seats, stability control, and side-curtain air bags. Its main competitor is the Audi A4 1.8T, about $30,000.

In our preliminary driving, the TSX has been very pleasant. The smooth, quiet engine is coupled to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The stick shift is a delight; the automatic, very smooth and responsive. The TSX is fairly agile, with responsive steering and good tire grip. The ride is quite firm though well controlled. The cabin is quiet, the seats are comfortable, and the fit and finish are impressive.

Most controls are easy to use. The standard low-beam HID headlights have good intensity, but they also have a sharp cutoff that can distract oncoming drivers on undulating roads.

jcg878

^what he said - they haven't tested it yet !

I like to consider the opinions of both CR and C&D when choosing a car - one tells me if I'll die in it or if it'll far apart, the other tells me if I'll still like driving it in a few months. I went out on a limb and hoped for reliability and safety based on the manufacturer's history while salivating over C&D's assessment

biker

I wonder if they left out the BMW325 out on purpose as the competition and listed a similar FWD car.

jcg878

We won't know until they test it and place it in one of their categories, when they rank them. I wouldn't read much into that statement, since surely the TSX has more competition than just the A4.

TSX Hokie

Well, the TSX does make things difficult for the Saab 9-3 and Audi A4. The TSX is just as fast, and has more base features (you have to get all the option packages with the A4 and 9-3 to get what the TSX has standard). People that buy a BMW 325 usually aren't cross-shopping with anything (except maybe MB).

When you want to impress the other yuppies at the country club, only two car brands will do.

gocubsgo55

Picked this up from Clubtsx.com...


"JDM Honda Accord (TSX) with K22A (2.2L) turbo with AWD (not sure if it's the same SH-AWD system on the new RL), producing 250HP (no Tq figures yet).
Honda plans to unveil this sometime in 05 to compete against the popular segment currently dominated by the Subaru WRX and Mitsu LanEvo.
The pic on the mag is the Accord Euro R with hood scoop and rear spoiler similar to that of the JDM Integra Type R."

My god, if this thing were equiped with AWD and a turbo...

also picked up something on a clutchless 6MT. pretty cool. i doubt this is all going to happen though. I mean cmon.. Honda...TURBO?!

wait, the new NSX is coming in the near future, and Honda's president said it'd have no competetors. Maybe this turbo can be a supliment to Honda/Acura's turbos. Where's Justin with the verification??

thanx

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

If this is true, I'm gonna get another TSX when I turn this one over to my brother...

phile

And this is from autospies (take it with a grain of salt):

Sources tell the spies that the killer AWD system coming on the 2005 Acura RL (SH-AWD) will be an option on future TL's and TSX's.

xizor

While this sounds totally bogus to me, this is JDM. Hence this isn't even out in Japan, don't even expect NA to sniff it over here.