Acura News : All-New TL and TSX Lead Performance Surge for Acura 2004 Model Changes

With the addition of the new 200 horsepower TSX sports sedan and the completely redesigned 270 horsepower TL performance luxury sedan, Acura's 2004 lineup features more horsepower, better handling precision and more aggressive styling than ever before.

The new 2004 TL, Acura's best-selling sedan, gets a retooled powertrain and, for the first time, an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Suspension settings have been revised to provide more precise handling and an improved ride. The TL interior sets a new benchmark, with advanced new technology including a standard 5.1 DVD-Audio system, and a standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

The sporty new TSX is designed to compete head-on against other premium sports sedans from Europe and Japan. In addition to its 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine, the TSX boasts a track-tuned suspension, drive-by-wire throttle, and an available 6-speed manual transmission wrapped in an aggressively styled package. Inside, the TSX is sporty, yet refined with leather seating, LED-illuminated instrumentation and a long list of features including the available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, which is available as a factory-installed option.

"We've raised the horsepower and handling on each new model and it's paid off from both a sales and a brand recognition standpoint ," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, auto sales. "Acura is a performance nameplate and cars like the TSX, the RSX and the new TL are building strong demand with driving enthusiasts."

TL
Since its introduction in 1995, the TL has been a top-seller in an extremely competitive segment. The all-new 2004 Acura TL performance luxury sedan features a new powertrain and chassis wrapped in aggressive new styling designed to solidify its place in this very important arena. Under the hood, the TL receives a new, 270-horsepower engine, a drive-by-wire throttle system, and, for the first time, an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with limited slip differential.

The suspension has been redesigned for even more responsive handling and a 4-channel Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system with traction control is now standard. Large 17-inch wheels and tires are standard while models equipped with the manual transmission feature 4-piston Brembo brake calipers up front and can be equipped with available high performance tires. Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force distribution are standard on all TLs.

To match its high performance powertrain and chassis, designers gave the TL aggressive new styling. They began with a wider, more muscular stance accented by large wheels and tires, distinct fender blisters and minimal wheel arch-to-tire gaps. Working upward from there, they utilized bold character lines and a fusion of edge and organic design to portray an image of muscular tension, helping to make the car look fast and lean from any angle.

Inside, the TL comes equipped with an array of ground-breaking technology. The Acura/ELS(R) Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS(TM) and CD, 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby(R) Cassette delivers a whole new level of audio fidelity. This exclusive DVD-Audio system, developed with Grammy-winning music producer Elliot Scheiner, utilizes six distinct channels (compared with two on the typical premium sound system) to deliver sound resolution 500 times greater than CD. The state-of-the-art system plays standard CDs, DVD-Audio discs, and DTS-enabled CDs and incorporates XM(R) Satellite Radio for over 100 channels of premium quality entertainment.

The TL is also the first automobile to offer a Bluetooth hands-free phone system as standard equipment. The system, called HandsFreeLink', utilizes a Bluetooth wireless interface with mobile phones allowing calls to be made and received using the TL's voice recognition and audio systems.

TSX
The all-new Acura TSX sports sedan went on sale in March 2003. It features crisp sport sedan styling, a powerful 200-horsepower engine, choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, drive-by-wire throttle system and race-bred suspension.

Inside, the TSX comes with leather seating, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, power moonroof, 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System, and tilt and telescopic steering. The latest generation of the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition is available as a factory-installed option. This easy-to-use navigation system features an 8-inch touch screen display, a comprehensive destination guide with over 7 million points of interest and voice recognition capability.

The TSX is equipped with standard side-curtain airbags to help protect vehicle occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a sufficient side impact. It is also equipped with dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags and side airbags for the driver and the front passenger.

MDX
This year's MDX gets five more horsepower for a total of 265, exterior styling enhancements and additional interior features designed to help it maintain its position as the benchmark in the luxury SUV class.

The exterior styling has been substantially enhanced. In the front, a redesigned front fascia includes a new, more integrated chin spoiler, redesigned projector-type headlights and satin chrome finish on the grille. In the rear, the MDX receives redesigned taillights and dual exhaust tips.

Models equipped with the optional Touring Package get redesigned alloy wheels, power driver's lumbar support, brushed metal-look instrument panel trim and enhancements to the premium Acura/Bose" Music system. New colors for 2004: Aspen Pearl White, Burnished Bronze Metallic. The 2004 model also features side curtain airbags with roll over sensors, as well as a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System that uses sensors in each wheel to monitor pressure and alert the driver when pressure drops too low.

3.5 RL
The 2004 RL is the first luxury sedan to feature XM Satellite Radio and a navigation system as standard equipment. The latest version of the RL also receives many interior enhancements, including an upgraded sound system and driver's power lumbar support, that build on the car's already exceptional level of craftsmanship and quality. To complement the addition of XM Satellite Radio, the Acura/Bose(R) Music System receives a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, two additional speakers (bringing the total number to 10) and retuned amplifiers for even better sound reproduction.

RSX
Available in two sporty versions, the RSX and the RSX Type-S, the RSX offers a sophisticated combination of performance and refinement designed to meet the needs of discriminating, youthful driving enthusiasts. The RSX boasts a 160-horsepower, DOHC, 2.0-liter engine with an i-VTEC "intelligent" valve-control system, 5-speed manual or 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, sport-tuned suspension and a fully-featured interior. The high-performance RSX Type-S bumps engine output to 200 horsepower, comes exclusively with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, and features a sport-tuned suspension, standard leather seating and an Acura/Bose" Music System. For 2004, the RSX receives heated sideview mirrors and a new exterior color, with Milano Red replacing Redondo Red Pearl.

NSX
The NSX has earned its status as one of the world's premier sports cars and continues its legacy into its 13th year of production. The exotic NSX is refined, fully appointed and features an open-top cockpit. It boasts all-aluminum construction and is powered by a 290 horsepower DOHC, VTEC, V-6 engine coupled to a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or 4-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.

Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of 260 dealers. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the exotic NSX supercar, the 3.5 RL flagship luxury sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the race-bred RSX sports coupe, and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.