2006 Acura TSX Raises the Bar With More Performance, Refinement and Style

Hot-Selling Sports Sedan Gets Even Better With More Horsepower, Enhanced Styling and Additional Features more horsepower, enhanced styling and additional interior features including the HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface and enhancements to the navigation system including a faster processor and access to the Zagat Survey(R) restaurant guide.

"While the TSX is already acknowledged as a benchmark in the sports sedan segment, the changes we've made for 2006 will set the bar even higher," said Dick Colliver, vice president, sales. "Like the RL and TL sedans, the TSX combines performance, style and leading edge technology for a uniquely Acura driving experience."

For 2006, modifications to the TSX 2.4 liter DOHC i-VTEC(TM) engine boost horsepower to 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04)*, a five horsepower increase compared to last year, and torque to 164 lb-ft SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 4500 rpm giving the TSX engine overall performance comparable to several competitors with 6-cylinder powerplants. The i-VTEC "intelligent" valve-control system delivers enhanced performance across a broad power band, superior fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.

On the intake side of the TSX engine, the diameter of both the throttle body and the intake duct were enlarged to increase induction flow rate from 95 liters per second to 110 liters per second. In addition the diameter and shape of the intake valve were enhanced to help increase intake flow by 16 percent and the high RPM cam profile for the intake cam was modified to provide increased intake valve lift and duration. In addition, a ventilation passage was machined into the engine block to reduce pumping friction by increasing air flow between cylinders.

Exhaust modifications include a larger diameter exhaust pipe and a reduction in silencer and catalyst resistance to increase the exhaust flow rate by nine percent from 115 liters per second to 125 liters per second.

The TSX engine is equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle control system that eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine, and continuously adjusts the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal to match current driving conditions. It also incorporates throttle control into the car's VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist(R)) system, controls the vehicle's cruise control function and modulates the throttle to help make automatic transmission shifts even smoother.

Platinum-tipped spark plugs and a self-adjusting cam chain help the TSX run for 100,000 miles or more before requiring a major scheduled tune-up.

Since many performance enthusiasts prefer shifting gears themselves, the TSX comes with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or a compact 5-speed Sequential SportShift(TM)automatic transmission. The lightweight 6-speed gearbox features short shift throws and multi-cone synchronizers on all gears for quick, light shifting action. The transmission case is made from magnesium alloy, a material typically reserved for racing applications. This case weighs 6.6 pounds less than a comparable aluminum unit and is extremely rigid to damp out noise and vibration.

Along with its impressive 205 horsepower output, the TSX with manual transmission delivers 21 mpg city/30mpg highway**, while the TSX with automatic transmission delivers 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway. Air-assisted fuel injectors, an underfloor catalyzer and a high-flow, low-heat mass exhaust manifold help the TSX achieve LEV-2 emissions status.

To complement its high-adrenaline powertrain with sports car-like handling, the TSX features an extremely rigid unit body structure and a race-bred, 4-wheel-independent double-wishbone suspension.The suspension is track-tuned to reduce lift, dive and body roll and boasts gas-pressurized shock absorbers and large front and rear stabilizer bars. A quick-ratio, variable power assist rack-and-pinion steering system provides outstanding feel and responsiveness and features an anti-kickback valve for reduced kickback on rough roads.

Handling is further enhanced by a Vehicle Stability Assist system (VSA(R)) that works in concert with the braking and drive-by-wire throttle systems to provide enhanced control during acceleration, braking and cornering. This 4-channel system orchestrates the throttle and each of the vehicle's four disc brakes to seamlessly integrate traction control, anti-lock braking and stability enhancement for increased driver control during acceleration, braking and cornering. The Brake Assist feature is now electronically controlled for 2006 to help the driver apply full brake pressure during accident avoidance situations.

To provide stability and offer superb stopping power, the TSX is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels (which have been redesigned for 2006) and P215/50R17 Michelin tires.

For 2006, the body of the TSX has been subtly restyled to enhance its aggressive demeanor while retaining the superior aerodynamics that have been such a large part of its high performance nature. In front, styling cues include a new bumper, a redesigned signature 5-sided Acura grille, more angular side markers and bumper-integrated fog lamps that give the TSX a sporty, appearance. More substantial side sills have been applied to accent the new nine-spoke alloy wheels. In the rear, the backlight slopes to meet a short, high trunk lid, which terminates sharply to help air separate cleanly off the back of the car at speed. The rear bumper and taillights have been restyled for 2006 to give the TSX an even more aggressive look.

The TSX adds four new exterior colors for 2006. Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic replaces Meteor Silver Metallic, and Deep Green Pearl, and Royal Blue Pearl are added. Other exterior colors are: Premium White Pearl, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Arctic Blue Metallic, Milano Red and Carbon Gray Pearl.

The five-passenger interior of the TSX is sporty yet refined with modern LED- illuminated instrumentation, intuitive controls, and a long list of standard luxury amenities that has been updated for 2006.

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