2006 UPDATES FOR ACURA TSX (Accord Euro)!

(From Temple of VTEC)

TSX

The TSX has built a strong following among sports sedan buyers, won a plethora of awards (including being twice named to Car & Driver’s 10Best Cars list) and gained a reputation for being both stylish and fun to drive. For 2006, Acura made some dynamic changes to the TSX to enhance its performance, make the styling even sportier and increase interior comfort. The result is a sports sedan that is more luxurious, more aggressive-looking and even more fun to drive.


Modifications to the intake and exhaust systems were made to the TSX’s 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ four cylinder engine to boost horsepower to 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04). Interior enhancements include an upgraded navigation system, the HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface, and a digital media auxiliary jack located in the center console for iPod® and MP3 players to name a few.

Outside, the TSX gets sporty, redesigned front and rear fascias, new sidesills, redesigned alloy wheels and standard integrated fog lamps.

Powertrain

• Horsepower increased to 205 SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7000 rpm
• Torque increased to 164 lbs-ft. SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 4500 rpm
• Larger intake valves
• Increased valve timing and lift
• Increased intake and exhaust flow
• Reduced engine pumping losses

Chassis

• Electronic Brake Assist
• Increased rigidity of upper A-arm reduces NVH

Exterior Styling

• Restyled hood and grille
• Redesigned headlights and combination taillights
• Redesigned front and rear bumpers
• Fog lamps are integrated into the lower bumper
• More pronounced side sills
• New nine-spoke alloy wheels
• Flat wiper blades increase visibility and reduce wind noise
• Four new exterior colors: Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver, Glacier Blue Metallic replaces Meteor Silver Metallic, and Deep Green Pearl, and Royal Blue Pearl are added

Interior

• 2-position memory for driver’s seat
• Auxiliary audio jack in center console for digital music players
• HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface
• Sports steering wheel
• Multi-info display
• New meter face
• New wood-patterned trim for models with Parchment interior
• Metallic garnish added to shift knob.
• Smart Maintenance system
• Enhanced Acura Navigation System (optional)
  
  • Larger buttons and fonts
  • Faster processing speed
  • Points of Interest (POI) database increased to 7 million
  • HandsFreeLink calling to POI
  • More voice recognition commands (653)
  • Zagat restaurant guide
  • Exit ramp services feature
• Enhanced in-glass antennae for improved radio reception

What the American TSX get, we might not get..... :)

wats the point posting those really? http://members.westnet.com.au/synapse/images/ui.jpg

Guys this is a very important thread. Those changes are fairly extensive as it includes style changes which people were not expecting. Even the headlights will look different. Bumpers etc all different.
Whilst we may not see all the changes it makes sense for Honda Japan to freshen up the Euro with similar changes (at least to the body). I think there is now a fair chance the 06 Euro will look different. I think the power up is also coming.

Strange for them to update a car so fast already..

be interesting to see what's going on in the next year or two - perhaps a nice upgrade if it's worth it :)

but then i'll have to start all those mods again :b

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VirIIx

Strange for them to update a car so fast already..

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Euro was released in Australia in 2003 - so a freshen up in 2006/07 sounds right.

I think it came out in Japan in 2002.

time flies by fast :)

Seems like all the new goods are coming around 2006/2007.

I'm waiting for information to be leaked about the 2007 Suburu WRX :)
2006 i'll be 25 - so all the good cheap fun starts to happen haha.

But back onto topic, I hope they don't tone down the look like the Integra Type-S. I loved the previous model the Type-R which was really aggressive and strong. The Type-S although more powerful, looks very soft and rounded - and no offence - but I have a bad habit of labelling it a girl's sports car.

Honda normally update their line up every 4 years.. So I guess it's about time anyways....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EuroAccord13

Honda normally update their line up every 4 years.. So I guess it's about time anyways....

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Yep, so the '06 should be the last year for the current 7th gen euro?

Raz

Any pre release photos? I've searched on Honda Japan, came back nothing about the updates.

and i just got euro! :(

Besides the mid-life body upgrade, it'll be interesting to see if any of the engine mods get passed on to us down here but we have a habit of engine tweaks missing us in Oz -- but the Integra got tweaked from 147 to 152 kw. The fact it's getting bigger valves sounds like it's a whole engine build thing with possibly revised intake and exhaust, so we should get some changes.
I'll bet the luxury version gets the seat memory, but the rest sounds like their interior is going to be matched to ours (their dash instruments are completely different).
I'd really like to see a multi-function computer with fuel info
(which the TSX currently has) and heated mirrors (if anyone at Honda reads these!).

Be very interesting to see if we get any updates in 2006 based on TSX's updates, given that we just got some update in 2005.

I bought in 2005 with the thought that there's no update in 2006. *slash wrist!*

Some of those updates sure sounds nice though... :)

What was the previous power and torque rating anyway prior to this increase?

From www.acura.com

TSX:

Horsepower (SAE net) : 200-hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque : 166 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm
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So they get 5 extra HP but at 7000rpm...
and torque is 'dropped' to 164lbs/ft ??

Quote:

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Originally Posted by V205

From www.acura.com

TSX:

Horsepower (SAE net) : 200-hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque : 166 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm
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So they get 5 extra HP but at 7000rpm...
and torque is 'dropped' to 164lbs/ft ??

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No - it is something like 10 more hp and more torque if you use the old way of measuring power. Look at the full article and you will see they explain there is a difference in calculating power

I found this on tsxclub.com in the gallery section -- they were more interested in the fact that it said "TSX turbo", but if you look closely at the styling, especially the rear bumper into the wheel arches and the side skirts... Is this a hint of the revised style?

I've had trouble with the image, so go to:
http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8370

meh....
not worried about it....
euro parts are becoming more and more available these days so modding it will be a joy :D

Silver lining... keep thinking happy thoughts lol :D

wow - this is pretty big news.

i just don't know if the changes will be made to any other models besides TSX.

I mean we didnt exactly get the tsx interior or rims, and their grille is already slightly different.

mm i'll take the front side panel fins thanks :D

m3 style.. mm

Why do people post useless information regarding cars we dont even get.

If your going to post an informative thread, a good start is to make or edit it so its relevant to the Australian market :rolleyes:

I also think a facelift is due. The Mazda 6 has a facelift coming so its only natural the Euro has the same.

Memory seats would be cool as would the AUX input. More power? I don't think it will happen but would be great if it does.

Some parts are the same, I suspect the memory on the driver's seat will come to the Aus Euro.

noOoo.. i just got a euro.. hope the new one is ugly =P

yeah i was told by the dealer the 'new' accord won't be here until 2007 when i first purchse the car... ;/

the only thing is.. the mazda6 needs a facelift - it's that fugly :p

don't even get me started on all those wannabe's on the road... :p

It'll be interesting to see what actually does come to the Australian market.
Memory would be nice for seats, heated side mirrors would be nice too. Not too fussed performance wise.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Civic Type R

Why do people post useless information regarding cars we dont even get.

If your going to post an informative thread, a good start is to make or edit it so its relevant to the Australian market :rolleyes:

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Despite a few people thinking otherwise, I don't perceive this to be useless information. The Accord Euro shares a profound number of components with the Acura TSX, and this 2006 update gives us an insight into Hondas equipment/design direction, which could potentially create a better, more substantial Accord Euro.

Although it is not directly related to the Australian market (and I can't help that at this stage), I wouldn't call it a non-informative thread.

Or am I the only one that thinks that?:o

Its great information but not exactly all that relevant for the Australian consumer.

As i said earlier, It would have been better to re-write it and edit it :thumbsup:

Lets hold off the wrist slashing until we hear the official 2006 Euro announced by Honda Australia, which is usually much closer to the end of the year?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Civic Type R

Its great information but not exactly all that relevant for the Australian consumer.

As i said earlier, It would have been better to re-write it and edit it :thumbsup:

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not every1 on this forum is a AU member..

and also it good to know what's going around in the Honda market around the world just the information...

and it's the accord section...

it's not like u own an accord :D

I just get annoyed when I see a thread that has been blatently copied off another thread aimed at another market.

If we do get something along the lines of the TSX version here in OZ next year would be great if it has Sat Nav & DVD Option.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Civic Type R

Why do people post useless information regarding cars we dont even get.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Civic Type R

Its great information but not exactly all that relevant for the Australian consumer

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hmm.....

Useless information to the Australian consumer.
Great information to the International consumer - for which Jeff wrote the article for.

Im still glad I just got my 2005. Its had a minor revision this year already and i got that so im happy. I think some people are wishish for another "free " 30 kw at no consumption penalty :)

I seriously doubt theyre will be a big revision till late year. Im up for a new lease in 2007 so Ill be picking up my twin turbo electric hybrid 8 sp semi auto 4wd XR EuRo then :) :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Suntzu

I seriously doubt theyre will be a big revision till late year. Im up for a new lease in 2007 so Ill be picking up my twin turbo electric hybrid 8 sp semi auto 4wd XR EuRo then :) :)

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So you have twin turbines blowing compressed air onto your electric motors to keep them cool, while your 8speed auto spends more time changing gears than being in gear, and Ford is trying to sue Honda for using their "XR" name? Oh, and the 25% power loss through 4wd. Haha... I'm so naughty today :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Civic Type R

Useless information to the Australian consumer.
Great information to the International consumer - for which Jeff wrote the article for.

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All information use is subject to interpretation by the end user. Cars are manufactured on a global scale: a TSX is an Accord Euro with just a few minor differences. A manufacturer's engine and sheet metal changes are generally done on a global scale. What's happening to the TSX will affect us in Australia, but the question is: when? I would think probably not until late 2006, early 2007.

Im not denying the similarities of each car for I have been in both. My point which seems to be lost amongst all of this is that if you're going to cut and paste a news release written on another forum aimed at the international comunity, you should EDIT it and REMOVE the items that are irrevant to us.

Reason why im standing firm on this is that you get young people on the forum start asking questions like " Whats a TSX, Ive never heard of that ?" and "Where can I get a TSX?"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Civic Type R

Im not denying the similarities of each car for I have been in both. My point which seems to be lost amongst all of this is that if you're going to cut and paste a news release written on another forum aimed at the international comunity, you should EDIT it and REMOVE the items that are irrevant to us.

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without knowing what the euro will feature with this update how can you say that?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by albii

without knowing what the euro will feature with this update how can you say that?

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Easy, its called EDITING ;)
You leave in the parts that are relevant and remove / edit out those that arent.
Otherwise whats the point of visiting this forum if its going to turn into a mirror of TOV.

no.....i'm saying that if you dont know if the updated euro will have sat nav and other things that the tsx has how can you edit the parts that are irellevant.......basically he was saying that the tsx is getting an update and that it may pass over to the euro...........relax....nothing is set in stone and he wasn't announcing a press release,he was merely informing us euro owners of the changes and to me its rellevant...if its what you think so fine you're entitled to that......but dont go on about it cos you dont own a euro .. :wave:

Whether it's relevant or not doesn't matter.

It's information which is interesting (possibly) to read. Whether those features arrive here or not doesn't matter. It's introducing ideas that are open to be discussed.

I don't think editing will do anything, you're just babysitting and spoonfeeding people. They're going to come across a fair bit of terminology and acronyms that don't mean anything.

If the person is smart, they'll go out and do a bit of research for themselves, it's that simple. Read into a few threads or even do a search. Unfortunately that's not the case in reality and i'm sorry that we can't help those people who are either too stupid or too lazy.

Like i said, any information put on a forum is to be discussed about. Who cares if it's relevant or not.

Let's talk about something irrelevant - I think Honda will make a Turbo running off a similar AWD drivetrain as seen on a new proposed Honda Legend...

or should i just edit that out? since it's not really relevant to the australian market?

Civic_Type_R, i agree with the last couple of posts.

no-one else seems to have an issue with the posting of the news - i think its time that we dropped it and got back on topic.

Personally - i think the cosmetic changes will be Acura only, though some other things may trickly down (i.e. a power boost). It'd be a bit disheartening for current owners i guess (if there were major changes) but i think it'll only impove sales.

BMW is renowned for its long car "life-cylcles", but they are consistently refreshing the range every 2-3 years. i.e. new 3 series released in 2.0litre and 3.0litre models, followed by 2.5litre, sports pack models will filter through, then convertable, then m3 etc etc not to mention face lifts along the way and the likely addition of coupe variants.

honda maybe adopting a similar strategy in the US at least (given this news)

huh? increased horsepower? i read an article earlier regards with measurements of horsepowers. which means with exactly same vehicle, its horsepower will be decreased lol
since its for 2006 TSX update, i think this thing will affect...
just my $0.02
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showt...threadid=21987

I believe if the same model car has a power increase of a certain amount.. it requires a full crash test which = $$$.

So honda Aus would wanna avoid that? :D

Edit: based on Jamchen's link, the drop is about 10-12 hp going from old to new measurement. TSX went from 200 to 205. So that equates to about 15 hp gain.. that's about 7.5%... NOT BAD!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Civic Type R

Useless information to the Australian consumer.
Great information to the International consumer - for which Jeff wrote the article for.

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It isn't useless information to the Australian consumer at all. I think this thread is highly relevant as it lets us discuss what the 06/07 Euro might look like.

I would much rather we encourage people to post such threads than criticise them for doing so. Even if it is speculation.

OK, i'll try to explain it again.
As a previous driver of an Accord (yes i had one and cheers to the clown who said i dont drive one) and as a Honda enthusiast and editor / webmaster to the Honda website, dohc-vtec.com.au, I always find all Honda / Acura information interesting regardless of what I drive now.

I agree with you that threads like these should be encouraged but only if it does not cause confusion or conflict with our Australian designs. There is no doubt of the similarities between the TSX and our Accord Euro and I stand to believe the dude who started this thread was only trying to be helpful and inform us of some fresh news. However, my concerns were quite simple. By simply copying and pasting something straight out of another forum it can cause confusion and congesture amongst readers for whom it wasnt intended for. Yes the information is of great interest and value to many here and inpartucularily amongst all Euro drivers but it seems my point was clearly missed.

My point was that if you are simply going to copy a thread from a another discussion forum such as TOV or whatever, then it should be properly referenced or edited as to such information doesnt cause confusion amongst those here who arent educated enough to understand the differences. Most of us here can evaluate the similarities and dissimilarites of the Acura TSX and the Honda Accord Euro but a lot of us here dont.

But anyways, Im not going to go on as this seems to be causing some unrest i hadnt inteded to cause. :o

peace out

UPDATE! (http://www.channel4.com/4car/feature...onda-lkas.html)

These pics may be the new sports steering wheel and new gauges the Accord Euro may get. Note this is a Euro Accord, not an Acura TSX. I have never seen this steering wheel before. Note the grips at 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock, and the new gauge design incorporating blue light:

http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/f...ring-wheel.jpg
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/f...arge/dials.jpg
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/f...l-controls.jpg
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/f...ring-wheel.jpg


i doubt we will get the LKAS system.

Doensn't really do much for me - nor does hte LKAS system - that is for nannys. :p

What we need is real improvement - something useful - like a fuel trip computer, with current consumption, fuel to empty, etc. Even the one from the Jazz would be a great start!

That is one busy steering wheel. I prefer ours over this UK one. What we need is the infrared camera that is fitted in the JDM Legend. That would be fun.

not keen on all those buttons but the wheel looks fantastic......

the extra buttons are for the LKAS system, so if we do get this wheel, it will come with the usual stereo/cruise buttons only

Geez, the steering wheel is getting cluttered...

not feelin the steering wheel
dont like the H symbol, how its outlined by the "O"
the blue on the tacho and speedo look nice but
reminds me of the ones in the new oddysey

nice

The dashboard is like the new legend's

Bares some resembelance to the 2005 CRV updated dash, which saw the introduction of a trip meter.

wow, love the speedo and the steering wheel, except the 2 buttons clusters underneath. My gut feeling tells me those extra features (LKAS and whatever the other set of buttons are for) won't be included in Australian version though.

new wheel looks good!. I like the dash too.

I love the blue dash!! OMG i want that instead! :D

I like the present dash, the blue is so early mellenia :p but that dash could grow on me given time.

I agree that there should be a more sophisticated trip computer like the mercs out there - for christ sake even my dad's new company car, an executive commodore vz station wagon has a damn trip computer like the mercs. Fuel consumption, km's driven per session of a cooldown of a few hours etc etc.

most of all.. i want that 8.5K redline ;)

my biggest complain regarding the interior was the steering wheel being too 'thin' and the colour of the dash, this seems to be an improvement to the current euros i must say. But why are we just get the euro-R dash and their momo steering with the stereo controls and crusie control (or even without these buttons would be fine too)~

the trip computer isn't hard... its all in the computer CPU! all it needs is to display all the detail!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ant234

the trip computer isn't hard... its all in the computer CPU! all it needs is to display all the detail!

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dont think so.. the computer cpu does not track stuffs like mileage, travelled, est qty of fuel in tank, fuel consumptions, etc. what it does is just process a list of sensors, sufficient to keep the euro running properly, and a list of error codes, avg driving style.

This has been posted at
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1355618
scanned from Road and Track
http://steiner.gamma.timdorr.com/tsx.jpg

Blue lighting in the dash looks much better than current dash. more modern and youthful. older accords have blueish/turqoise lighting. Inclusion of a trip computer would be a welcome addition. competitors mazda 6 subaru liberty have it y doesnt accord euro

Blue lighting may be more youthful but many think it looks pretty tacky as well.

LATEST PICS:

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/...01.Mini15L.jpg
http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/...01.Mini16L.jpg

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/...01.Mini17L.jpg

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/...01.Mini18L.jpg

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/...01.Mini19L.jpg

looks good! I reckon they will launch this at the Sydney Motor show as a bit of a surprise :)

Either that or January next year.

Nice find. Not so sure about the extra chrome on the grill! We don't need more chrome. :thumbdwn:

The fog covers don't look quite right either. Why leave that little black piece in the corner - they should have matched that to the paint if they are matching the rest of the bumper.

The corners of the headlights look slightly different too - not better IMO - just different.

Overall - it is ok. Nothing major there.

agreed with yfin

I like the interior...looks better than the current 2005 model.

What's with the brown? Targetting the lawn bowls crowd maybe?

Maybe this is the start of some boring colours for the Euro:

• Arctic Beige,
• Pearl white with a twist of lemon;
• Light green paste;
• Shitzu brown.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nexace

I like the interior...looks better than the current 2005 model.

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Im a 05 owner must say interior is a good step forward even without sat nav screen biggest weakness in my opinion of lux model is the nasty wood grain...
Exterior wise not much difference tailored for US market

I don't like the new front bumper, and too much chrome on front grille. I like the new rear bumper though, and love the new interior.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by euro77

I don't like the new front bumper, and too much chrome on front grille. I like the new rear bumper though, and love the new interior.

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how is the new rear bumper different? I cant see any difference.

I don't like the wheels -- whether we get them or not, we'll just have to wait and see. Definitely too much chrome on the grille. Not sure about the new front bumper: I don't mind the egg-crate, the rest could grow on me. What it does make me think is that it will be much easier to open a side vent alongside the foglight to allow airflow to a CAI...

It looks much more of a conservative luxury car than the "sports sedan" that they've generally been trying to pitch it as...

Also, does that mean that the car won't be available with an extra body kit? I can't see how a lip kit will fit over those bumpers -- they (and the side skirts) already flare out subtly. Or will the body kit be a full bumper?

the car looks a lot more rounded.. and a tadd less aggressive..

doesn't give that warm feeling inside...

in my frame of mind it's much like what happened to the Integra Type R -> Integra Type S, maybe refined in some more ways.. but cosmetically..:thumbdwn:

I am just relieved the cosmetic changes to the exterior are mild so that I do not need to change cars (I hate having a previous model) :)