Acura TSX Axed to Make Room for TLX
Acura will cut its product portfolio from six to five models next year, confirming today that the TSX sedan will be discontinued in 2014.
In its place will be a new model called the TLX (which more directly replaces the current TL), bridging the gap between the compact ILX and flagship RLX.
Acura claims the new TLX will bring to the segment a whole new look with more sporting proportions, as well as two new powertrains and numerous signature Acura technologies. The TLX will come with a new transmission (likely either a CVT or the new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that debuted in the RLX) and will be offered in two-wheel and all-wheel drive.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Acura TSX Review
Introduced to the North American market in 2003 the TSX was and continued to be an Acura-ified version of the European market Honda Accord. It filled a void in the Acura product lineup with the departure of the Integra sedan in 2001.
Shunning convention it was positioned to take on compact German luxury rivals, though using front-wheel drive and with only a 4-cylinder engine – a 2.4-liter unit making 200 hp.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Review – Video
Acura is promising that the traits that made the TSX such a great car will be carried through and even emphasized in the TLX. “This all-new Acura TLX is the perfect blend of style and muscle with its elegant, well-proportioned exterior that cloaks the true sport sedan chassis and powertrain beneath,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president, American Honda Motor, Co., Inc. “The sporty characteristics that customers found appealing in the TSX are even more pronounced in this aggressive new TLX.”
The 2015 Acura TLX concept will make its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show this January.
Discuss this story at our Acura TLX Forum.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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So that'll mean no more Made in Japan. My guess is that the 2.4L will be CVT only with the full automatic reserved for the V6. I'm glad I just got a new TSX then. Heaven only knows what kind of engineering mischief will be committed in another 5 years or so.
That is a very STUPID move by Acura. They need all their current models to compete successfully with the German brands. They made a BIG mistake in not moving the TLX more upmarket to go head to head with BMW 7 series, Mercedes S class and Audi A8. The TLX needs to go upmarket to compete directly with BMW 5 series, Mercedes E class and Audi A6. The TSX needs to REMAIN and go upmarket to compete DIRECTLY with the BMW 3 series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C class. The ILX should remain to compete with the BMW 1 series, Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA class. Reducing the Acura lineup does nothing else but to relegate the brand to an "Also ran" competitor. I am a very loyal Honda/Acura customer, and I am telling you HONDA, this is a very BIG mistake.