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Acura TSX engine news

2009_acura_tsx_diesel 260.jpg

There have been several reports recently that the diesel-powered version of the Acura TSX has been indefinitely delayed. It has nothing to do with the cost of diesel fuel, but rather that the automatic version can't pass our emission regulations. So, might Acura be forced to go the urea injection route, as per its European competitors?

That's the bad news. The good news is that Acura is planning on offering a V6 in the TSX, at least as an option. When will we see it? Not sure.

Full story here.

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16 Comments

bbechtel16 says:

08:03 AM, 10/29/08

V6 good news? I say no; at least not with current economics. It will just lead the TSX further down the road of mediocrity displayed in the 2nd gen.

flicmod says:

08:36 AM, 10/29/08

I see little reasoning why it's good news that the TSX would offer a V6. Someone care to explain that?

Mediocrity is right. Stick to the 4-cyl. Want to make a Type-S version? Then stick the K23t in it.

hondacura4 says:

09:08 AM, 10/29/08

I'm actually (once again) extremely disappointed in Acura (Honda) given their past successful efforts in meeting and exceeding emission standards. Honda was known to challenge themselves when it came to environmentally responsible technology. With the i-DTEC "clean diesel" it seems as if they just gave up.

This is one of the many planned elements that could have helped Acura reach their goal of becoming global and being recognized as a tier 1 luxury brand.

As for the V6....I'm actually against it as it becomes another mid size sedan with a V6.Id say give it a updated version of the K23T (from the RDX) or a higher powered version of the current K24.

rsholland says:

09:19 AM, 10/29/08

I'm sure there are those who would welcome a V6 option in this car—regardless of what our economy is doing. Besides, choice is good, no? If you don't like it, don't buy it.

rsholland says:

09:36 AM, 10/29/08

Yeah, they could use the 2.3 turbo from the RDX, but not everyone wants a turbo, or are willing to put up with the usual extra maintenance.

Case in point: Toyota sells a lot of V6 RAV4s, whereas Subaru sells very few turbo Foresters.

While similar in terms of power, the Forester requires premium gas and should have the oil changed every 3K. Not so for the V6 RAV4. It offers similar performance with less hassle.

bbechtel16 says:

10:03 AM, 10/29/08

"Besides, choice is good, no? If you don't like it, don't buy it."
Though I agree with this statement in concept, in practice giving the TSX a V6 reduces choice. Why? Because as hondacura said the TSX will become just another mid size "luxury" sedan with a V6, mediocrity. Also, those who value efficient engines will be marginalized because all the other performance stuff will be packaged with the heavier, fuel swilling V6 option, like every other car.

hondacura4 says:

11:15 AM, 10/29/08

"Yeah, they could use the 2.3 turbo from the RDX, but not everyone wants a turbo, or are willing to put up with the usual extra maintenance.


Rsholland, using the K23T from the RDX could spread a lot of the R&D/production costs and also keep the car from being another run of the mill mid size sedan. The maintenance requirements aren't much different (if any) from other premium vehicles, turbocharged or not, Acura or not. I don't think the required 3K oil changes and premium fuel requirements are looked at really closely in this segment.

"Case in point: Toyota sells a lot of V6 RAV4s, whereas Subaru sells very few turbo Foresters."

I understand your point Rsholland but RAV4 V6 buyers and Turbo Forester buyers (going by my experience with owners of both) are totally different. I would like to say the boosted Forester caters more to the enthusiasts, something with near WRX performance with extra utility. The RAV4 V6 is another run of the mill, vanilla compact "SUV" with a V6 option. Sure Subaru wont sell as many turbo Foresters vs Rav4 V6's but thats the point as its a unique niche product.


I never thought Id say this but Honda/Acura products are becoming more and more mainstream with each new generation. Honda, stick to your roots and PLEASE don't forget your slogan "The Power of Dreams".

ahightower says:

11:41 AM, 10/29/08

The article seems to indicate that the manual transmission version does meet the requirements. Of course they'd never bring it over as manual only. Stupid automatics, ruining the fun for real drivers.

brn says:

12:22 PM, 10/29/08

It appears that Honda is running into the same issues that every other manufacturer is running into. I don't know why anyone thought Honda was magic.

hondacura4 says:

02:10 PM, 10/29/08

"It appears that Honda is running into the same issues that every other manufacturer is running into. I don't know why anyone thought Honda was magic."

Brn, its not that Honda was magic, Honda just isnt as enthusiastic as they used to be when it comes to overcoming engineering obstacles. The VCM system is another example of taking a short cut and coming up with mediocre results.

There are a lot of people on TOV that were really hoping to get our hands on a TSX i-DTEC and Acura (Honda) let us down (again).


I know VW offers a Jetta TDi, do they offer a manual version also?

roar02ram says:

05:12 PM, 10/29/08

+1 on the votes against the V-6 option. I think a turbo or high-output version of the existing 4 would make for a stellar Type-S, though, and a good companion to the TL Type-S.

I, for one, think that Honda needs to go back to it's 4-cylinder roots. I think with gas price uncertainty being the order of the day, there's a whole lot more receptiveness to a well-tuned 4-cylinder than there was say 5-years ago. Given that no one else does 4-cylinders as well as Honda does, Honda would be wise to flex its muscle here & deliver something class-leading.

hondacura4 says:

05:29 PM, 10/29/08

"I, for one, think that Honda needs to go back to it's 4-cylinder roots. I think with gas price uncertainty being the order of the day, there's a whole lot more receptiveness to a well-tuned 4-cylinder than there was say 5-years ago. Given that no one else does 4-cylinders as well as Honda does, Honda would be wise to flex its muscle here & deliver something class-leading."

Exactly Roar! The K series engines can deliver much more power with just with bolt ons and a bit of ECU tuning so there isnt really any excuse for Honda not offering a hotter version of the K24 which was actually the original plan.

Ive personally seen 2.0L (K20) Civic Si's (boltons/IPS cams/Hondata K-Pro) lay down 235+hp TO THE WHEELS with a healthy serving of torque. Keep in mind those are "light" mods with NO loss in realiability and can still pass smog testing.

The K24 wont pull like the K20 up top but they do have a fatter torque curve and are highly capable engines. Id like to see a TSX "Sport" (it isnt enough to be a Type S) 2.4L with 230hp/175-180ftlbs and a 6MT/LSD. Id easily purchase that car over a V6 TSX.

Acura also has to consider that BMW and Mercedes will have 4cyl versions of their 3 and C models available here in the next couple of years. I say offer the base TSX 2.4 a TSX 2.4 Sport and the TSX i-DTEC.

hondacura4 says:

05:41 PM, 10/29/08

"I know VW offers a Jetta TDi, do they offer a manual version also?"

That was supposed to say "automatic version also".

ateixeira says:

08:13 AM, 10/30/08

I get flip-flopping on the diesel issue, but right now gas costs $2.849 and diesel was a shocking $3.999 at the nearest station. That sort of defeats the purpose, at least until diesel prices drop.

bbechtel16 says:

09:27 AM, 10/30/08

I think the new TDI you have either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG?

JasonM415 says:

06:20 PM, 12/30/08

An V6 on the TSX in today's economy? No thanks. Besides a TSX is more of a inline4 car. In my opinion if you want a V6 from Acura. Step up to the TL. Cause it make sense for the "trim/model" Base TSX 29K > NAVI TSX 32K > TL Base V6 280HP 34K. If the you rename the TL to TSX it would be the same thing. "TSX Base V6 280HP 34K". I say turbo the TSX is the better way to go.

About comments about a Type S TSX. There can't be any, a TSX is already a "Sports" car. TSX is basically a Type-S Accord. How do you type S a car that's already considered as a Type S. In Euro TSX is named Accord Type R basically a sports Accord. Implying the TSX is basically a sports Accord in the US.

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