Peugeot’s clean, green AWD coupé

You may remember the pics and details from Peugeot’s Audi TT clone that were about released a month ago. Now, Peugeot has announced that they want a piece of the green market too, with this RCZ HYbrid4 concept.

Headline figures are around 3.7l/100km, CO2 emissions of 95g/km and all while still having a smidge under 150kW to play with.

That’s not tricky part, though. The real headline feature of this car is that the power supplied is split between two engines, one driving the front wheels, the other powering the rears. A 2-litre diesel offering 120kW provides the go up front, while an electric engine sends an additional 28kW to the rears. Torque to the front is a healthy 300Nm, while that tiny leccy engine sends 200Nm of torque to the rear axle.

A pretty neat interpretation of all-wheel drive then!

PEUGEOT RCZ HYBRID4 – CLEAN GREEN FUN

• 200 bhp - 76.35 mpg and 95 g/km of CO2
• Four-wheel drive
• Multi-link rear suspension
• First public viewing at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot will unveil a concept version of its exciting RCZ 2+2 coupé, the RCZ HYbrid4. Based on the same power train as the 3008 Hybrid4, it is powered by a 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine with a maximum power of 163 bhp and a 37 bhp electric motor giving a total power output of 200 bhp.

Its creation clearly demonstrates the flexibility of the Peugeot HYbrid4 technology and the marque’s desire to offer this technology in different vehicle types across its model range (crossover, coupé ….)

With the innovative HYbrid4 technology, the RCZ HYbrid4 concept car achieves a level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions previously unheard of in the world of the sports car: 76.35 mpg and just 95 g/km of CO2. This clearly shows that performance and respect for the environment are achievable together in one vehicle.

The RCZ HYbrid4 is powered by a 2.0 litre 163 bhp HDi diesel engine at the front and a 37 bhp electric power train at the rear. This gives a maximum power output of 200 bhp and a maximum torque of 221 lb ft at the front and 147 lb ft at the rear.

The hybrid power train also benefits the dynamic performance of the vehicle as the rear suspension now becomes a multi-link arrangement due to the HYbrid4 rear power train module, which also provides four-wheel drive.

The RCZ HYbrid4 concept car illustrates more than ever a new chapter in the history of Peugeot’s “lifestyle vehicles” and shows that, in the future, performance can live happily alongside respect for the environment.

Technical Data – RCZ HYbrid4

Engines

Front:

• HDi Diesel
• Capacity (cm3): 1997
• Maximum Power @ rpm: 163 bhp @ 3,750 rpm
• Maximum Torque @ rpm: 221 lb ft @ 1,580 rpm

Rear:

• Synchronous Electric Motor With Permanent Magnets

• Continuous / Maximum Power: 27 bhp / 37 bhp
• Continuous / Maximum Torque: 74 lb ft / 147 lb ft
• Combined Maximum Power HDi + Electric: 200 bhp
• Transmission: 6-Speed Electronically Controlled Manual Gearbox (BMP6)

Performance (Driver Only)

• Acceleration: 0 to 1000 m (s): 29.6; 0 to 62 mph (s): 8.5
• In-gear acceleration: 18 to 37 mph in Auto (s): 2.8; 50 to 75 mph in Auto (s): 6.3
• Maximum Speed (mph): 134 mph

Fuel Consumption

• Urban Cycle: 67.3 mpg
• Combined Cycle: 76.3 mpg
• CO2 Emissions: 95 g/km

Electric Mode (Zero Emission Vehicle)

• Fuel Consumption: 0 mpg
• CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km
• Maximum Range at Stable Speed: 2.80 miles

Dimensions (m)

• Overall length: 4.287
• Overall Width: 1.845
• Overall Height: 1.359
• Wheelbase: 2.612
• Front / Rear Overhang: 0.934 / 0.741
• Front / Rear Track: 1.580 / 1.593

Special Features

• High-Voltage Nickel Metal Hydride Battery, Voltage 200 V, Capacity 5.5 Ah
• 200 V to 12 V Converter to Supply Vehicle Network in ZEV Mode
• Inverter: Operating Voltage Range: 150 to 270 V - Liquid Cooled
• PTMU: GMP Control Unit Ensuring Optimal Fuel Consumption

2010 Vw Golf R

Car and Driver scoops the inside poop on the latest über-Golf headed to The Land of the Free. According the Csere-free buff book, the Golf R will offer the GTI’s four cylinder engine tuned to “an impressive” 270 hp with all wheel-drive to tame all those ponies. The R’s lighter, cheaper 2.0-liter turbo four may help the new top spec Golf sell more prolifically than the last top shelf Golf, which featured a heavier and more expensive 3.2-liter six, clocking in at $32,990 (msrp). Well, it couldn’t do any worse; you can still buy new ’07s. Car and Driver reckons VW will call the new car an R20 Turbo. As always, we reckon it all comes down to price/performance. The GTI is a stunner. The R20T would have to offer significantly better thrust and handling for a reasonable premium to make it. What are the odds? Meanwhile, if you haven’t driven the original R32, you should. Oh, yes.

Peugeot’s RCZ Hybrid will deliver 76.35mpg

Peugeot RCZ Hybrid Concept was announced to make its debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and but in the meantime we found out something about the production version of the car.

According to our sources, the new hybrid will deliver an impressive 76.35mpg when it goes on sale. The upcoming vehicle will carry a 163bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine fitted with a stop-start system and with an electric motor that is good for 37bhp and 147lb ft at full tilt. An interesting feature will be the capability of the car to run in front drive, -wheel drive and purely rear drive modes. According to the manufacturer, the powertrain can also easily be converted to use a petrol motor instead of diesel which means that we will see two hybrid versions of the RCZ Hybrid!

2010 Smart Fortwo Electric Car - Detail, Photo, Specs

From mid November 2009 the new smart fortwo electric drive will roll off the production line at the smart factory in Hambach, France. Unlike its predecessor, the electrically driven smart fortwo of the second generation is fitted with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is housed in a space-saving position between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. This provides for good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton metres of torque that are immediately available. The smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at any normal household socket. In Germany, a full battery charge costs approximately two euros and is sufficient for a range of around 135 kilometres – more than enough for city traffic. smart has made electric drive a practical alternative for zero-emission mobility in urban areas. The new smart fortwo electric drive is initially being leased to customers in Berlin and other cities in Europe and the USA who will subject the environmentally friendly trendsetter to intensive real-world testing in tough everyday conditions. From 2012 it will be available to anyone interested.

Environmental friendliness and contemporary functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half metres the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful, modern and yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive from the popular brand that will roll off the production line from mid November 2009 is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e. a zero emission vehicle. smart started emission-free driving in the tough everyday conditions of city traffic in 2007 in London. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation. The feedback from the UKcapital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including higher performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart, says: "The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with a clear conscience."

Electric drive taken into account in the very first concept

Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models . The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

Powerful drive

A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and reacts immediately and without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Newtonmetres is immediately available. This results in a surprising amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 - 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a petrol model which it initially leaves behind it. Its maximum speed has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable speed for the city. Thanks to the power characteristic of the electric motor, the smart fortwo electric drive needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine's direction of rotation changes.

The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery from Tesla Motors Inc. with capacity of 14 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket.
A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 135 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 - 40 kilometres per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. Plugging the car in overnight will fully recharge the battery.

Electronics optimise the battery charge status and power consumption

Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacity display.The vehicle's power electronics supply the electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimise the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home - the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.
The new second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio passion. As well as air conditioning with automatic temperature control all the equipment features of the popular passion equipment line are included. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy.

Very low costs

Based on German electricity prices it costs approximately two euros to drive the smart fortwo electric drive for 100 kilometres (even cheaper with off-peak electricity). This is less than the price of two litres of petrol. Electric power is much cheaper in lots of countries. The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free.

In addition to the low running costs, there are further cost advantages in lots of countries and cities. For example, drivers of a smart fortwo electric drive are entitled to national subsidies, tax advantages or exemption from local toll charges such as the city centre congestion charge in London.

smart fortwo electric drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

From the end of 2009 the smart fortwo electric drive will be delivered to selected leasing customers. Leases will be offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. The first vehicles are destined for the "e-mobility Berlin" project . Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin Daimleris creating the conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions.This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest.

Further vehicles of the new generation smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, Madridand they will also be deployed in further projects in Europe. Some of the models will also go to cities in the USA.

There is already a very lively demand for the smart fortwo electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This underlines the pioneering role of the car brand on the way to attractive individual mobility with zero local emissions in cities and urban population centres.

Leaked Images Of The Audi R8 Spider

It’s true — Audi will unveil their R8 Spider at the Frankfurt Show next week, and although this news is no secret we now have images to tease what the model will look like. The new leaked images of the R8 Spider reveal a black canvas roof which will hide the rear-mounted engine.

The front will have a powerful-looking grille that features LED daytime running lights, while the rear will have LED lights. The tailpipes will be visible from the sides of the car, while there will then be a massive diffuser for air flow.

Audi will launch the R8 Spider with the 5.2-litre V10 engine that pumps out 386kW with 530Nm of torque. The transmission unit will be a 6-speed manual box or the R Tronic sequential shifter. Power will run through the Quattro all wheel drive where there will be the ability to send 85 percent of the torque to the rear wheels

Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A4

The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and new BMW 7-Series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for at least another year as the next-generation ‘D4’ A8, according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, won’t arrive until the second half of next year as a 2011 model. We should get our first look at the car, however, this November.

An official teaser, released as part of the automaker’s centenary celebrations earlier this year, revealed a few more design details for the A8, including the now-signature Audi LED daytime running lights and what seems like a much shorter stance.

These latest spy shots show the car’s overall proportion out on the road, as well as a few finer details such as the shape of its new grille and LED tail-lamps.

New audi S5 Sportback roars in for debut

The A5 sportback isn’t in showrooms yet. But Audi will turn up the heat on the new model by revealing this – the new S5 version – at Frankfurt.

Under the bonnet, the five-door coupé gets the same 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that’s found in the latest S4 and S5 Cabriolet.

This means a power output of 328bhp and 440Nm of torque from 2,900rpm. As a result, the Sportback should complete the sprint from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, and will go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Power is fed to the quattro four-wheel-drive system via a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The top-of-the-range model is marked out from the rest of the line-up by 19-inch alloy wheels, silver wing mirror housings and S badges.

Inside are electrically adjustable Nappa leather sports seats.

The standard Sportback goes on sale here in October, but the S5 version isn’t due until the spring.

Audi has confirmed that it will also take the wraps off its A4 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel at Frankfurt.

Audi R8 leaks, looks oddly familiar

Stay tuned for live shots of the Audi R8 Spyder

Audi's extraordinary R8 supercar is a superb handler that accelerates faster than myths about health care reform and offers a cabin that, for an exotic sports car, is surprisingly easy to live with. Everyone in the automotive press agrees on that much.

But it looks unusual. Huge, contrasting-color "blades" running behind the doors make it one of the most unique looking cars ever built. It's a look that either works for you or doesn't, but few people can sit on the fence about it.

Unless, of course, it doesn't have them.

Edmunds Inside Line reports, "With a little less than a week to go before its official unveiling at the Frankfurt auto show, images of the Audi R8 Spyder have surfaced." The drop-top version of Audi's high-performance machine is notable for many things - but if you're familiar with the coupe edition, the first thing you'll notice is the missing blades.

Jalopnik explains, "Gone are the trademark sideblades on the coupe, creating, what we feel, is a much cleaner execution." They are replaced by functional side air scoops. Without its distinctive blades, the R8 looks almost like a smaller, smoother Lamborghini product, with a subtle curve to the lines that makes it, arguably, sexier than anything the Italian company has put out. Both Audi and Lamborghini, we should point out, are owned by Volkswagen.

Mechanical details are sparse. Autoblog reports, "Without any official information to go off of, we can't comment on weights and measures, but we do know Audi will only be offering the Spyder with the Lambo-derived 5.2-liter V10, putting out 525 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque."

Edmunds Inside Line adds, "We have no word as to whether Audi will produce a V8 version of the Spyder. Our earlier spy reports said no. But we expect that the 5.2 Spyder will be available with a proper manual transmission or the jerky R Tronic, just as on the coupe. All-wheel-drive will, of course be standard." Pricing has not been announced, but Edmunds speculates that the sticker will sit "somewhere in the $180,000-200,000 range."

Aston Martin Builds Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster

All seven cars will also feature a striking triple-black color scheme--body, roof, and interior--as well as some unique chrome and glossy black wood veneer trim elements. There’s also a three-spoke steering wheel borrowed from the V-12-powered DBS flagship and a bespoke luggage set designed exclusively for the Robb Report cars.

Under the hood remains the 420 horsepower 4.7-liter V-8 engine from the standard Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, which you can read about in our review by clicking here. Matched to a paddle-actuated six-speed automatic Sport Shift Transmission, the all-black roadster will hit 60 mph from rest in just 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 180 mph.

Aston's Vantage V12 supercar

Aston Martin recently shoehorned its largest-calibre engine into its smallest-calibre car and produced the Vantage V12, a limited edition run of just 1000 units. Want one?

South African units are available by special order only, at a price of R3 050 000.

THIS ENGINE BITES: The V12 in this Vantage means the driver is not playing with a watered-down, one-size-fits-all sports car but a real hardcore machine.

It creates some new excitement in a range that was launched back in 2005, originally with a 4.3-litre V8 engine and then a 4.7 that raised outputs to 313kW and 470Nm. The monster 6-litre V12 now brandished by the Vantage is the same engine used in the larger Aston DBS and DB9 models, and the front-mid mounted unit fires 380kW and 570Nm of "hell-yeah" to the rear wheels.

Aston Martin Rapide

News of Aston Martin joining the four door saloon race is heating up with the news of the Aston Martin Rapide being unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.

In a trend that has seen Porsche create their own version to compete with the like’s of the BMW 7-Series, Aston Martin seem to have come up with a much more handsome version of what is an elongated Aston Martin DB9 as the Porsche Panamera is an elongated 911.

From first glance of the Aston Martin Rapide one could be forgiven for thinking it was an Aston Martin DB9, with its trademark long bonnet, slanted panther eyes, and chrome air intakes finished off with that badge. From the side view, the one which lets the Porsche Panamera down so badly, the Aston Martin Rapide sits well with it’s new size and can quite happily pull off its new cosmetics, while the derrière looks as nimble as the DB9.

Swing open the Rapide’s upwards opening ‘Swann Doors’ and as you would expect the interior is both elegant, and stylish with its ‘highly tailored individual cockpit. A transparent polycarbonate roof brings an increased sense of spatial aw

Alfa Romeo MiTo

Having loved the old MINI’s and Fiat 500’s and revelling in their return to the car market with fantastic cars I was keen to set my eye on a car which was not only a supermini but also an Alfa Romeo.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo, designed in Milan and built in Torino (hence the name) has built their first ever supermini based on the simple principle of sexy styling with an £11,000 price tag, tempting for any mere mortal.

The exterior of the MiTo takes hints of inspiration from the achingly beautiful Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, with similar if not softened front air intakes, and lights. Much like it’s range topping cousin, the MiTo has an immense challenge of competing in a well established market. Give me Ferrari and Lamboughini to compete with any day over what the Alfa Romeo MiTo has however. The daunting challenge of competing with a giant seller such as the BMW MINI and the heart warming FIAT 500, not to mention the Vorsprung durch Technik of the new Audi A1, this is a dog eat dog market. All we need now is an American challenger and we will have the car equivalent of WW2 (although they will probably join in a few years time when the MINI has nearly won).

The Alfa Romeo MiTo does have a lot on its side however, most importantly a badge which signifies in its self

2010 Acura RDX Review

One might draw similarities to the Honda CR-V but the 2010 Acura RDX is in a completely different league to its corporate cousin. The sportier ensemble with the new Acura corporate grille and sloping rear gives credence to the styling approach aimed towards a sleeker looking vehicle. The 2010 offering adopts 18-inch wheels, revised front and rear bumpers, and more modern tail lights. Inside, the RDX is a lot more driver oriented with the makeover boasting a more upmarket-tech look that includes new climate controls, ambient lighting, leather seats and a generous use of metallic trim.






The fourth incarnation of the RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine incorporating computer-controlled ‘intelligent’ i-VTEC adjustment of the intake and exhaust valve actuation. The end result is an output of 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Teamed with a sequential 5-speed automatic transmission, which allows the transmission to function in a conventional automatic mode or controlled manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the RDX will sprint from 0-60 mph in just under seven seconds.

Acura TSX Sports car with luxury feel

Acura's 2009 TSX is all new with larger exterior, more interior space and a more powerful powertrain. Now in its second-generation design, the TSX is Acura's entry level luxury/sports sedan and is a good combination of sporty handling and features designed to pamper.
2009 Acura TSX


Acura TSX 013


Acura TSX Center Console
Acura TSX Center Console" border="0">

Available in three trim levels, the TSX pricing starts at $32,900. A premium package ups the ante to $36,200 and our fully loaded TSX with technology package comes in at $39,000 plus destination charges. We tested the TSX with technology package, which includes voice-activated navigation system, 10-speaker premium audio system with steering wheel controls, six-DVD changer, satellite radio and dual zone automatic climate control. It also includes all the features of the premium package such as leather seating with heated front seats or the memory power driver's seat. It certainly feels like a luxury car when you slide into the driver's seat.

Outside, the TSX is the first Acura model to use the new bolder grille design that will be the styling direction used by the rest of the Acura lineup. The large air intake below the body-coloured bumper is flanked by fog lights, widening the look of the air intake. Straight body lines run from the front wheel arches to the rear quarters and impart a sporty look, while the wheel openings are close to the tires and wrap most of the way around so the car looks closer to the ground. The a-pillars are narrower and forward visibility is excellent from the driver's seat.

The new TSX body design is 78 mm wider and 66 mm longer. Both increases are used to advantage. The width not only provides more interior room but also allows a wider track width for improved lateral stability. The longer body enables a longer wheelbase, which translates into better ride comfort on dips and bumps and more leg room inside. Additional structural bracing stiffens the body structure and this shows in the quiet interior noise levels.

Larger 17-inch wheels cover larger disc brakes and are fitted with P225VR50/17 performance all season tires. The tires combined with the electric power steering direct the car precisely around corners and lateral grip feels solid. The low profile tires do make the ride firmer, almost to the point of being harsh over bumps and rough surfaces. This is one area where the sporty image is stronger than the luxury image.

Under the hood the 2.4 litre engine has a wider powerband and five per cent more torque than last year's TSX. A higher compression ratio, changes to valve timing and improvements in breathing provide the power increase while reducing emissions at the same time. The engine revs freely throughout the rpm range and throttle response is quick.

A six-speed close ratio manual transmission is standard equipment fitting the sporty image of the TSX, but the five-speed automatic is just as sporty. Formula 1 style paddle shifters on the steering wheel can be used to operate the transmission manually at any time when the shifter is in drive. Move the shifter to "S" and the paddle shifters provide full manual control. Even in drive mode, the transmission uses grade logic programming to retain gear selection on hilly or winding roads.

2010 Acura TSX V6

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is something of a consolation prize. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and said it would launch in the U.S. this year. A few months later in New York, Honda's luxury arm showed off the all-new second generation TSX sedan, and we expected to be driving the culmination of the two right around now.

Unfortunately, a confluence of events a few months after the TSX was shown caused Acura to reverse course and put the diesel engine on the shelf. As world oil prices hit all time record levels, the never ending construction in China and Dubai seemed to be consuming the entire world supply of diesel, driving prices higher and higher. At about the same time, the world came to the realization that loaning money to people who couldn't pay it back might not be a great idea after all. With sales in the toilet everywhere, Acura decided that throwing a gasoline-powered V6 into the TSX might be a better idea. Was it?



Aside from The Shield, the only visual changes on the V6 model are the rear deck-lid badge, an 18-inch wheel package and a slightly larger lower air intake under the front bumper to help cool the larger engine.

The interior carries over from the standard four-cylinder model, which, regardless of what you think of the outside, is largely a good thing. The TSX has the same great seats found in other Hondas and Acuras, making up for the lack of adjustments with plenty of lateral and leg support.

The dashboard is well laid out with independent controls in the center cluster for the audio and navigation system. Acura's control knob system was definitely superior to BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI when it debuted several years ago. However, the user interface is starting to get long in the tooth both visually and functionally. Newer designs from Ford, BMW and Audi have higher resolution screens and easier to navigate menu structures, but it still serves the purpose and serves it well.



Put the TSX into Drive or Sport and the first thing that happens when you touch the gas pedal is a strong tug to the right on the steering wheel. On most surfaces, this is followed by a squeal from the front tires even with very moderate throttle application. While Acura has equipped the TSX V6 with a larger wheel and tire package, it seems to be one geared more toward long tread life than actual grip. A 40-percent bump in power and 50-percent increase in torque applied through the same wheels expected to manage directional control requires more than just a plus-one tire/wheel sizing. The front geometry of the TSX needs a significant re-work if it's expected to be responsible for this work-load – and some grippier rubber would be at the top of our mod list.



Acura calls the TSX V6 the performance model and while it certainly offers improved acceleration, it feels far less sporty than its little brother. It loses much of the light-on-its-feet-feel of earlier TSXs and seems to want to be a TL when it grows up. Rather than call this the performance edition, in reality, it's another luxo-cruiser. If your commute involves traversing some twisty roads between home and office, the four-cylinder is a better choice. On the other hand, if you spend a lot of time on the highway, the V6 shines as long as you don't gun it until the on-ramp straightens out. But for our money, we'd stick to four cylinders and a manual gearbox.
2010 Acura TSX V6