Acura has lifted the veil a bit higher on its forthcoming redesigned TSX sedan, which is set to debut at next month's New York auto show. The updated model will get a host of Acura's most advanced technology features, including the availability of a navigation system with real-time traffic, and the AcuraLink weather system, both of which will also come to the 2009 RL. Also migrating down the Acura model lineup is the ELS/Panasonic surround sound audio system, which we saw in the Acura RDXand MDX SUVs. In the TSX, the ELS system will be available in the form of a 10-speaker system with capability to play DVD-Audio. It also has a new Note function for XM Radio that makes it easy to save song information to recall at a later date. Like the 2009 RL, the new TSX also gets the capability to play music from USB sources, such as iPods and thumbdrives.
On the performance front, the 2009 TSX is more powerful than its predecessor thanks to a new 2.4-liter in-line four cylinder power plant generating 201 horsepower and 172 foot-pounds of torque. The model is available as standard with a six-speed manual or an automatic five-speed automatic transmission with sequential sport shift and the obligatory paddle shifters. Despite its increased power and size (the new car is 3 inches wider than the current model), the 2009 TSX improves its gas mileage and emissions figures with an economy of 21/30mpg and a ULEV rating from the California Air Resources Board. Look out for more detail and images of the new TSX next month.