- #322 of 364
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Re: new tsx [bodble2]
by fedlawman
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Feb 04, 2009 (7:20 pm)
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Replying to: bodble2 (Feb 04, 2009 3:56 pm)
What do you propose, maybe a brand new 2.5L V6? Lexus has a nice one in the IS - it makes 185 lb ft peak torque compared to the TSX's 170. In a 3500 lb car, you'll never feel the difference.
Other manufacturers have used 2.5L 6 cylinder engines in the past and moved up to 3.0L and 3.5L engines because the "small" 6's just don't make enough power by today's (North American) standards. BMW's 2.5L I-6 (sold in Canada in the 323i) makes 180 lb ft and 200 hp. Again, not worth the effort.
You have to go back a few years to find more 2.5L V6 engines. Ford's hot-rod Contour SVT had a sweet 2.5L V6 engine. It was an even match for the TSX - 170 lb ft and 200 hp.
Acura could put a small 6 in the TSX, but it wouldn't improve performance at all (it's already more than quick enough for what it is). A V6 would simply remove the "stigma" of being a 4-cylinder - which is basically the only problem the TSX has ever had.
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- #323 of 364
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Re: new tsx [fedlawman]
by bodble2
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Feb 04, 2009 (9:33 pm)
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Replying to: fedlawman (Feb 04, 2009 7:20 pm)
Actually I did have in mind a 3.0 V6, like the one in the 1998 - 2002 Accord. I found that engine extremely smooth and flexible. And I would have to disagree with you on the improved performance. I think a small V6 will have a noticeable difference in performance. Yeah, you may not see a huge jump in the rated hp and torque numbers, but a V6 can be tuned for higher low end torque. I found the old TSX so weak down low (with an automatic) it was just no fun. Yes, it's better with the manual since you can wring it out, but that gets tiring fast, and I'm not interested in driving that way on a daily basis. You brought up the issue of the stigma of a 4 cyl. I wasn't thinking about that but you know that has been a criticism of Acura. I can't think of another luxury brand that has a 4 cylinder-only model.
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- #324 of 364
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Re: new tsx [bodble2]
by jpdisarro
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Feb 04, 2009 (10:02 pm)
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Replying to: bodble2 (Feb 04, 2009 9:33 pm)
Today's rumor on the Acura websites is that the new engine will be the current TL's 3.5L V6 with 280 hp. This engine weighs no more than the previous 3.2L engine and little more than the older Accord's 3.0L V6, so I doubt that there would be a significant advantage in manufacturing a smaller V6. Also, the 3.5L V6 will probably be the most cost effective option as the engine is already manufactured in volume for the Accord and TL.
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- #325 of 364
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Re: new tsx [bodble2]
by fedlawman
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Feb 05, 2009 (10:11 am)
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Replying to: bodble2 (Feb 04, 2009 9:33 pm)
A 3.0L V6 is not a "small" V6. The difference in weight between the 3.0L V6 and 2.4L I-4 was enough to make the Accord steer like a pig compared to the TSX in 2004.
I do agree with you about the automatic transmission TSX though. My uncle had one and it's a complete drag to drive - might as well buy a Camry.
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- #326 of 364
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Re: new tsx [jpdisarro]
by jpdisarro
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Feb 14, 2009 (6:33 am)
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Replying to: jpdisarro (Feb 04, 2009 10:02 pm)
The rumor was correct and the new option for the TSX is indeed the 3.5L 280 hp engine from the TL. I was hoping for SH-AWD, but this new model might still be worth consideration.
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- #327 of 364
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Re: new tsx [jpdisarro]
by bvdj84
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Feb 14, 2009 (7:04 am)
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Replying to: jpdisarro (Feb 14, 2009 6:33 am)
Well, I don't think giving the TSX all the options as the new TL would be smart. That would cause some issues in sales. Which apparently they are already facing.
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- #328 of 364
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Re: new tsx [bvdj84]
by fedlawman
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Feb 14, 2009 (8:08 am)
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Replying to: bvdj84 (Feb 14, 2009 7:04 am)
No problem, just bump the TL MSRP up $3,000. 
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- #329 of 364
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Re: new tsx [fedlawman]
by bodble2
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Feb 14, 2009 (9:42 am)
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Replying to: fedlawman (Feb 14, 2009 8:08 am)
A twist of irony is that they just announced a $3,000 rebate for the TL here in Canada! I guess they are having issues with sales, as bvdj84 said.
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- #330 of 364
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Re: new tsx [fedlawman]
by dolsey01
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Feb 14, 2009 (10:08 am)
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Replying to: fedlawman (Feb 14, 2009 8:08 am)
The new base TL aside from looks and a few tech goodies is so close to the Accord EX-L V6 that it is really hard to justify the additional 5-6K in MSRP. So raising the price 3K will just have more potential buyers opting for the Accord. We are leasing the TSX over the Accord because my wife who is the primary driver of the car just wants something a little less boring and it actually works out to be less expensive because of the higher residual and slightly lower MF.
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- #331 of 364
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Re: new tsx [dolsey01]
by bodble2
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Feb 14, 2009 (5:28 pm)
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Replying to: dolsey01 (Feb 14, 2009 10:08 am)
I think the Accord EX-L V6 actually looks better than the base TL. The SH-AWD version, with the larger wheels and quad pipes, scores a few points for the TL. Of course, the TL interior looks better than the Accord's.
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