Is a 2008 redesign official?

[IranBT]

How reliable are these suggestions/comments that are thrown by different people about a redesign of TSX in 2008.

I know the car is due for one, and I believe we've seen the prototype(maybe not the exact thing), but is this happening in 2008 or 2009?

I thought it was being done in 2009, but now everyone seems to think it's coming next year.

[narci]

yes

[06tsx]

someone post an official link/comment by honda/acura that the tsx is being redesigned for 2008

[VorteC]

Even if it's not official.. acura cannot use the current model for 2008... 5 years of the same shit? boring!

[cool tsx]

I fancy myself pretty sure of this:
The 2008 re-design will not be relevant to the auto entusiast!
Because the TSX is now the entry level vehicle and because of mega politics - it must have hp and tq readings below the CURRENT TL...etc...etc...so there will be no blown or 300 NA monster kick ass TSX. No way.
Here is what I see going down: Americans are fat and lazy and hate to shift manual transmissions. The first lost feature in 2008 will be the manual trans. The car will get bigger and fatter...much better drink holders with cooling and heating trays for your convience. The only reason for the need of the 6 cylinder engine will be because of the bloated weight of an all wheel drive system + big fat metal pieces to allow for bigger bolstered seats. I would venture the new TSX for 2008 will weight in at 3,880 lbs... The TSX will feature the CVT (continuously variable transmission) You have to remember that all you REALLY WANT is an auto for which you can not feel any "shift shock". Mark my words...I have seen it before...there is just too much "in the way" for the TSX to become what you would like it to be. I see the current model as the "one to have"...thank you...flame away...or agreee with me...what are your thoughts???

[GeneralCho]

I fancy myself pretty sure of this:
The 2008 re-design will not be relevant to the auto entusiast!
Because the TSX is now the entry level vehicle and because of mega politics - it must have hp and tq readings below the CURRENT TL...etc...etc...so there will be no blown or 300 NA monster kick ass TSX. No way.
Here is what I see going down: Americans are fat and lazy and hate to shift manual transmissions. The first lost feature in 2008 will be the manual trans. The car will get bigger and fatter...much better drink holders with cooling and heating trays for your convience. The only reason for the need of the 6 cylinder engine will be because of the bloated weight of an all wheel drive system + big fat metal pieces to allow for bigger bolstered seats. I would venture the new TSX for 2008 will weight in at 3,880 lbs... The TSX will feature the CVT (continuously variable transmission) You have to remember that all you REALLY WANT is an auto for which you can not feel any "shift shock". Mark my words...I have seen it before...there is just too much "in the way" for the TSX to become what you would like it to be. I see the current model as the "one to have"...thank you...flame away...or agreee with me...what are your thoughts???

It sounds like the new TSX will be designed for Homer Simpson. Hahaha!!!

In Canada, the CSX is the entry level vehicle. The CSX TypeS already hitting close to the 200hp mark. I believe that there should be an increase in hp for the 2008 TSX. Ideally, I hope Acura would drop the RDX 2.3L iVTEC turbo engine (240hp) so it gives the car some extra power but at the same time not compete with the TL on the hp and tq numbers. I highly doubt Acura would be so generous and give the TSX SH-AWD. The new 2007 TL TypeS is still FWD so the chances of RWD or SH-AWD are slim for the TSX. I don't believe Acura would abandon the manual transmission because Acura and Honda have been promoting their 6sp transmission in almost all models of their cars. As usual, Acura probably produce only a limited numbers of MT TSX.

#1 Reason Why I Think Acura will still produce manual for the 2008 TSX:
I don't think the TSX was designed for the American market. The TSX was designed mainly for the Asian, European, and Canadian market in mind. IN Europe, the only reason you drive automatic is because you are HANDICAP. :rofl:

[Daffunda]

I fancy myself pretty sure of this:
The 2008 re-design will not be relevant to the auto entusiast!
Because the TSX is now the entry level vehicle and because of mega politics - it must have hp and tq readings below the CURRENT TL...etc...etc...so there will be no blown or 300 NA monster kick ass TSX. No way.
Here is what I see going down: Americans are fat and lazy and hate to shift manual transmissions. The first lost feature in 2008 will be the manual trans. The car will get bigger and fatter...much better drink holders with cooling and heating trays for your convience. The only reason for the need of the 6 cylinder engine will be because of the bloated weight of an all wheel drive system + big fat metal pieces to allow for bigger bolstered seats. I would venture the new TSX for 2008 will weight in at 3,880 lbs... The TSX will feature the CVT (continuously variable transmission) You have to remember that all you REALLY WANT is an auto for which you can not feel any "shift shock". Mark my words...I have seen it before...there is just too much "in the way" for the TSX to become what you would like it to be. I see the current model as the "one to have"...thank you...flame away...or agreee with me...what are your thoughts???

Same thing happened to the Lex IS, so I think you're pretty accurate. I went to one Lex dealer to test drive the 07IS 250, and the sales guy said that the 250 stick version is only special order, and ever since the 2nd gen came out, they only sold one. Go figure.......

BTW, lexus IS250 was a tank. It felt slower than my V6 camry. TSX 6spd is faster than the IS250 hands down. IS350 is a different story however.....

Manual performance luxurys are becoming endangered species..... Maybe I really should pull the trigger on the 07 before they go extinct....

[JulieTSX]

Quote: Maybe I really should pull the trigger on the 07 before they go extinct....

Pull the trigger if you looove the TSX exactly the way it is now. That way, you will not regret it.

If you're hoping for something more to your liking in the next generation - wait. The spy pics/some details will probably come out some months ahead. You can still buy an 07 then.... but probably with greater negociating power to boot.

[StevenRFrancis]

Pull the trigger if you looove the TSX exactly the way it is now. That way, you will not regret it.

If you're hoping for something more to your liking in the next generation - wait. The spy pics/some details will probably come out some months ahead. You can still buy an 07 then.... but probably with greater negociating power to boot.

I would agree with Julie. If you are willing to wait for an '08, then wait. But make sure you do your research n try to find out as far ahead as possible what the '08 will be. The reason I say that is because although the '07 will still be around, by the time you make your decision, the color-combo you are thinking about might be gone by then. I ran into this situation myself when getting my '01 Integra. I didn't like the RSX and wanted a Black LS. But there where none to be found and I had to settle for Silver :( Hope this help.
Steven

[JulieTSX]

I would agree with Julie. If you are willing to wait for an '08, then wait. But make sure you do your research n try to find out as far ahead as possible what the '08 will be. The reason I say that is because although the '07 will still be around, by the time you make your decision, the color-combo you are thinking about might be gone by then. I ran into this situation myself when getting my '01 Integra. I didn't like the RSX and wanted a Black LS. But there where none to be found and I had to settle for Silver :( Hope this help.
Steven

Steven's got a good point. Actually, this is why I pulled the trigger on an 06 TSX. The color combo I wanted would no longer be available in 07 (this is Canada)

And if your favorite color is in short supply, your negociating power also diminishes.

[TSX69]

It is so hard to predict what Acura is going to do next. They claim to wanna move upscale & differentiate themselves from Honda but will they actually do it? The RDX is not a good indicator but in their defense, perhaps that was already in the making before they decided on the change.

If they really wanted to compete, a RWD system would be in order. Since it seems like they are finally going forward w/ an 8 cylinder for the RL & SUVs, this might see the light of the day. Until then, the TSX will probably come w/ SH-AWD since Acura once said that they want their entire lineup to get it. A FWD version is pretty much guaranteed for 2008.

As for the engine, logically a 4 cylinder turbo would make the cut since the RDX already has one but I think Acura has just said that they had no plans on using the turbo elsewhere. A 6 cylinder engine would be needed since all competitors have them standard but that argument does not always sway Honda (see Ridgeline).

The big question is about hybrids & diesels. Honda once said that they wanted their new diesels for the SUVs and hybrids for their cars. The failure of the Accord Hybrid may come into play w/ this decision & they may want to test the diesel on other vehicles 1st. So it may take another generation before they gamble w/ either of these in a TSX especially since it is currently the entry level (cheapest) automobile.

Well, I am rambling here so to make this short: Honda/Acura has a long history of doing whatever they want & not following the competition or the norm so it is hard to predict what the next TSX will have.

I am confident that it will continue to offer a FWD/4 cylinder version (which it should since people are buying) & will probably have 6 cylinder & SH-AWD as options. More luxury items can also be safely assumed ... anything else is probably unlikely but who knows.

[Sajidov3]

The big thing here is going to be price. What price can Honda set the TSX at to make it a profitable car? So far it is doing very well, but I think this is in part to its relative value. Unfortunately, features such as a 6-cylinder engine, turbocharger and SH-AWD all cost money and Honda may be reluctant to bring the TSX into Lexus/BMW/MB territory for fear of how it will perform. Not to mention that it would start creeping up on the price of the TL.

If Honda can keep the TSX at or below $30k without nav, I think they will make some of these improvements. However, if they find that the price starts increasing to $31-32k, they may be worried about the impact on demand for the TSX.

[shay654]

It sounds like the new TSX will be designed for Homer Simpson. Hahaha!!!



:werd: :laugh:

[shay654]

Quote: Maybe I really should pull the trigger on the 07 before they go extinct....

Pull the trigger if you looove the TSX exactly the way it is now. That way, you will not regret it.

If you're hoping for something more to your liking in the next generation - wait. The spy pics/some details will probably come out some months ahead. You can still buy an 07 then.... but probably with greater negociating power to boot.



I would agree with Julie. If you are willing to wait for an '08, then wait. But make sure you do your research n try to find out as far ahead as possible what the '08 will be. The reason I say that is because although the '07 will still be around, by the time you make your decision, the color-combo you are thinking about might be gone by then. I ran into this situation myself when getting my '01 Integra. I didn't like the RSX and wanted a Black LS. But there where none to be found and I had to settle for Silver :( Hope this help.
Steven

:sprint: :sprint:

Agreed! :nod:

[TSX69]

If they are serious about being a luxury brand, they should keep the base model TSX (4 cylinder FWD) @ around 29k - mind you, they have to add things to justify the price increase & not just raise it. The RDX is a pretty good example, IMHO, of Acura overpricing a vehicle & its sales are lackluster.

No other entry level car can be had in the 20s (Lexus IS, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 ...) so Acura should up their cars a tad to be taken seriously in the market. Just slap all leather, ventilated seats, back up camera, dimming side mirrors ... any assortment of other luxury items & raise the price 2k. SH-AWD, bigger engines & what not can be added on for a mid-30k price. This would also give buyers options - something Acura has lacked in the past.

[StevenRFrancis]

If they are serious about being a luxury brand, they should keep the base model TSX (4 cylinder FWD) @ around 29k - mind you, they have to add things to justify the price increase & not just raise it. The RDX is a pretty good example, IMHO, of Acura overpricing a vehicle & its sales are lackluster.

No other entry level car can be had in the 20s (Lexus IS, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 ...) so Acura should up their cars a tad to be taken seriously in the market. Just slap all leather, ventilated seats, back up camera, dimming side mirrors ... any assortment of other luxury items & raise the price 2k. SH-AWD, bigger engines & what not can be added on for a mid-30k price. This would also give buyers options - something Acura has lacked in the past.



I totally agree! :sprint:
While Honda of Japan as well as many other countries continues to offer MANY options for their cars; with at least five differnt opetions for the Accord (CL7, CL8, CL9), they only have 2 for the TSX (w/Navi or w/o) Thats pretty bad! :tardsmash

[GeneralCho]

Maybe Honda is practicing the philosophy of KISS.
Keep It Simple Stupid

[StevenRFrancis]

Maybe Honda is practicing the philosophy of KISS.
Keep It Simple Stupid
Are you referring to Honda or Acura? Because Honda has a full line of Accords while Acura only has "Two" Versions of the TSX (Navi & No Navi)

[vidgamer]

While I like some of the luxury add-ons for the TSX (HID, leather, etc.), my preference would be to keep things reasonably simple.

Keeping the motor smaller will help handling, I would think; a 6-cyl would add even more weight to the front. (Maybe a turbo would be better?)

Now, I'm not ready to say that a CVT option is a bad thing. If someone could design one that can take a lot of power, I'd think it'd be good for performance, as you can keep the engine in higher RPMs longer (or am I missing something?).

[offset_98]

While I like some of the luxury add-ons for the TSX (HID, leather, etc.), my preference would be to keep things reasonably simple.

Keeping the motor smaller will help handling, I would think; a 6-cyl would add even more weight to the front. (Maybe a turbo would be better?)

Now, I'm not ready to say that a CVT option is a bad thing. If someone could design one that can take a lot of power, I'd think it'd be good for performance, as you can keep the engine in higher RPMs longer (or am I missing something?).

True...look at Nissan's CVT. It's holding together various iterations of the VQ, some upwards of 270hp (Altima)!!

[hulkcoaster]

I'm almost certain that the redesign will be for '09, heres why:

Federal regulations requires TPMS (tire pressure monitoring) to be standard for all vehicles starting with the 2008 model year. Acura added the feature to the TSX this year. If they were going to do a redesign for 08, then they would have left it out and engineered it to be in the electronic system of the new body style. It is not cost productive to modify the electrical system so that TPMS can be added to it for one year before the redesign. It is economical to add it for 07 so it can be used in 07 and 08, as labor is cheaper this year compared to next because of continuing inflation.

Another reason is that Acura will probably shift their lineup, with the sedans eventually being on more equal footing with Infiniti and Lexus. The RL will move upmarket to take on the Q and LS, the TL will move upmarket to take on the M and GS, and the TSX will move upmarket to take on the G and IS. Next year will see a redesign for the TL, and the overlap with the RL is not important as that car is not selling well as it is. To upgrade the TSX before the TL would be a disaster because both sell well.

As for the issue with Acura not having a sub 30,000 car, they have already decided to pull out of that market, as we saw with the demise of the RSX. They see the money Lexus is making, and want to mirror their lineup to compete with them. Acura will be a more fun to drive Lexus type car, just like Honda's are starting to be considered a more fun to drive Toyota type car.

As for the 09 TSX, it will probably be a turbo 4 with SHAWD. But, since the Honda turbo engines are only for the NA market right now (RDX made in Canada and not exported) their is a chance the TSX will continue to be a regular 4 cyl. The SHAWD is not an issue, as it is global (Legend) and can easily be added as an option for the other markets, while remaining standard for NA (just like the TSX has one engine option while the Euro Accord has a couple, with the 2.5 being the top of the line).

I hope that makes sense, feel free to comment.

[Rosssi]

I'm almost certain that the redesign will be for '09

This is not what I heard from Acura rep is LA Autoshow couple of weeks ago. She said that 08 TSX will be totally redesigned exterior and interior. She also mentioned that there will be anouncements in this regard at Detroit Autoshow.

[GeneralCho]

I'm almost certain that the redesign will be for '09, heres why:
Another reason is that Acura will probably shift their lineup, with the sedans eventually being on more equal footing with Infiniti and Lexus. The RL will move upmarket to take on the Q and LS, the TL will move upmarket to take on the M and GS, and the TSX will move upmarket to take on the G and IS. Next year will see a redesign for the TL, and the overlap with the RL is not important as that car is not selling well as it is. To upgrade the TSX before the TL would be a disaster because both sell well.
Unless Acura is going to upgrade the TSX to a 300hp engine and RWD, I don't think it has a chance to compete against the G35 or IS350. The RL is not selling well but it is the flagship of Acura. Acura better make sure the RL is able to compete against its competitors. It is important for Acura to continue improving the RL and make sure the RL does not fall behind the TL.



As for the issue with Acura not having a sub 30,000 car, they have already decided to pull out of that market, as we saw with the demise of the RSX. They see the money Lexus is making, and want to mirror their lineup to compete with them. Acura will be a more fun to drive Lexus type car, just like Honda's are starting to be considered a more fun to drive Toyota type car.
True, Acura did pull the RSX from their line-up but you got to remember that in Canadian market... they are still offering the CSX (even a lower model compared to the RSX) I believe that most people that buy Lexus is because of the luxury and comfort level that Lexus offers not the fun factor. I think people buys Toyota because Toyotas are arguably more reliable and more family-oriented type of cars than compared to Honda.



As for the 09 TSX, it will probably be a turbo 4 with SHAWD. But, since the Honda turbo engines are only for the NA market right now (RDX made in Canada and not exported) their is a chance the TSX will continue to be a regular 4 cyl. The SHAWD is not an issue, as it is global (Legend) and can easily be added as an option for the other markets, while remaining standard for NA (just like the TSX has one engine option while the Euro Accord has a couple, with the 2.5 being the top of the line).
The last time I read the Press Release from Honda, the RDX is being manufactured in Marysville, Ohio. This is the first time in North America that a turbo engine is introduced from Honda but Honda has already implemented the use of turbo engines in other markets. I think Honda turbo engines are market and sold globally.

[GeneralCho]

Are you referring to Honda or Acura? Because Honda has a full line of Accords while Acura only has "Two" Versions of the TSX (Navi & No Navi)
I guess it applies to both Acura and Honda. Usually Honda offers only a few trims for majority of their lineups, Base, Premium, Top-of-the-line.

Comparing it to a Benz, BMW or Lexus. For one car model, you are given with 5 different packages or a list hundreds of different options you can add. Buying a TSX was a lot simpler than compared to when I was looking at the IS250.

[dutchie3]

saw an rdx the other day....nice vehicle!

[sjlee]

My guess is that the redesigned TSX will put the price point above the $30k mark. It will have more power (biggest gripe about the current TSX), but hard to say if that means adding turbo, putting in a V6 or just tweaking the I4 further. SH-AWD could be a possibility since just about everyone luxury manufacturer offers AWD as an option in their cars.

I don't think Acura will bump up their models to compete with other manufacturers. They have always seemed to like to straddle their competitor's lineups... and offer their cars as a "bargain".

Maybe something along the lines of the Honda Sport 4 Concept?

http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_order_int/7/article_id_int/814
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10350/default.aspx
http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2005/sports4/

That grille looks very similar to the new MDX grille... maybe the "face" of all Acuras?

[tewkewl]

Hi,

my Brother works at an investment bank in automotive equity research. he is privy to all the launch dates etc as he must valuate the car companies.

definatively, the new tsx body style will come in Q4 of calendar year 08.

i am interested in getting this car (tsx) since my german ride is a little too firm for my back (recently had surgery), but i don't want to buy a car that is on the way out style wise. the current tsx looks very last gen currently compared to the IS from lexus. so i think i'll wait 2 more years before pulling the trigger on the tsx which is definately the best value for a luxury marquis.

[VorteC]

Hi,

my Brother works at an investment bank in automotive equity research. he is privy to all the launch dates etc as he must valuate the car companies.

definatively, the new tsx body style will come in Q4 of calendar year 08.

i am interested in getting this car (tsx) since my german ride is a little too firm for my back (recently had surgery), but i don't want to buy a car that is on the way out style wise. the current tsx looks very last gen currently compared to the IS from lexus. so i think i'll wait 2 more years before pulling the trigger on the tsx which is definately the best value for a luxury marquis.
Welcome tewkewl and Thanks for the info!! :D

[sjlee]

I think it is all but official (from Honda/Acura) that the 2008 TSX will be completely redesigned... especially with the Euro Accord having been redesigned recently.

I think the big questions are what engine will it have and if it will have SH-AWD.

They could tweak the current engine for more power (like the S2000 engine) or putting in the RDX's turbo engine is another possibility.

[eljefe68]

Same thing happened to the Lex IS, so I think you're pretty accurate. I went to one Lex dealer to test drive the 07IS 250, and the sales guy said that the 250 stick version is only special order, and ever since the 2nd gen came out, they only sold one. Go figure.......

BTW, lexus IS250 was a tank. It felt slower than my V6 camry. TSX 6spd is faster than the IS250 hands down. IS350 is a different story however.....

Manual performance luxurys are becoming endangered species..... Maybe I really should pull the trigger on the 07 before they go extinct....

I submit that Lexus has just the one manual transmission in their line because the overwhelming number of mooks who buy them are not interested in performance. The person who buys a Lexus wants the comfort and smoothness those pretty cars offer.

So, lets give some love to Mazda, Honda, Acura, Subaru, Nissan, VW, Audi, BMW, and even Mercedes for offering MT Sedans.

[The Sporty Xtra]

If I were re-designing the TSX, I would try to keep its virtues intact: fun to drive but economical, and a good value. I would keep the price increase to under $2k.

I would address performance by adding more aluminum (maybe an aluminum hood and a few suspension components) to shave weight, and if possible move to a direct injection I4 engine for a little more grunt. I would move to a 6 speed automatic. I would not add a turbo, V6, or AWD, since this would just hurt the product differentiation which draws people to the TSX in the first place. I would also keep the size almost exactly the same.

I would add a few bells and whistles such as real metal trim, dimming side mirrors, a higher-resolution screen, backup camera (or at least park assist), a little more real leather, LED tail lights, better sound-proofing, maybe push-button start, and call it a day. Why mess with success?

[TSX69]

Base model would be 4 cylinder front wheel drive

Type S would be either a turbo or a 6 cylinder with SH-AWD as an option

As a final option, I think that a hybrid would be nice but @ this point I can understand Acura holding off on that.

[The Sporty Xtra]

As a final option, I think that a hybrid would be nice but @ this point I can understand Acura holding off on that.



I wonder if the battery could be placed to improve weight distribution?

[IranBT]

If I were re-designing the TSX, I would try to keep its virtues intact: fun to drive but economical, and a good value. I would keep the price increase to under $2k.

I would address performance by adding more aluminum (maybe an aluminum hood and a few suspension components) to shave weight, and if possible move to a direct injection I4 engine for a little more grunt. I would move to a 6 speed automatic. I would not add a turbo, V6, or AWD, since this would just hurt the product differentiation which draws people to the TSX in the first place. I would also keep the size almost exactly the same.

I would add a few bells and whistles such as real metal trim, dimming side mirrors, a higher-resolution screen, backup camera (or at least park assist), a little more real leather, LED tail lights, better sound-proofing, maybe push-button start, and call it a day. Why mess with success?

I like your post better than all others. You spoke for me at least.

The only thing I would add to your post is:

"FIX THE GOD DAMN DRIVE-BY-WIRE SYSTEM"