Acura TSX Sedan 2011

The TSX has long been one of Acura's most popular models. As an all-new, clean sheet design for 2009, the automotive media was immediately impressed and Acura TSX sales were strong. Thanks to a great mix of styling, sporty performance, luxury appointments, good fuel efficiency and outstanding value, the TSX has remained the volume leader within its segment according to Global Insight. Rather than resting on their laurels, Acura engineers have made major updates to the 2011 TSX.

While the Acura TSX sedan receives significant updates for 2011, the big news is an all-new TSX variant - the TSX Sport Wagon. With crisp styling and added utility, the TSX Sport Wagon is a smart alternative for those considering a compact SUV. Besides offering better fuel economy, the TSX Sport Wagon provides cargo area comparable to that of many CUVs. Plus, the TSX Sport Wagon offers an available power actuated tailgate, a multi-configurable rear cargo area (with numerous hidden storage areas) and a low lift-over height allowing for easy loading. In today's tough economic environment, the time is perfect to offer a smarter choice for buyers - one without sacrifice or that is a compromise for the needs of today's savvy buyer.

The combination of value, fuel efficiency and technology that make the Acura TSX a smart luxury choice have given the TSX the largest percentage of buyers under 30 among all luxury sedans. The TSX Sport Wagon now offers a smarter choice for young families and those with active lifestyles, wanting added space for utility without having to pay the penalty of the increased size and reduced fuel economy that is common with many SUVs.

At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and much smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look. Also adding to the exterior looks are new 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with a revised center cap featuring a raised-style, chrome-plated Acura "A" mark.

To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is used with all TL models. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift — such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.

In addition, the transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation, but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions — which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 20/29 mpg — an increase of 3 mpg in highway driving over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines.

 ENGINE & POWERTRAIN

A quintessential component of the Acura TL's mission as a performance luxury sedan is to provide the maximum possible driving enjoyment for enthusiast drivers. Thus, the TL offers a choice of two all-aluminum powertrains. The standard 3.5-liter V-6 develops 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque and drives the front wheels through a sophisticated Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control System. The 3.5L features technologies like a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, Computer-Controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for the intake valves and a sport-tuned exhaust system with dual tips. The 3.5L V-6 delivers strong power and 20/29/23 mpg (city/highway/combined) fuel efficiency while meeting California's stringent CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification.

The Acura TL takes the driving experience to the next level with the availability of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model, which features a 3.7-liter V-6 engine developing 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque — making it the most powerful Acura sedan ever. With additional features including a cold-air intake system, Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for both intake and exhaust valves, and a high-flow, sport-tuned dual exhaust system with four exhaust tips, the SH-AWD® powertrain truly delivers racetrack-quality performance.

In addition, the 3.7L V-6 meets CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification and delivers city/highway/combined fuel economy of 18/26/21 mpg (6AT model). The innovative SH-AWD® system is unique to Acura and by employing torque vectoring, during hard cornering under acceleration it can send more torque as well as to overdrive the outside rear wheel, thereby creating a "yaw moment" that enhances vehicle dynamics by generating a turn-in effect.

Acura's commitment to sophistication and refinement are equally important, and to this end both V-6 engines shine with features like maintenance-free serpentine accessory belts, low-noise and low-drag electric power steering (EPS), and electronically controlled hydraulic engine mounts that reduce vibration. Moreover, both engines feature a Maintenance Minder™ system and 100,000-mile tune-up interval. With validation testing conducted in environments ranging from Alaska to Death Valley, public streets to Germany's famed Nürburgring, and from Japan to New Zealand, the TL has been proven in an extremely demanding range of driving environments.

BODY & CHASSIS

The 2012 TL takes Acura styling to a dynamic new level. Using the concept "emotion unleashed" as a impetus for developing the body design, Acura designers based in Southern California crafted a performance luxury sedan shape with a surface that expresses motion — even while at rest.

The use of aggressive wheel arches, dramatic character lines along the body side and numerous Acura exclusive design elements (such as the Acura signature grille) create a powerful and distinctive shape. Featuring as standard equipment premium details such as stainless-steel body trim, a power moonroof, HID projector-beam front headlights and LED taillights, the TL enjoys a strong foothold in the premium segment.

Further defining the Acura TL is a rigid unit-body, which positions the frame rails inside (instead of underneath) the floor pan to provide a nearly flat body underside. This frame design improves overall structural strength for enhanced crash safety, while also reducing interior noise and improving aerodynamic efficiency (the reduction in drag in turn enhances fuel economy). The TL also uses a large percentage (47.6-percent) of high-strength steel to improve structural strength while helping to reduce weight. To this end, aluminum is also used for the hood, front suspension subframe and rear suspension knuckles, while lightweight foam-filled body pillars help reduce noise in the cabin.

The TL rides on double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. Several technologies sharpen the TL's handling while significantly reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) inside the car. These technologies include dual-stage "blow off" style hydraulic dampers, hydro-compliant bushings (for the engine, transmission, and select suspension components) and a "smart" engine mount design. The available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) TL has unique suspension tuning, more aggressive braking-force tuning, front brake cooling ducts, and special tuning for the driver-focused Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Those in search for the ultimate in Acura TL performance will choose the 6MT model that adds close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, exclusive tuning for the SH-AWD system, special rate front springs and dampers, a heavy-duty front differential and driveshafts, unique EPS tuning and more.

Standard on the 2012 TL are 17x8-inch split 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Turanza P245/50R17 all-season tires. The available Technology Package has proprietary Michelin Pilot P245/50R17 all-season tires for the 17-inch wheels, with 18x8-inch aluminum wheels fitted with P245/45/18 all-season tires for the TL model with Advance Package. The TL SH-AWD® model includes as standard 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot P245/45R18 rubber. Available on Acura TL SH-AWD® with Advance Package are 19x8-inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle RS-A 245/40R19 M+S tires.

INTERIOR

The TL's driver-focused objective is strongly presented throughout the interior, where a "dual personal" layout provides a feeling of separate personal space for the driver and front passenger. Sweeping shapes and high-quality materials provide a feeling of intelligent luxury, while a formidable array of standard and available electronics reward the TL occupants with top-flight audio, navigation and communications experiences. On the driver's side, all the controls and instruments are positioned intuitively, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience while still enjoying Acura's substantial array of electronic aids and conveniences.

Luxury and technology are evident from the moment the TL's doors are first opened, and detail after detail underscores Acura's commitment to winning over the luxury customer. From the shape and feel of the door handles and the precision of the door-sill plates, to the richly appointed leather seating and the ergonomic positioning of seat bolsters, armrests and controls, the Acura TL immediately connects with the luxury customer. But it is the remarkable range of standard features that do the convincing — features like 10-way power driver seat (8-way power seat with 2-way lumbar support) and 8-way power passenger seat, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission, and an 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio with Note function, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface.

An available Technology Package adds a desirable range of electronic upgrades to the extensive list of standard luxury features, beginning with the Keyless Access System (with smart entry and pushbutton ignition) and luxurious full-grain perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the TL driving experience, the electronic features continue with an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, rearview camera and an updated 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display, plus the available AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps. In addition, an AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System provides a continual interface between the TL and Acura. An interface dial complements powerful voice recognition capability that provides intuitive access to navigation, audio, climate control and other features. For the ultimate audio experience, the Technology Package includes an Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker, 440-watt premium audio system with DVD-Audio, DTS™, CD, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio and a 3,500-song hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system.

With the available Advance Package, added to the Acura TL are ventilated front seats and a blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver to vehicles detected adjacent to the TL.source : www.netcarshow.com,www.mbayp.com

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