satoauto - acura information and discussion

This weekend we shot a lot of video for an upcoming video brochure for the 2009 Acura TSX. The brochure video will take a while to assemble, but I thought I throw together a few clips just for the fun of it. Most of these will probably find their way into the finished video, but enjoy this preview for now and check back for the full brochure video around the end of May.

The music is by Jonathan Coulton. If you haven't heard of him, he's an independent musician who used to be a computer programmer. His music is an eclectic blend of styles, but he writes the music, performs all the instruments and vocals in his home studio. His music is available for download from his webpage: www.jonathancoulton.com.

Download the video here: 2009 Acura TSX "Drive"

Motorweek just reviewed the new 2009 Acura TSX! This video has some great shots of the car in motion, and a good overview of the car's new features. They are also the first to confirm the price for the base TSX. The 2009 MSRP will be $28,860 plus destination charge.

I'm hoping we will get our cars this week and I'll be able to get my hands on it to provide my impressions of the new car, but for now, enjoy the Motorweek review.

Download the Motorweek Preview: 2009 Acura TSX

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., February 11, 2008- Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for entry-premium buyers, the all-new second-generation 2009 TSX is larger, more agile, more performance minded and even "more Acura" than ever before. Carefully crafted to honor the original TSX's vision as a world-class sports sedan, the new TSX has significantly evolved to offer more comfort, convenience, driving performance and safety. It does so with expanded luxury and electronic features, a wider stance for more agile performance, and advanced safety systems.

In about a few months, we will receive the first of the re-engineered and restyled 2009 Acura RLs. Acura went over the car with a critical eye and refined just about every aspect of the car to enhance the performance and luxury.

Acura has made it official! The name might sound a little funny but the new i-DTEC Clean Diesel will make it's debute in the fall of 2009 in the 2010 TSX.

The new engine is a part of Honda's Global Strategy for the future of personal mobility. In the long term, Honda envisions Hydrogen as our fuel of choice. (see the FCX Clarity). In the near term, Hybrids will power the smaller cars and Diesels will power the larger vechcles. So far, here is what we know about the new engine....

January 12, 2008
Acura has informed us that our first opportunity to order the all new TSX will arrive shortly. These cars are intended for March production with late April delivery. The new car has been designed to reassert the TSXs position as Acura's entry level sport sedan. The second generation TSX will be available in two trim levels.

Standard TSX: The standard model will mirror the feature set on the base RDX. This means that the luxury features that are available on the current base TSX will carry over and be supplemented by "new luxury amenities and audio capabilities that will all contribute the the new TSXs added appeal"

Technology Package: Again, this will mirror the feature set of the RDX Tech package and will include Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition with new functionality. AcuraLink Satellite Communication system (where XM is available), and a new 10 speaker Acura ELS Premium 10 speaker surround sound system.

There is no word on powertrains at this time and as I noted earlier, the first look at the new body design will come sometime in April.

The 2009 Acura TSX will be an all new design and is certain to create a big stir when it arrives.  Our first look at the new TSX will be in early April at the annual dealer meeting for Acura dealer principals.  The car will appear in our showrooms shortly thereafter. 

The outgoing car was a three time Car and Driver '10 Best" Award winner and one of the best all around sport sedans Acura has ever produced.  Since we're all waiting for the 2009 TSX to become available, I thought it would be kind of cool to look back to 2003 when we were in the SAME situation as we are now.  

My original Ride and Drive video was probably the first to hit the internet back in March of 2003. This is a condensed version of that original footage. 5 years later, I think my editing is a bit tighter but try to remember that this was the first video footage (of any type) that I ever filmed!  I actually got the camera only a few days before we left for this trip. Enjoy a look back at the earliest days of the TSX.