Chicago 2009: 2010 Acura TSX V6 unveiled with 280-hp

“The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. That’s right after much disappointed and plea from Acura fans all over the nation, Acura today introduces a new 3.5L V6 option for the 2010 Acura TSX.

The new 2010 Acura TSX V6 carries a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine with VTEC and a dual-stage induction system which allows for a total of 280-hp. The engine will be mated to Acura’s Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Acura said that the new 2010 TSX V6 is the first step in a series of advancements to the 2010 Acura lineup. Honda’s luxury brand plans on making significant enhancements to every 2010 model year vehicle. It’s about time!

Sales of the 2010 TSX V6 will begin later this summer.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Acura TSX V6:

   

 

 

Press Release:

2010 Acura TSX V-6 Debuts at Chicago Auto Show

Acura debuted an all-new V-6 model for its TSX sports sedan line-up at the Chicago Auto Show today. Scheduled to go on sale this summer, the 2010 TSX V-6 will be equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and additional enhancements.

“The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan.”

Since its redesign last year, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura’s best-selling sedans. As the entry point to the Acura brand, the four-cylinder TSX has won over customers with its nimble handling, agile driving feel and balanced performance. The V-6 model adds a new level of power on top of these winning traits for a more sporty and spirited driving experience. The V-6 will surely satisfy driving enthusiast’s appetite for a fun-to-drive, yet refined sports sedan.

With the introduction of a V-6 powered TSX, Acura will fill a niche in its lineup between the four-cylinder TSX and the all-new TL performance luxury sedan. With the TL moving more upscale following its redesign in the 2009 model year, the TSX V-6 will be aimed squarely at youthful buyers who want a performance-oriented sports sedan in a more personal size.

Powertrain
A new TSX powertrain choice means performance luxury buyers can enjoy a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6, with sophisticated VTEC® valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system. For maximum performance and efficiency, the engine will be coupled to Acura’s Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. If the driver desires, the Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

Body/Chassis
The new TSX model will feature a state-of-the-art, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control. To generate sportier handling, the V-6 model will also use exclusive suspension tuning along with 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The larger wheels and tires will help distinguish this performance- minded TSX, as does the slightly revised front fascia and a V-6 badge on the trunk.
The TSX V-6 model will be generously equipped with the latest advancements in safety technology and is anticipated to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing – including garnering IIHS’s TOP SAFETY PICK.

Interior
Like all Acura models, the new TSX will feature an exceptional level of standard equipment, including leather-appointed interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , USB port and AUX jack music interface and more.

Similar to the four-cylinder TSX, the V-6 model will be available with the optional Technology Package that includes the Acuralink™ satellite navigation system with rear-view camera and the Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system for a top-in-class audio experience.

The introduction of the TSX V-6 at the Chicago Auto Show is the first step in a series of major advancements to the 2010 Acura lineup. Almost every Acura sedan and SUV will receive significant enhancements for the 2010 model year.

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models, including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport-utility vehicle.
Additional details about the 2010 TSX V-6 will be available this summer. For information about current Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com.

*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).