Second Generation (2009 onwards)
The fully redesigned 2009 Acura TSX made its debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show on April 11, 2008. In terms of size, the 2009 TSX is larger than its predecessor. The new TSX has a 3.0-inch (76 mm) greater width, a 2.6-inch (66 mm) wider track and a 1.3-inch (33 mm) longer wheelbase than the previous TSX; additionally, the length grew by 2.4 inches (61 mm). Curb weight also increased by approximately 100 to 150 pounds (45 to 68 kg).
Acura also added a "Sport Wagon" version of the TSX in Fall 2010 as a 2011 model The wagon is only available with the I4 engine and 5-speed automatic.
The 2009 TSX was released on July 16, 2008. Making its debut on the new TSX is Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which is designed to reduce accident impact on passengers. In the United States, the TSX comes standard with luxury features like leather seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power driver's seat with memory, sunroof, Xenon headlights, and adds a USB port music interface; in Canada this configuration is known as the "Premium Package" as there is a base trim available with the four-cylinder TSX that has cloth seats and halogen headlights, and deletes the USB connector, memory seat function, and fog lamps. The TSX has an optional technology package, which includes a navigation system real-time traffic and weather, and a 10-speaker premium sound system with DVD-audio capabilities
The 2010 model year TSX added an optional 3.5L 280 hp V6 engine, shared with the Acura TL. It comes standard with the five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and 18-inch alloy wheels, and is available in either Premium or Technology trims.
For the 2011 model year, the TSX received a face lifted grille with horizontal slots.
For the 2012 model year, Acura introduced an all new Special Edition model. The exterior features a more aggressive front spoiler giving it a sporty look, reminiscent of their old sports coupe, the RSX. Other cosmetic upgrades include a rear bumper fascia, side sills, and a fancy "Special Edition" badge on the trunk lid. In the cabin, Acura made sport-minded appointments including suede seat inserts with red backing. There is red stitching abound—on the shift knob, seats, and steering wheel—that compliment nicely with the red ambient lighting featured on the gauge cluster, overhead lighting, and foot well lighting. The pedals have also been upgraded to aluminium.
Engine
The new TSX uses a base engine similar to that of the 2008 TSX. The engine is a 2.4-litre in-line 4-cylinder engine reaching 201 hp (150 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) torque. While the rated power of the new TSX engine is 4 hp (3.0 kW) lower than that of the 2008 model, Acura says the new engine distributes power across a much wider rpm range, which along with the increased torque, provides an increased feeling of power for the driver. The transmission choices remain 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual, though the automatic version now comes with steering-wheel paddle shifters for optional manual shifting
The TSX was slated to receive a high-performance 2.2-litre i-DTEC clean turbo diesel engine in the 2010 model year; however, it was later announced that Honda had abandoned its plans to bring diesel engines to the U.S. and Japan in favour of hybrid gasoline-electric power trains. Instead, a 280 hp 3.5-litre V6 became available in the 2010 Acura TSX. The TSX V6 is only available with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
The Acura TSX has a narrow price elasticity, as the base model 4-cylinder TSX is considered a good deal for a luxury car, however higher trims (particularly the V6 powered models) are considered too expensive as they compete directly with sport luxury cars such as the Audi A4 and Infiniti G and Acura's own TL.
Third Generation (2014 onwards)
There are currently no plans for a third generation TSX model. There have been rumours that Acura may discontinue both the TSX and Acura TL to create an all new "TLX." This would go in line with their new strategy of three letter named vehicles. Acura’s bread and butter TL will likely be renamed the TLX and shrink in size while they phase out the TSX potentially carrying on in a limited V6 production form. Also, the 2013 Acura ILX was released and Acura would not want to have more than one entry-level luxury sedan in their line-up. However Acura have stated that the ILX will not replace the TSX, it will compliment it until at least the end of 2013.
