The 2006 TSX sports sedan raises the bar in the sports sedan category with more horsepower, enhanced styling and additional interior features including the HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface and enhancements to the navigation system including a faster processor and access to the Zagat Survey® restaurant guide.
"While the TSX is already acknowledged as a benchmark in the sports sedan segment, the changes we've made for 2006 will set the bar even higher," said Dick Colliver, vice president, sales. "Like the RL and TL sedans, the TSX combines performance, style and leading edge technology for a uniquely Acura driving experience."
For 2006, modifications to the TSX 2.4 liter DOHC i-VTEC™ engine boost horsepower to 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04)*, a five horsepower increase compared to last year, and torque to 164 lb-ft SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 4500 rpm giving the TSX engine overall performance comparable to several competitors with 6-cylinder powerplants. The i-VTEC "intelligent" valve-control system delivers enhanced performance across a broad power band, superior fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.
On the intake side of the TSX engine, the diameter of both the throttle body and the intake duct were enlarged to increase induction flow rate from 95 liters per second to 110 liters per second. In addition the diameter and shape of the intake valve were enhanced to help increase intake flow by 16 percent and the high RPM cam profile for the intake cam was modified to provide increased intake valve lift and duration. In addition, a ventilation passage was machined into the engine block to reduce pumping friction by increasing air flow between cylinders.
Exhaust modifications include a larger diameter exhaust pipe and a reduction in silencer and catalyst resistance to increase the exhaust flow rate by nine percent from 115 liters per second to 125 liters per second.
The TSX engine is equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle control system that eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine, and continuously adjusts the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal to match current driving conditions. It also incorporates throttle control into the car's VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist®) system, controls the vehicle's cruise control function and modulates the throttle to help make automatic transmission shifts even smoother.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs and a self-adjusting cam chain help the TSX run for 100,000 miles or more before requiring a major scheduled tune-up.
Since many performance enthusiasts prefer shifting gears themselves, the TSX comes with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or a compact 5-speed Sequential SportShift™automatic transmission. The lightweight 6-speed gearbox features short shift throws and multi-cone synchronizers on all gears for quick, light shifting action. The transmission case is made from magnesium alloy, a material typically reserved for racing applications. This case weighs 6.6 pounds less than a comparable aluminum unit and is extremely rigid to damp out noise and vibration.
Along with its impressive 205 horsepower output, the TSX with manual transmission delivers 21 mpg city/30mpg highway**, while the TSX with automatic transmission delivers 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway. Air-assisted fuel injectors, an underfloor catalyzer and a high-flow, low-heat mass exhaust manifold help the TSX achieve LEV-2 emissions status.
To complement its high-adrenaline powertrain with sports car-like handling, the TSX features an extremely rigid unit body structure and a race-bred, 4-wheel-independent double-wishbone suspension.The suspension is track-tuned to reduce lift, dive and body roll and boasts gas-pressurized shock absorbers and large front and rear stabilizer bars. A quick-ratio, variable power assist rack-and-pinion steering system provides outstanding feel and responsiveness and features an anti-kickback valve for reduced kickback on rough roads.
Handling is further enhanced by a Vehicle Stability Assist system (VSA®) that works in concert with the braking and drive-by-wire throttle systems to provide enhanced control during acceleration, braking and cornering. This 4-channel system orchestrates the throttle and each of the vehicle's four disc brakes to seamlessly integrate traction control, anti-lock braking and stability enhancement for increased driver control during acceleration, braking and cornering. The Brake Assist feature is now electronically controlled for 2006 to help the driver apply full brake pressure during accident avoidance situations.
To provide stability and offer superb stopping power, the TSX is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels (which have been redesigned for 2006) and P215/50R17 Michelin tires.
For 2006, the body of the TSX has been subtly restyled to enhance its aggressive demeanor while retaining the superior aerodynamics that have been such a large part of its high performance nature. In front, styling cues include a new bumper, a redesigned signature 5-sided Acura grille, more angular side markers and bumper-integrated fog lamps that give the TSX a sporty, appearance. More substantial side sills have been applied to accent the new nine-spoke alloy wheels. In the rear, the backlight slopes to meet a short, high trunk lid, which terminates sharply to help air separate cleanly off the back of the car at speed. The rear bumper and taillights have been restyled for 2006 to give the TSX an even more aggressive look.
The TSX adds four new exterior colors for 2006. Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic replaces Meteor Silver Metallic, and Deep Green Pearl, and Royal Blue Pearl are added. Other exterior colors are: Premium White Pearl, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Arctic Blue Metallic, Milano Red and Carbon Gray Pearl.
The five-passenger interior of the TSX is sporty yet refined with modern LED- illuminated instrumentation, intuitive controls, and a long list of standard luxury amenities that has been updated for 2006.
Like the RL and TL sedans, the 2006 TSX comes equipped with a Bluetooth-based hands-free phone system as standard equipment. The system, called HandsFreeLink™, enables a Bluetooth® wireless interface with mobile phones allowing calls to be made and received using the TSX's voice recognition and audio interfaces. To make a call, drivers push the steering wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink button, which connects their phone to the system. The HandsFreeLink system can be programmed to accept up to six different phones, and up to 50 numbers may be stored in the system's phone book.
The comprehensively equipped TSX features deeply bolstered, perforated leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, power windows and door locks and keyless entry. The leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel is thicker for 2006 to provide a sportier feel, and features wheel-mounted audio, cruise control and for 2006, voice recognition and HandFreeLink switches.
The TSX features a 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System with standard XM® Satellite Radio that for 2006 is equipped with an auxiliary jack located in the center console for playing MP3 and other digital music devices. The standard 8-way power adjustable driver's seat has been enhanced with two-position memory for 2006. When the driver enters the car with the key fob, the TSX automatically adjusts the driver's seat to his preferred position. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel allows the TSX to accommodate a wide range of drivers. A 4-way adjustable power passenger seat has been applied for increased comfort.
For 2006, the optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ has been enhanced with expanded memory and a faster processor to provide quicker start up and route search times, more points of interest and additional features, including access to the Zagat Survey™ Restaurant Guide. This easy to use navigation system features a menu of 560 voice commands, an 8-inch display, a comprehensive destination guide with over 7 million points of interest, 3-D graphics for freeway interchanges including on and off-ramps and turn-by-turn voice guidance. In addition, U.S. cities and street names (1.7 million) may now be accessed through the voice recognition system. The navigation system can be controlled through the steering wheel-mounted voice recognition button or by using the menu on the touch screen.
To ensure proper maintenance intervals and reduce the number of service visits, the 2006 TSX features a new Maintenance Minder system that automatically monitors the vehicle's unique operating profile and alerts the driver via the Multi-information display when certain types of routine service, including oil and filter replacement and tire rotation, are needed.
In addition to its vast arsenal of the latest safety technologies, a front passenger seat belt reminder has been added for 2006. The TSX also features standard side curtain airbags to help protect vehicle occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a sufficient side impact.
The TSX is equipped with dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags, and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger's side airbag uses seven sensors in the seatback and side bolster to determine the height and position of the occupant. If the sensors detect that a child or small-statured adult is leaning into the deployment path of the side airbag, the bag will not deploy
Like all Acura models, the TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, and new for 2006, a 6-year / 70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.
*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.
**Based on 2005 EPA mileage estimates, final 2006 EPA mileage estimates were not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage may vary.
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