2008 Acura TSX: The Lure

Acura, the luxury brand of Honda Motor Co., offers a new lure in the all-new TSX. The near-premium sports sedan flaunts taut design, razor-sharp reflexes, cutting-edge technology and a long lost of standard luxury features.

The modifications made to the gorgeous sports sedan are aimed at winning over shoppers and enthusiasts. The 2008 TSX continues the exceptional blend of style, performance and efficiency that has helped it attract many new drivers from other players in the sports sedan market.

"The TSX has clearly established itself as a serious player in the sports sedan segment," said Dick Colliver, the executive vice president for sales. "It serves as a critical entry point into the Acura brand for thousands of new luxury customers each year, and delivers in spades on the advanced performance, technology and style of Acura."

The new TSX is powered by an advanced and efficient 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 205 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque, delivering performance on par with many 6-cylinder powerplants. The computer-controlled i-VTEC "intelligent" intake/exhaust valve actuation system delivers improved performance across a broad powerband.

The TSX engine is also equipped with Drive-By-Wire Throttle technology that helps bolster the cars performance, efficiency and enhanced driver control. Along with its remarkable horsepower output, the car with manual transmission has an EPA fuel economy rating of 19/28 mpg city/highway. Additionally, the automatic transmission version of the car has a rating of 20/28 mpg.

The 2008 TSX is also equipped with air-assisted fuel injectors, a uniquely positioned under floor catalytic converter, and a high-flow stainless-steel exhaust manifold help the TSX achieve the U.S. EPA's stringent Tier 2-Bin 5 (and CARB LEV-2) exhaust emissions standards.

To offer stability and outstanding stopping power, the new TSX is equipped with large 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels and Michelin all-season high-performance tires mated to Acura belts.

On the outside, the TSX shows off dynamic curves and crisp lines. To boost design cues, the sports sedan is given the signature 5-sided Acura grille, angular side markers and bumper-integrated fog lamps. In the rear, the taillights slope to meet a short, high trunk lid that terminates sharply to help air separate cleanly off the back of the car at speed. Stylish nine-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels finish the TSX's sporty appearance.

Parts of its safety features like the refined and highly responsive suspension, steering and braking systems, the TSX comes equipped with standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

In the event of a crash, the car uses multiple advanced safety technologies to help absorb and redirect the energy of the crash. These technologies include dual-stage, dual-threshold driver and front passenger airbags along with side airbags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger side airbag features an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to preclude airbag deployment if a child or small-stature adult leans into the deployment path. What is more, the car is also equipped with side curtain airbags to help protect occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a significant side impact.

These features, working in conjunction with the vehicle's energy-absorbing body structure, help the car graner a NHTSA 5-star rating in U.S. government's frontal crash test along with a Good rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) 40mph frontal offset test.

The Acura TSX, a product line built by Honda, was unveiled in April 2003. The car is sold in North America to rival entry-level luxury car flagship such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3, and the Volvo S40.