How do you make a sporty, compact sedan a whole lot sportier and far more refined? Simple – drop in a jewel of an engine. By substituting the base 2.4-litre 4-banger for the optional 3.5-litre V6, TSX buyers will acquire all the virtues of the existing car but with spirit that until now, wasn’t found underfoot.
V6 is big news for 2010
Now among the many endearing qualities of the TSX is a new mill connecting some serious power to the front wheels. This is the same engine that serves as the base TL engine, so it has plenty of credibility when it comes to performance.
The 24-valve SOHC powerplant nets 280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm. Although both of the figures cites are in the sub-300 range, you’ve got to put things into context. The TSX is a relatively lightweight vehicle, meaning that a modest amount of output produces an impressive amount of “go.”
And considering that the TSX was no slouch with its 4-cylinder engine, an increase of 79 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque should have a dramatic affect, and it does. Perhaps worthy of even greater appreciation than the boost in potency is the increased operational refinement that the two additional cylinders provide.
Polished performance
The new engine is an immensely pleasing piece of hardware that delivers power in a linear, reassuring manner. Yes, there’s brute force at the end of the pedal when needed but otherwise the 3.5-litre V6 performs its role with sophistication and polish.
The engine never struggles or conveys a sense of inadequacy. Another aspect of this mill that I really enjoy is its exhaust note. While not obnoxious or intrusive, the engine imparts a deep yet genteel auditory track that speaks of quality and refinement. Its essence very much reminds me of driving the more expensive and prestigious Acura TL.
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| With its new V6 powerplant, the TSX has in a sense become a junior TL. |
V6 is big news for 2010
Now among the many endearing qualities of the TSX is a new mill connecting some serious power to the front wheels. This is the same engine that serves as the base TL engine, so it has plenty of credibility when it comes to performance.
The 24-valve SOHC powerplant nets 280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm. Although both of the figures cites are in the sub-300 range, you’ve got to put things into context. The TSX is a relatively lightweight vehicle, meaning that a modest amount of output produces an impressive amount of “go.”
And considering that the TSX was no slouch with its 4-cylinder engine, an increase of 79 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque should have a dramatic affect, and it does. Perhaps worthy of even greater appreciation than the boost in potency is the increased operational refinement that the two additional cylinders provide.
Polished performance
The new engine is an immensely pleasing piece of hardware that delivers power in a linear, reassuring manner. Yes, there’s brute force at the end of the pedal when needed but otherwise the 3.5-litre V6 performs its role with sophistication and polish.
The engine never struggles or conveys a sense of inadequacy. Another aspect of this mill that I really enjoy is its exhaust note. While not obnoxious or intrusive, the engine imparts a deep yet genteel auditory track that speaks of quality and refinement. Its essence very much reminds me of driving the more expensive and prestigious Acura TL.
 |
| The 24-valve SOHC powerplant nets 280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm. |