2010 Acura TSX V6 Test Drive: The Specs

 LOS ANGELES - As sprightly and as poised as the four-cylinder Acura TSX is, a quick scan of the spec sheet would probably send torque junkies to more powerful pastures. That car has just 201 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque - not exactly the stuff of our 1/4-mile dreams. Well, Acura decided that the TSX could use a bit more muscle under the hood too. So iit has added a new model to the lineup and shoehorned the 280 hp V6 from the Acura TL sedan into the TSX's smaller package. The result? Perhaps our favorite sedan in the Acura lineup. Ben Stewart

THE SPECS
The V6-powered, 3,600 pound TSX is fundamentally the same car as the four-cylinder model both are based on the European Honda Accord. The only cues that this car has two more cylinders under the hood are the functional air intakes next to the fog lights, new wheels and that little V6 badge on the trunk. Under the skin, engineers fitted what is essentially the 3.5-liter V6 from the base-level Acura TL paired to a 5-speed automatic controlled by steering wheel paddle shifters. Thanks to the 11.2:1 compression ratio, and tech like VTEC variable valve timing and lift, and a magnesium dual stage intake manifold, the V6 makes 280 hp at 6200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm. The V6 is rated at 18-mpg city and 27-mpg highway, which isn't too far off the four cylinder TSX that is rated at 21-mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Beyond the engine transplant, V6 models get firmer springs and dampers to compensate for the 210 lb weight increase over a four-cylinder automatic TSX. The brake system (11.8-inch front discs and 11.1-inch rear discs) gains a new brake booster, larger master cylinder and new rear brake pads. Wheels have been upgraded to 18X8-inch and tires grow to 235/45R18 over the 225/50R17s on four-cylinder TSX sedans. The electric power steering system has been re-tuned for V6 duty as well.

Inside, the TSX V6 comes with a long list of standard features including a leather steering wheel and heated leather power seats, a 7-speaker 360 watt sound system, USB port connectivity for iPods and iPhones or a removable memory stick. But the smartest standard system on the TSX V6 is the new Active Sound Control, which decreases engine boom noise below 2000 rpm as well as high frequency noise during engine cruising. The system uses mics strategically placed in the cabin to determine the sound level and then decides when and how much noise-cancelling sound (inaudible to the driver) it should pump through the sound system to mute the bad stuff. According to John Watts, Acura's Sr. Manager of Product Planning, the system not only effectively quiets the cabin but it does so with less weight gain to the car than adding additional sound deadening material would. Opt for the Technology package and you'll get a navigation system with rearview camera, dual-zone climate control and a 10-speaker, 415-watt audio system.

Definitely a beauty for lovers of the acura sedan, I guess its time to check out the nearest acura dealer. If you thought the last models; the 2006 acura and the 2007 acura were good, well this new tsx is much better.

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