I currently have an 04 TSX, and the 2 models I'm considering for replacement are the ILX, and the 13 Fusion with the 2.0t. I like the exterior of the Fusion better, but the interior of the ILX is awesome! But like many others, I wish it came with something other than the 5-speed auto and a 150hp engine. (yes, I realize since its 3-400 lbs lighter than the TSX, its performance numbers are supposed to be the same)

That said, has there been any definitive answer to when the ILX is going to get the Earth Dreams direct injected engines and perhaps a new 6 speed auto or CVT? I keep looking around and all I can seem to find is "when they're ready", which to me means either of 2 things. They just swap in the new engine/trans combo when its ready, or wait until the next model year. It seems as though it would definitely be worth the wait, but just how long are we talking about here?

Thoughts?

 

Personally, I'd wait on getting a new ILX as its a new car with potential for bugs that need to be worked out. You might see that if the 150 HP models don't sell that well, the standard engine might become the 2.4 liter that's in the current TSX. You might want to wait a year or 2 into the design cycle, get what info from here you can based on owners' experiences, and then get what you want. 150 HP on this car may feel a little underpowered.

 

The first Earth Dreams engines will show up in the US on the 2013 US Accord later this year. But that will be the 2.4l I4 mated to a CVT. Not sure if that varient will make it into the ILX but Acura has said they will not wait for an MMC to change to the new power trains. They pretty much have to do this as soon as possible since they are falling behind thier competition. And who knows what this new CVT is going to do. Big gamble for Honda.

While a lot of the ILX uses common Civic hardware it may be wise to wait til the next model year to see if there are any bugs (like there were with the 2004 TSX) and if the ED engines are incorporated.

The Fusion is an attractive alternative. When I sat in it the seats were very hard and not comfortable and the interior ws lacking. On a purely 'what you get for the money' it is a good buy.

 

I am interested in the new Fusion too, but am concerned about a few things: 1) engine (at least the 1.6) is made in UK; 2) car is assembled in Mexico; 3) is the 1.6L enough motor for the car.

As to the first two points (and no offense to anyone here), these two manufacturing points have not exactly been synonomous with precision/quality automotobile production. But perhaps the Blue Oval can introduce quality manufacturing/assembly processes into these plants.

It is for sure an interesting car.

 

ILX 2.0 performance is no way near the TSX!

 

What makes you think this? Yes, its down 50hp, but the ILX also weighs 3-400lbs. less. This is why Acura claims performance from the 150/auto ILX should be about the same as the TSX/auto. When you take into account the ILX with the 2.4/manual tranny, that should torch the TSX manual due to it being lighter.

I had a Mustang 5.0 that ran mid 12 sec. 1/4 miles, and an Eclispe that ran low 12's. I'm not really concerned with performance out of my daily driver. So even IF it is somewhat slower than my TSX/auto, so what? None of them are fast anyway. The ILX seems like a hell of a car, imo, in that it should have similar performance to my TSX, but with much better fuel economy. That's a win win as far as I'm concerned. We'll see what its like when they hit showrooms shortly I guess.

I realize the ILX and Fusion aren't in the same category, but those are really the only two cars out there that currently interest me as far as what you're getting for the price.

If the Accord is going to be coming with some form of that engine shortly, I'll be curious to see the specs in it, as I would imagine that would be a similar combo headed into the ILX. Fingers crossed!

 

Keep on dreaming buddy. 2.0 Slush box is 0-60 in about mid nines! 2.4 MT is just a hair faster than TSX 6MT, which is what I drive.

Here is 10.4 0-60 (1000' above sea level)

 

I'd have to agree with itman. There's no way the ILX would slap the TSX around like that. In fact i'm willing to bet my girls 06 stock auto TSX would probably take it. 400-500lbs less is great but i've driven her car and the way the auto gets off the line and maintains the aggressive power throughout makes me believe that if her car wouldn't take it, it would DEFINITELY give the ILX a run for its money. I doubt the weight loss will give it THAT much of an advantage. Horsepower is horsepower. The only one that seems to be able to light up the TSX is the 2.4L manual. The exterior is ok but the interior is very nice. I think they are a little too over priced for "near luxury". I must say I am bummed they are discontinuing the TSX. It's the same feeling I had when Honda discontinued the Prelude. I was actually thinking about trading in my 04 TL for a 2010-2012 TSX. And speaking of my TL I also agree with erdoc. My TL was the first year of its generation and it had ALL kinds of bug issues to figure out. Which they did eventually 2 years later. If I had to choose between the 2 though and I'm actually not a ford fan by any means but really REALLY like the Fushion...I would still choose the ILX.

 

Lol, I saw that, but really, some dude using his cell phone is accurate. That's the word from Acura, not myself.

What's the 0-60 on the auto TSX, 8 something? (I think I recall seeing 8.3 maybe) Its more than adequate for driving back & forth to work for me.

If they come out with a new trans & gearing, that will make a huge difference in how the car gets out of the hole, which is the numero uno factor in any acceleration times.

 

TSX 5AT wagon (slightly heavier than sedan):
0-60mph: 8.8s
1/4 mile: 16.5@84.9mph
http://www.insideline.com/acura/tsx-...full-test.html

Civic EX-L Navi 5AT:
0-60mph: 9.2s
1/4 mile: 16.9@82.4mpg
http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/el...gination_top_2

I haven't seen any ILX 5AT test yet, the closest would be the Civic 5AT, which is a bit lighter but down 10hp and 12lbft of torque. I'd imagine the ILX 5AT is a tiny bit faster than the Civic.

Given the fact that the OP has two 12's cars, I don't think he's too worried if the TSX is just a bit faster. And when the ED powertrains are in place (supposed to be available pretty soon, like next year), I think it will be a bit faster than the OP's current TSX while returning much better mpg.

The ILX 6MT is a bit faster than the TSX 6MT:
TSX 0-60mph: 7.2s with 1ft rollout
ILX 0-60mph: 6.8s with 1ft rollout

TSX 1/4 mile: 15.6@89.8mph
ILX 1/4 mile: 15.3@91.6mph

http://www.insideline.com/acura/tsx/...acura-tsx.html
http://blogs.insideline.com/straight...acura-ilx.html

I'm using numbers from the same source for consistency.

 

can you describe where was the tl in your avatar originated ? is that a prototype?

 

It's like a rolling ball that never stops.

The current non-ED TSX is faster than the current non-ED ILX.

Then, the upcoming ED ILX may be faster than the current non-ED TSX.

Then, the upcoming ED TSX may be faster than the ED ILX.

and so on . . . . .


As for acceleration figures, even the same source may not be 100% representable, due to the differences in air temp, track condition, etc. on two separate test events. The best is to test run both cars side by side together at the same time.

 

who else saw that they had 1.5l 115hp engine option?

 

Do you really think there will be a TSX beyond 2013? Personally, I think it's doubtful.

 

^^^^^

I too think that the TSX is next to go. But it's just that Honda positively refuses to acknowledge this planning.

But on the other hand, the US spec TSX is an Acura model line that doesn't incur much R&D resources, since it is basically a re-batched European Honda Accord. By churning out both models on the (almost) same set of built template, the economy of scale in production will significantly reduce the manufacturing unit cost for both.

 

Interesting, it didn't feel that slow when I drove it. I actually had a chance to merge with 70mph traffic, and while I'll admit I had to press the pedal pretty hard, it didn't particularly struggle or complain.

The 2.4 was of course easy to merge with. No planning, no effort. But the 2.0 was quite livable it seemed.

 

Of course, I'm assuming that after the ILX receives the ED powertrains, it will be a faster car. The TSX, if it stays on, will most likely receive ED powertrains as well. To differentiate the TSX from the ILX though, I feel that Acura might jack up the price and improve the feature content of the TSX. So even if the TSX is faster than the ILX, it won't be too much of a problem.

 

Yes by producing the TLX which will replace the TSX and TL and be based on the new USD Accord platform. But this won't seem to happen until late 2013 as a 14 model. By that time all the engines will likely be ED engines. But I wonder what transmissions they will put in Acura's? The Accords will have CVTs (mostly) but I'm hoping for a 6 or 7 gear AT. Okay and a 6MT you you guys.

 

Was 0-60 time a target for this car design?

 

I would not consider the ILX a sports sedan, so no. And obviously, hell no.

 

late 2013 is probably not a long time from now IMO. One year later we will be seeing concept photos of the TLX already. I don't think Honda would retrofit ED into the current TL and TSX for only 1 model year.

I think for 4-cyl models (ILX), it will be CVT. For V6, it will be 6AT (like the Accord, RDX, etc) or 7 DCT (RLX, NSX).

 

I'm still a bit confused about what changes to expect for the ILX and when?

I'm interested in the current 2.4. But is buying one now a silly idea if better engines are on the way soon?

Or on the other hand, are the upcoming changes going to be ones 2.4 shoppers (enthusiasts) would want?

 

The car has only been on sale for 2 months. Too early to think about changes. Acura usually doesn't make any changes the first year except for fixes, maybe new color combos. The one exception MIGHT be the ED engine but there is no indication of that.

 

I don't know about that. IMO there is every indication that the ILX will get the new engines "as soon as they are ready" (to quote an Acura exec). Now, what to expect for the engine itself? On this we're not sure. Will the engine continue with cast-in exhaust manifolds, will it get downsized but keep the power the same?

 

I agree they won't wait for the MMC to insert the ED engines, just that at this time there is no indication it is coming in the 14 model year. I hope they do it at this point though. One thing they could do is put the '13 Accord 2.4l with the CVT ED engine in the ILX in MY14. At this point the TSX will/should be evolving into the TLX and no need to protect it anymore.

 

I saw the test drive on motorweek for the Acura ILX and let me tell you. All they seem to be concerned with is the fact that it was a glorified civic. They didn't seem to discuss the powertrains too much and I don't blame them. Big dissapointment! Was not thrilled at all. I think I'll keep my TL A-spec for a little while longer. Yes they are getting rid of the TSX next year. I don't believe they will have them available next year. I don't see how the ILX is a suitable replacement for the TSX. Corrado85...yes it is a prototype picture from a international auto show...I wish mine looked like that lol

 

Some people only hear what they want to hear. I too have seen the motor week test drive and course the improvements over the Civic were mentioned many times, why wouldn't the Civic be mentioned. The TSX is a nice car but so is the ILX. Why do so many Acura owners have to slag every new change or entry that Acura make. This is not something I see very often on other forums, oh no not true, the Honda forums are quite similar.

We compared both the TSX and ILX and even with the rebate available on the TSX the ILX was the one we chose. The TL is a very nice car but there was no point going to a TL when we had a beautiful car in the ZDX and we were looking to downsize. The ILX is much closer to the 1st gen TSX, of which I had 2 and I liked better than the 2nd gen. The 6 mt reminds me a lot of my RSX typeS but in sedan form and much more up dated. I only regret missing the ZDX but no regrets in getting the ILX.

 

Well, to be fair, you are driving a TL A-spec, which is a very nice car, even if it's a glorified Accord. Obviously you'd want something that is more similar in size and power as your TL. The ILX AT is definitely not suitable for you. However, if you are looking to downsize, perhaps the ILX 2.4 is not that bad. It's a bit slower than your TL, but you get a more nimble car with better mpg too.

 

Sounds like you are partial to small luxury cars in the first place--an RSX and two 1G TSXs. The ILX obviously fits you to a "T". Rock on! I'm looking for a smaller, fuel-efficient daily myself so I feel you.

 

I'm just a HUGE Acura fan and am used to perfection. To me the ILX falls short. And yes if the ILX had the wow factor and considering the gas prices I would have downgraded. But I saw nothing that stood out about it. And actually iforyou the TSX is the equivalent to the Accord. The TL stands alone. Everywhere else in the world the TSX is a Accord (Euro R) Speaking of the TSX...my girl has a 06 and it doesn't compare to hers either. I think I'll wait. And if you like it then great! Its not going to please everyone nor is it going to wow everyone.

 

TSX = rebadged European/Japanese Accord
TL = Accord-based car

 

04-08 TSX=Accord in Europe and Japan
04-08 TL=Not similar to any European or Japanese Honda on the road

 

I meant to say the TL is based on the American Accord and I said the TL is a glorified Accord.

 

Isn't it weird how the ILX gets bashed for being based on the Civic platform... then they pick one of the hundreds of cars that is also based on another platform.

 

The hypocrisy is not lost on me.

 

I doubt they are going to put the earth dreams on this generation ILX due to Public Relations and Marketing issues. This is going to alienate current ILX owners. Who knows how its going to affect the people buying the 1st year cars from Honda/Acura if this kind of change happens.

Or you know what they might be still delayed from the Tsunamai/earthquake so that could still push out a bit.

Well it's pretty tight lipped because you know they want to sell current ILX models. I'm sure there is a back up plan if sales figure don't pan out on there forecast on sales. Then damage control, bust out the earth dreams.

 

I seriously doubt Honda/Acura cares about how the current ILX owners might feel. Rather, they want to sell a lot more cars, and improving a current model is a reasonable way to accomplish that. BMW has sometimes made meaningful changes after the first year of a generation, like revised steering or more power. A tiny fraction of people get bent out of shape for a short while, then life goes on.

Presumably, those who have bought the ILX like the car, and should still like it regardless of what a subsequent model year might bring. And presumably folks who bought the 2.0 liter model don't care much about power in the first place, so I'm not sure why they would be alienated by the arrival of the Earth Dreams engines.

 

People who bought the 2.0 automatic like me may have done so for the mpg or the fact that it's an automatic. Who wouldn't want extra power if it doesn't have any drawback?

 

Back on topic... cls, you can anticipate the Earth Dreams motors will be introduced soon.. therefore the CVT most likely will come along for the ride.

 

NedMundo,

Thanks for the very good summary of our motivation to get the 2.0 ILX. It runs great and returns great mileage, even new! The 2.4 will not get the same mileage and if it is coupled with a CVT, and you will have to get used to "motoboating" at take off. I also have a 2010 Maxima with a CVT and once you get used to that type of tranny, it is OK. That said, I don't like the CVT enough to buy another. I appreciate the positive shift points a 5+ speed auto brings to the driving experience. This is where the ILX comes up light on not having a 6 speed auto. Still we were getting 40 plus mpg on a 5 speed auto in our 2009 Civic EX, so the tans/powerband seems well matched.
In spite the ramblings in this site, the 2.0 engine is up to the task and figured into our buying decision.>> PS. This powertrain will propel this car well past 100 mph but we are most happy with it's solid steady cruising at 70 mph.