2006 Acura TSX (photos below)
September 1, 2005 -- Torrance, Calif. -- The TSX sports sedan complements the sporty TL and the luxurious RL in Acura's lineup of performance luxury sedans. The TSX is positioned as a stepping stone to other Acura products and provides luxury sedan buyers with an entry point to the Acura brand.
The front-wheel drive TSX was engineered and appointed to compete with Europe's best sedans in the sporty near-luxury segment (the European D segment). This segment includes cars like the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series.
In keeping with its European competitors, the TSX driving character is sharply focused on the sporty end of the scale. Its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension has sophisticated geometry that helps the TSX corner flat and resist acceleration lift and braking dive. In addition, the TSX has P215/50R17 Michelin MXM4 V-rated tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, and an impressive arsenal of electronic driver aids including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). A highly refined power rack-and-pinion steering system provides outstanding road feel that rivals the best Europe can offer. The takeaway for the driver is an ultra-competent entry luxury sports sedan that's immensely fun to drive.
For 2006, Acura made significant changes to the TSX to enhance its performance, exterior styling and interior sophistication. The result is a sports sedan that is more luxurious, sportier and even more fun to drive.
Modifications to the intake, exhaust and emissions systems were made to the TSX's 2.4-liter i-VTEC(TM) four cylinder engine. These changes boost power from 200 hp at 6,800 rpm to 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 7,000 rpm and help to make the TSX sportier and even more agile.
For the 2006 model year, all Acura horsepower and torque specifications have been updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into affect in January of 2005. These new calculations reflect a number of significant changes in the way horsepower and torque are measured and may cause SAE net horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Acura press materials will specify "SAE net (Rev 8/04)" after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.
The 2006 TSX is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission (with a lightweight magnesium case) or a 5-speed SportShift(TM) automatic that offers quick and precise gear changes. Thanks to its i-VTEC(TM) intelligent variable valve timing and lift, the engine provides a broad, useable powerband that's uncommon in a 4-cylinder engine, together with a stirring high-rpm power rush. The TSX engine is backed by 40 years of Honda international racing experience in Formula One, CART, Indy Car and Grand Prix motorcycles.
For 2006, exterior styling changes have been made to enhance the TSX's bold demeanor while retaining the sporty character that has made it a hot seller since its debut in 2003. Exterior enhancements include restyled front and rear fascias and side sills, a new wheel design and the addition of bumper-integrated fog lights. Four new exterior colors have been added: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Deep Green Pearl, Royal Blue Pearl and Silver Stone Metallic
Creature comforts include a dual-zone climate control system and a power moonroof with sliding shade. Steering-wheel mounted switches control the standard 360-watt Premium Sound System, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, cruise control and functions of the optional latest-generation Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM).
The interior of the 2006 TSX has been enhanced through the addition of several key new features including the HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless phone interface, an auxiliary jack for digital music players and Acura's Smart Maintenance System. In addition, the navigation system was upgraded and a sportier steering wheel was applied.
2006 Model Year Changes
Powertrain
Horsepower increased to 205 SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7000 rpm
Torque increased to 164 lbs-ft. SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 4500 rpm
Larger intake valves
Increased valve timing and lift
Increased intake and exhaust flow
Reduced engine pumping losses
Stronger automatic transmission to complement increased horsepower
Higher capacity clutch
Higher capacity torque converter
Chassis
Electronic Brake Assist
Increased rigidity of upper A-arm reduces NVH
Exterior Styling
Restyled hood and grille
Redesigned headlights and combination taillights
Redesigned front and rear bumpers
Fog lamps are integrated into the lower bumper
More pronounced side sills
New nine-spoke alloy wheels
Flat wiper blades increase visibility and reduce wind noise
Four new exterior colors: Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver, Glacier Blue Metallic replaces Meteor Silver Metallic, and Deep Green Pearl, and Royal Blue Pearl are added
Interior
2-position memory for driver's seat
Auxiliary audio jack in center console for digital music players
HandsFreeLinkwireless telephone interface
Sports steering wheel
Multi-info display
New meter face
New wood-patterned trim for models with Parchment interior
Metallic garnish added to shift knob
Smart Maintenance system
Enhanced Acura Navigation System (optional)
Larger buttons and fonts
Faster processing speed
Points of Interest (POI) database increased to 7 million
HandsFreeLink calling to POI
More voice recognition commands (653)
Zagat Survey(TM) restaurant guide
Exit ramp services feature
Enhanced in-glass antennae for improved radio reception
Design summary
While the TSX is a finely honed sports sedan, it's also a magnificently comfortable 5-passenger commuter. Its tremendous unit body stiffness, achieved through the use of high-tensile steel and state-of-the-art computer engineering processes, makes an ideal attachment point for the suspension, and also offers a quiet haven for passengers. Attention to aerodynamics has provided a drag coefficient (Cd) as low as that of any other sedan in the TSX segment. The benefits of this aero-achievement include enhanced high-speed stability and an aggressive appearance.
The interior of the TSX connotes a sporty feeling, backed by the latest safety advances including side airbags and side curtain airbags with a larger protective area than that of the competition. The racing-inspired front seats feature pronounced side bolsters that help keep the driver and front passenger comfortable while cornering. The steering column is manually adjustable for both telescope and tilt. An 8-way power adjustable driver's seat (with 2-position memory for 2006) and a 4-way adjustable passenger seat come standard on every TSX.
Target Buyer
Young. Hip. Technically astute. Raised on Japanese cars. Aspiring to own upscale brands. They are all of this and much more, but these terms perfectly define the buyers that are attracted to the distinctive styling of the TSX, its advanced engineering and its sporting handling. Today's leading automotive designs are sporty and aggressive, and TSX buyers will recognize these cues in this sporty Acura sedan.
Acura TSX owner demographics:
50 percent male
Median age 43 years
60 percent married
78 percent college educated
$86,000 median household income
These young and affluent buyers have an emotional attachment to their cars, but require a rational base to support their purchases. The TSX supports both needs with its outstanding handling, strong engine performance, distinctive overall design character, and the world-class quality inherent in all Acura products.
Single Trim Level With Many Standard Features
The Acura TSX comes in one trim level that includes perforated leather upholstery, a power glass moonroof, HID headlights, a premium sound system and much more. It features either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or an advanced 5-speed SportShift automatic transmission. The only factory option is the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition.
Body features
Rigid unit body structure with extensive use of high-tensile steel
Superior aerodynamic performance
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
UV light-reflecting green-tinted glass
Scratch-resistant bright metal Acura doorsill garnishes
Multiplex wiring circuits
Power glass moonroof
Power mirrors with integrated turn signals
Bumper-integrated fog lights (new for 2006)
Chassis Features
Double-wishbone front suspension
Double-wishbone multi-link rear suspension
Front and rear stabilizer bars
Lightweight rear aluminum suspension knuckles
Anti-dive and anti-lift suspension geometry
Quick-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering
17 x 7-inch alloy wheels
P215/50R17 Michelin MXM4 V-rated all-season high performance tires
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control
Electronic Brake Assist (new for 2006)
Powertrain features
Advanced 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC in-line 4-cylinder engine
205 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm (SAE net (Rev 8/04))
164 lbs.-ft. torque @ 4,500 rpm (SAE net (Rev 8/04))
i-VTEC "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control
Advanced Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Direct ignition system
Drive-by-wire throttle control
Dual balance shafts
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
5-speed Sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission
110,000-mile tune-up interval
Maintenance Minder System (new for 2006)
Comfort and convenience features
Easy-to-read analog instruments with LED backlit illumination
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
Steering column with adjustable reach and tilt
Perforated leather performance-oriented heated front bucket seats
8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support
Driver's seat with 2-position memory (new for 2006)
4-way adjustable power passenger seat
Dual-zone automatic climate control system
Power windows with driver's auto-down and up feature with auto-reverse
Power adjustable heated door mirrors
Keyless entry system with panic button and window controls
HandsFreeLink wireless phone connectivity (new for 2006)
8-speaker, 360-watt Acura premium sound system
XM(TM) Satellite Radio
60/40 split-folding rear seatback with locking feature
Available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
Digital media auxiliary jack in center console (new for 2006)
Multi-information display (new for 2006)
Engine immobilizer with rolling code
Safety Features
Front dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags
Front seat side airbags with passenger height, seatbelt and position sensors
Side curtain airbags
Front and rear crumple zones
Energy-absorbing sliding front subframe
Front seat belt pretensioners with load limiters
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in rear outboard seating positions
Environmental Features
Reduction of lead in construction
Elimination of polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) from instrument panel and other parts
Extensive use of recycled materials
CARB LEV-2 emissions certified
September 1, 2005 -- Torrance, Calif. -- The TSX sports sedan complements the sporty TL and the luxurious RL in Acura's lineup of performance luxury sedans. The TSX is positioned as a stepping stone to other Acura products and provides luxury sedan buyers with an entry point to the Acura brand.
The front-wheel drive TSX was engineered and appointed to compete with Europe's best sedans in the sporty near-luxury segment (the European D segment). This segment includes cars like the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series.
In keeping with its European competitors, the TSX driving character is sharply focused on the sporty end of the scale. Its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension has sophisticated geometry that helps the TSX corner flat and resist acceleration lift and braking dive. In addition, the TSX has P215/50R17 Michelin MXM4 V-rated tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, and an impressive arsenal of electronic driver aids including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). A highly refined power rack-and-pinion steering system provides outstanding road feel that rivals the best Europe can offer. The takeaway for the driver is an ultra-competent entry luxury sports sedan that's immensely fun to drive.
For 2006, Acura made significant changes to the TSX to enhance its performance, exterior styling and interior sophistication. The result is a sports sedan that is more luxurious, sportier and even more fun to drive.
Modifications to the intake, exhaust and emissions systems were made to the TSX's 2.4-liter i-VTEC(TM) four cylinder engine. These changes boost power from 200 hp at 6,800 rpm to 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 7,000 rpm and help to make the TSX sportier and even more agile.
For the 2006 model year, all Acura horsepower and torque specifications have been updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into affect in January of 2005. These new calculations reflect a number of significant changes in the way horsepower and torque are measured and may cause SAE net horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Acura press materials will specify "SAE net (Rev 8/04)" after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.
The 2006 TSX is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission (with a lightweight magnesium case) or a 5-speed SportShift(TM) automatic that offers quick and precise gear changes. Thanks to its i-VTEC(TM) intelligent variable valve timing and lift, the engine provides a broad, useable powerband that's uncommon in a 4-cylinder engine, together with a stirring high-rpm power rush. The TSX engine is backed by 40 years of Honda international racing experience in Formula One, CART, Indy Car and Grand Prix motorcycles.
For 2006, exterior styling changes have been made to enhance the TSX's bold demeanor while retaining the sporty character that has made it a hot seller since its debut in 2003. Exterior enhancements include restyled front and rear fascias and side sills, a new wheel design and the addition of bumper-integrated fog lights. Four new exterior colors have been added: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Deep Green Pearl, Royal Blue Pearl and Silver Stone Metallic
Creature comforts include a dual-zone climate control system and a power moonroof with sliding shade. Steering-wheel mounted switches control the standard 360-watt Premium Sound System, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, cruise control and functions of the optional latest-generation Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM).
The interior of the 2006 TSX has been enhanced through the addition of several key new features including the HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless phone interface, an auxiliary jack for digital music players and Acura's Smart Maintenance System. In addition, the navigation system was upgraded and a sportier steering wheel was applied.
2006 Model Year Changes
Powertrain
Horsepower increased to 205 SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7000 rpm
Torque increased to 164 lbs-ft. SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 4500 rpm
Larger intake valves
Increased valve timing and lift
Increased intake and exhaust flow
Reduced engine pumping losses
Stronger automatic transmission to complement increased horsepower
Higher capacity clutch
Higher capacity torque converter
Chassis
Electronic Brake Assist
Increased rigidity of upper A-arm reduces NVH
Exterior Styling
Restyled hood and grille
Redesigned headlights and combination taillights
Redesigned front and rear bumpers
Fog lamps are integrated into the lower bumper
More pronounced side sills
New nine-spoke alloy wheels
Flat wiper blades increase visibility and reduce wind noise
Four new exterior colors: Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver, Glacier Blue Metallic replaces Meteor Silver Metallic, and Deep Green Pearl, and Royal Blue Pearl are added
Interior
2-position memory for driver's seat
Auxiliary audio jack in center console for digital music players
HandsFreeLinkwireless telephone interface
Sports steering wheel
Multi-info display
New meter face
New wood-patterned trim for models with Parchment interior
Metallic garnish added to shift knob
Smart Maintenance system
Enhanced Acura Navigation System (optional)
Larger buttons and fonts
Faster processing speed
Points of Interest (POI) database increased to 7 million
HandsFreeLink calling to POI
More voice recognition commands (653)
Zagat Survey(TM) restaurant guide
Exit ramp services feature
Enhanced in-glass antennae for improved radio reception
Design summary
While the TSX is a finely honed sports sedan, it's also a magnificently comfortable 5-passenger commuter. Its tremendous unit body stiffness, achieved through the use of high-tensile steel and state-of-the-art computer engineering processes, makes an ideal attachment point for the suspension, and also offers a quiet haven for passengers. Attention to aerodynamics has provided a drag coefficient (Cd) as low as that of any other sedan in the TSX segment. The benefits of this aero-achievement include enhanced high-speed stability and an aggressive appearance.
The interior of the TSX connotes a sporty feeling, backed by the latest safety advances including side airbags and side curtain airbags with a larger protective area than that of the competition. The racing-inspired front seats feature pronounced side bolsters that help keep the driver and front passenger comfortable while cornering. The steering column is manually adjustable for both telescope and tilt. An 8-way power adjustable driver's seat (with 2-position memory for 2006) and a 4-way adjustable passenger seat come standard on every TSX.
Target Buyer
Young. Hip. Technically astute. Raised on Japanese cars. Aspiring to own upscale brands. They are all of this and much more, but these terms perfectly define the buyers that are attracted to the distinctive styling of the TSX, its advanced engineering and its sporting handling. Today's leading automotive designs are sporty and aggressive, and TSX buyers will recognize these cues in this sporty Acura sedan.
Acura TSX owner demographics:
50 percent male
Median age 43 years
60 percent married
78 percent college educated
$86,000 median household income
These young and affluent buyers have an emotional attachment to their cars, but require a rational base to support their purchases. The TSX supports both needs with its outstanding handling, strong engine performance, distinctive overall design character, and the world-class quality inherent in all Acura products.
Single Trim Level With Many Standard Features
The Acura TSX comes in one trim level that includes perforated leather upholstery, a power glass moonroof, HID headlights, a premium sound system and much more. It features either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or an advanced 5-speed SportShift automatic transmission. The only factory option is the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition.
Body features
Rigid unit body structure with extensive use of high-tensile steel
Superior aerodynamic performance
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
UV light-reflecting green-tinted glass
Scratch-resistant bright metal Acura doorsill garnishes
Multiplex wiring circuits
Power glass moonroof
Power mirrors with integrated turn signals
Bumper-integrated fog lights (new for 2006)
Chassis Features
Double-wishbone front suspension
Double-wishbone multi-link rear suspension
Front and rear stabilizer bars
Lightweight rear aluminum suspension knuckles
Anti-dive and anti-lift suspension geometry
Quick-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering
17 x 7-inch alloy wheels
P215/50R17 Michelin MXM4 V-rated all-season high performance tires
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control
Electronic Brake Assist (new for 2006)
Powertrain features
Advanced 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC in-line 4-cylinder engine
205 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm (SAE net (Rev 8/04))
164 lbs.-ft. torque @ 4,500 rpm (SAE net (Rev 8/04))
i-VTEC "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control
Advanced Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Direct ignition system
Drive-by-wire throttle control
Dual balance shafts
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
5-speed Sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission
110,000-mile tune-up interval
Maintenance Minder System (new for 2006)
Comfort and convenience features
Easy-to-read analog instruments with LED backlit illumination
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
Steering column with adjustable reach and tilt
Perforated leather performance-oriented heated front bucket seats
8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support
Driver's seat with 2-position memory (new for 2006)
4-way adjustable power passenger seat
Dual-zone automatic climate control system
Power windows with driver's auto-down and up feature with auto-reverse
Power adjustable heated door mirrors
Keyless entry system with panic button and window controls
HandsFreeLink wireless phone connectivity (new for 2006)
8-speaker, 360-watt Acura premium sound system
XM(TM) Satellite Radio
60/40 split-folding rear seatback with locking feature
Available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
Digital media auxiliary jack in center console (new for 2006)
Multi-information display (new for 2006)
Engine immobilizer with rolling code
Safety Features
Front dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags
Front seat side airbags with passenger height, seatbelt and position sensors
Side curtain airbags
Front and rear crumple zones
Energy-absorbing sliding front subframe
Front seat belt pretensioners with load limiters
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in rear outboard seating positions
Environmental Features
Reduction of lead in construction
Elimination of polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) from instrument panel and other parts
Extensive use of recycled materials
CARB LEV-2 emissions certified
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