Acura Automobiles: 2012 Acura TSX

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INTRODUCTION

Step over the polished doorsill plates to enter the TSX interior, and the purposeful nature of the vehicle is immediately apparent. Blending luxury, performance and technology in equal measure, the TSX’s interior exhibits a high level of fit and finish that customers have come to expect from Acura. And for 2012, the sportiness of the TSX increases dramatically with the availability of a new Special Edition model.

Inside, the TSX Special Edition makes use of sport-minded appointments including exclusive seating surfaces with perforated black Lux Suede® inserts with red backing. Unique red stitching (used for the seats, steering wheel and the shift knob) combines with red lighting for the instrument cluster gauges, overhead lighting and footwell lighting. Adding more appeal to the driver’s footwell are aluminum pedal covers with a race-inspired look. Rounding out the Special Edition’s interior upgrades is the use of bright silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters along with black headliner material (standard TSX have grey headliner material).

Acura is known for its outstanding array of user relevant technology, and the 2012 TSX further expands on this concept. The navigation system features continuously updated traffic maps now covering 130 major metropolitan areas within the United States and Canada, and offers Traffic Rerouting™ to help navigate around slow-downs. A 60-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) for the navigation and audio systems offers impressive response time (much faster than the 2010 system) and the HDD offers the ability to download 15-gigabytes of personal music.

Acura has always put much emphasis on building an interior that is exceptionally quiet, and the 2012 TSX has an exceptionally low amount of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) thanks to items such as an acoustic glass front windshield, thick side glass, and copious use of sound-deadening insulation and underfloor covers.

The driver’s cockpit is engineered for comfort and precise control, with many controls positioned within fingertip reach on the thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel. With the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, racing-inspired shift paddles mounted on the back side of the steering wheel make for convenient gear changes. Sport minded front bucket seats offer enhanced lateral support, and the driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable with lumbar support. The roomy 5-passenger interior offers standard leather seating surfaces, as well as standard dual-zone automatic climate control. Convenient standard 60-40 fold-down rear seatbacks reveal a pass-through to the trunk to expand cargo-carrying versatility.

Typical of Acura, the TSX offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Included are power-actuated driver and front passenger seats, a folding key fob with remote entry, 2 personalized memory settings, automatic headlight activation, premium 7-speaker audio system with AM/FM tuner, CD, XM® Radio with Note function, USB port and AUX jack connectivity along with a Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® cellular phone interface.

The available Technology Package adds a dazzling 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround® 415-watt Premium Audio System with Note function for XM® Radio, DVD-Audio, 15 GB memory HDD media storage, Song By Voice™, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ with rearview camera and AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System.

INTERIOR AT A GLANCE

  • Roomy interior with seating for five
  • Sport Seats with perforated leather-trimmed interior and contrast color stitching
  • 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and 2-position memory
  • 4-way power adjustable passenger seat
  • Heated front seats
  • Large, easy-to-read LED backlit analog instruments
  • Multi-Information Display
  • Dash-mounted electronic compass
  • Automatic headlight activation
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with fingertip controls
  • Tilt and telescopic steering column
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Premium 7-speaker audio system with AM/FM tuner, CD player and XM® Radio
  • Bluetooth® Audio capability
  • Digital media USB jack with iPod®/iPhone® compatibility
  • AUX audio mini-jack
  • Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone and music interface
  • HomeLink® remote control system
  • Active Sound Control noise cancellation system (TSX V-6)

Special Edition Package

  • Seating surfaces with perforated black Lux Suede® inserts with red backing
  • Unique red stitching (used for the seats, steering wheel and the shift knob)
  • Red lighting for the instrument cluster gauges, overhead lighting and footwell lighting
  • Aluminum pedal covers with a race-inspired look
  • Bright silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters
  • Black headliner material (standard TSX have grey headliner material)

Technnology Package

  • Acura/ELS® Surround 415-watt Premium Audio System with 10-speakers, DVD-Audio, DTS™ CD, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio with Note function music reminder, 15 GB hard disk drive memory media storage, Song By Voice™ and Dolby® Pro Logic® II
  • Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and rearview camera
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™
  • AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System
  • Remote operated power tailgate (TSX Sport Wagon)

STYLING

The TSX’s sport-oriented interior is designed to evoke a premium, avant-garde appearance with a blend of high-quality materials and graceful accents. Interior shapes are sweeping and fluid, and front and rear doors have sweeping armrests that are integrated with the door pulls. Satin metal finish accents arc across the instrument panel and along the sides of the center console, and vehicle entry is over metal sill plates bearing the Acura logo.

For the driver, large analog gauges are easily legible and the small-diameter steering wheel has a thick, leather-wrapped rim for a sporting feel. Controls for many fundamental systems are positioned on the steering wheel within fingertip reach, including racing-inspired steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for the 5-speed automatic transmission. A large digital display within the tachometer face shows gear selection when the transmission is in manual mode. The interior comes in three premium colors: Ebony, Parchment and Taupe.

DRIVER-ORIENTED COCKPIT

The TSX is designed to provide the driver with a functional and refined cockpit that puts controls within easy reach. The primary controls (the steering wheel, pedals, and console shifter) are positioned for comfort and control.

Sport-oriented seating offers added lateral support for spirited cornering. The 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat is positioned low for improved headroom and a lower center of gravity. The seat includes a 2-position memory feature. The steering column tilts and telescopes to accommodate drivers of varying sizes.

Instrumentation and controls are clearly legible and switchgear offers precise tactile feedback. Automatic and manual transmissions are offered with the TSX 4 cylinder sedan, and both are designed for ease of operation. The 6-speed manual transmission has short throws like those of a sportscar. The Sequential SportShift 5-Speed automatic transmission has a simplified straight-style shift gate located on the center console along with racing-inspired paddle shifters that are within fingertip reach on the steering wheel.

Controls for the power moonroof (with tilt and auto-open/close) are located overhead in an intuitive location. The trunk can be opened via a button positioned within easy reach in the driver’s door panel. The fuel filler door is electrically locked anytime the doors are locked, eliminating the need for a cable-style fuel door release button. When the power door locks are unlocked, the fuel filler door can be easily opened.

LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL

In keeping with its sporting mission, the TSX has a thick leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel that integrates many control functions. Audio controls are positioned on the left spoke while cruise-control switches are on the right spoke.

On cars equipped with the Technology Package, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ controls are located on the bottom spoke of the steering wheel. When equipped with the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, a pair of shift paddles are positioned behind the steering wheel.

LED INSTRUMENTATION WITH MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY

The TSX’s analog instrumentation has satin metal-finish bezels and a clean, uncluttered look that makes it easy for the driver to interpret readings. LED backlighting makes the large gauges clear-  day or night. The illuminated pointers on the tachometer and speedometer are “floating,” and appear to sweep around an invisible center pivot.

When equipped with the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, the tachometer face includes a digital gear selection indicator. The V-6 model receives an updated tachometer face with a unique rpm redline range that corresponds to the operating parameters of the 3.5L V-6 engine.

A Multi-Information Display (MID) positioned in the speedometer face displays outside temperature, vehicle mileage and trip mileage, instant as well as average fuel efficiency readouts and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tire pressure status. Maintenance Minder™ also alerts the driver of upcoming maintenance needs via the MID.

To give the TSX a welcoming feel, when the door is first opened, the instrument lighting comes on at a low brightness; when the key is put in the ignition, the brightness progressively increases to 100-percent illumination. Then when the ignition is turned on, the illuminated instruments come to life, indicating that all systems are up and running. At the end of the drive, the illumination process reverses. With the new Special Edition model, unique red lighting is used for the speedometer cluster and footwell lighting.

SEATING

During spirited acceleration, cornering and braking, secure seating for the driver and passengers is an important part of overall comfort. With high lateral loadings the driver’s seat becomes an important part of the control system, helping the driver read the dynamic information the chassis and powertrain convey. Specific attention was given to increasing shoulder-area support for enhanced comfort while cornering.

With 8-way power adjustability, the TSX driver’s seat provides an accommodating fit and two different seat position profiles can be stored in memory. Each seat profile is linked to one of the pair of folding ignition keys with integral remote-entry transmitter. When the driver uses the remote entry feature of the key, the TSX automatically adjusts the driver’s seat to the preset position as well as links the driver-side exterior mirror and radio presets. The buttons used to preset the seating positions may also be used to select the individual seating positions if the seats have moved since unlocking the doors.

The driver’s seat backrest lumbar mechanism is adjustable via a lever mounted on the right side of the seat back. The mechanism is designed to offer smoothly contoured support without the “sharp edged” feel of some less sophisticated mechanisms. TSX is equipped with a 4-way power adjustable front bucket seat for passenger comfort. To eliminate the chill on cold days, the TSX features heated front seats that can warm at two different levels.

With the new TSX Special Edition, the seating surfaces feature perforated black Lux Suede® inserts with red backing for a more sporty look. The seats also feature unique red stitching that is also used on the steering wheel and shift knob.

INTERIOR ROOM

The TSX’s wide wheel track and overall body width translate into a spacious interior cabin. The TSX’s efficient packaging offers comfortable long-haul space for four passengers, and can accommodate up to five passengers for shorter drives. Rear seat room is particularly impressive relative to other vehicles within the TSX’s class, with the TSX offering adequate leg and headroom for passengers over six feet tall.

CARGO CARRYING VERSATILITY

When more space is needed, the lockable 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback can be lowered by pulling release handles that are easily accessible from inside the trunk. Once released, the rear seat backs fold down to reveal a cargo pass-through to the back seat area. Trunk cargo volume of the TSX sedan is 12.6 cubic feet, with a total vehicle cargo volume of 107.1 cubic ft.

TSX SPORT WAGON REAR CARGO AREA

The TSX Sport Sedan features an even greater level of utility than with the TSX sedan. Besides offering a generous amount of rear cargo area, the wagon’s rear opening height of approximately 28-inches allows for the stowage of bulky items such as large boxes, furniture, bicycles, four full-size golf bags and even surfboards.

With the second row seat in use, there is 31.5 cu-ft of cargo space available. The rear seats are a 60/40 fold-down design, so one section can be lowered to generate more cargo room while the other section can remain in the up position to accommodate a rear seat passenger. Or, fold down both seats to attain the maximum cargo area replete with a load-flat floor that is nearly 70-inches long. As expected, the TSX Sport Wagon incorporates a variety of tie-down hooks for keeping cargo items secure. For increased security, standard is a retractable cover that prevents rear cargo items from being seen should a passer-by look into the rear windows.

For 2012 the TSX Sport Wagon includes even more rear cargo space. Replacing the safety spare tire with a new tire repair kit allows the under-floor storage area to be significantly enlarged. As a result, the total rear cargo area increases to 66.2 cubic feet- a gain of 5.7 cubic feet. Consequently, the TSX Sport Wagon is now the leader in rear cargo area as compared to the competitive wagons in its class-including the BMW 3 Series (54.7 cu-ft) and the Audi A4 (56.5 cu-ft). Interestingly, the TSX Sport Wagon also rivals (or beats) the cargo capacity of many compact SUVs or CUVs. Thus, the Sport Wagon is a smart alternative for those who are considering the purchase of a small SUV- but who value the better fuel economy, lower emissions and improved performance of a sport sedan.

In addition, the Sport wagon features four hidden compartments for out-of-sight storage. A 5.7 cu-ft storage area is cleverly located beneath a lift-up hatch within the load floor. Smaller items can be placed in a 0.2 cu-ft storage area (hidden by a removable panel) located in the side panel on the driver side, or in one of two 13-inch long storage areas near the main in-floor storage area. With a low lift-over height of about 24-inches, loading heavy items is simplified.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE ITEMS

The TSX interior is designed to help make passengers comfortable along with offering plenty of customer-relevant features. Front and rear cupholders accommodate large drinks, convenient storage bins and compartments include seatback map pockets and bottle holders in all four doors, and the front door panels also have large map pockets. A 2-section locking glove compartment has a damped door, and there is also overhead sunglasses storage, while the center console incorporates side utility pockets. Beneath the sliding, padded armrest, the center console storage compartment has an internal 12-volt power point, a 2.5 mm auxiliary input mini-jack for the audio system, and a USB jack for the easy connection of a compatible audio device (such as an iPod®) to the TSX’s audio system.

A versatile Multi-Information Display (MID) located in the speedometer face tracks the vehicle’s maintenance needs, shows warnings and offers an array of driver preference settings. The TSX also features a dash mounted electronic compass for added directional information while driving. Illuminated door-mounted window switches are easy to locate at night. A HomeLink® remote system allows the control of up to three home electronic devices remotely from inside the car.

DUAL-ZONE AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

The TSX has as standard a dual-zone automatic climate control with clear, intuitive controls. A replaceable filter system helps remove particulates from the interior air. When equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, key HVAC system functions can be accomplished via voice commands. In addition, the navigation system calculates sun position to adjust system operation from side to side to help compensate for solar heating.

REMOTE ENTRY

Two folding ignition keys with integrated remote transmitters are provided with the TSX. Each transmitter can be linked to one of two driver profiles. The key fob that is used to unlock the vehicle triggers a specific driver profile and the system automatically positions the power driver’s seat, adjusts the side mirrors and sets the radio presets to match that profile.

Using the key fob, one push of the unlock button unlocks the driver’s door while a second push unlocks all the doors. When placed in the driver’s door lock, one twist unlocks only the driver’s door while a second twist unlocks all the doors.

The TSX also features a unique “quick vent” feature that (when holding the unlock button on the keyless remote for two seconds) instantly lowers all four door windows and opens the power moonroof to quickly vent the built-up interior heat. In addition, by holding the key in the “lock” position, all open windows can be simultaneously raised.

BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK® WIRELESS TELEPHONE INTERFACE

All Acura vehicles have as standard a Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® telephone interface system that is designed to work with a wide variety of Bluetooth® enabled mobile telephones. Bluetooth® is a radio frequency-based technology that allows portable devices (such as cellular telephones, PDAs, laptops and other devices) to communicate wirelessly over a limited distance. The TSX’s HandsFreeLink® system is compatible with Bluetooth®-enabled cellular phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP). (Some early Bluetooth®-enabled phones do not have this communications protocol, but most new phones have HFP.) After the driver completes a one-time pairing process, the TSX can communicate wirelessly with the driver’s cell phone when it is within approximately 10 feet of the vehicle. The telephone needs to be on (with Bluetooth® connectivity enabled), but can be stowed in a pocket, briefcase, purse, or anywhere inside the TSX cabin.

With Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, the TSX driver can make or answer telephone calls without removing their hands from the steering wheel. When a call comes in, the incoming caller’s telephone number is displayed on the Multi-Information Display (MID). In addition, a phone ring tone can be heard via the audio system. If the driver chooses to answer the phone call, a press of the steering wheel-mounted “Pick up” button mutes the audio system and the incoming caller is heard over the TSX’s audio system speakers. On Technology Package models, a special overhead array microphone helps cancel “echo effect” and reduces background noise to improve the transmission quality of the driver’s speech when using the HandsFreeLink® system.

By activating the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system using fingertip controls mounted on the steering wheel, the driver can dial a telephone number by voice. The driver also can store frequently called numbers in the system’s memory using unique voice tags. Up to six different compatible mobile telephones (each with a unique “user profile”) can be paired at one time with the TSX’s Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system.
Each phone profile has its own password-protected call history, phonebook, speed dials and voice tags. With a single paired phone and the proper password for each profile, a user can access any of the other profiles. This convenient feature means that a person who carries both a work cellular phone and personal cellular phone can easily access both profiles from either telephone.

When equipped with the available navigation system in the Technology Package some HandsFreeLink® functions are displayed on the high-resolution navigation system screen. This provides a versatile interface for HandsFreeLink® operation. The system can also import a compatible cellular telephone’s phonebook (over 1,000 entries), allowing the data to be more easily searched via the full VGA high-resolution color screen. Additional HandsFreeLink® information can be found at www.acura.com/handsfreelink.

PREMIUM 7-SPEAKER AUDIO SYSTEM WITH CD AND AM/FM/XM® TUNER

The TSX’s Premium audio system delivers a high performance listening experience. Engineered for simple and intuitive operation, the audio system incorporates a single-disc CD player, AM/FM tuner and XM® Radio.The system also displays Radio Data System (RDS) information, which appears as text showing station name and program type.

Multiple audio sources

The TSX’s audio system can play program material from a wide variety of sources. The single-disc CD player can read discs encoded with MP3 or WMA® files, and there is a 2.5 mm auxiliary mini-jack in the center console for use with an external MP3 player. A USB port and cable is provided in the center console for the easy connection of an iPod® or compatible MP3 player. When used with compatible iPod® models, the USB connection also provides charging power and allows the display of iPod® content information on the audio system head unit. Control of the iPod® is via the audio head unit for maximum convenience.

The TSX has as standard equipment an XMÒ Radio receiver that (when activated) offers over 200 digital channels devoted to music, sports, talk, traffic, weather, children’s programming and entertainment. Of the 200 XM® channels, 71 are commercial-free. A 90-day complimentary subscription to XMÒ is included.

The audio system also offers Bluetooth® Audio. When the system has been paired with a compatible cellular telephone that incorporates a built-in audio player, the phone’s audio content can be played on the TSX audio system via a wireless Bluetooth® connection. With the phone turned on and its music player running, the TSX audio system allows control of volume, forward and back track skipping along with pause/resume via the vehicle’s audio head unit (function not legal in all states).

360 watts of power

The 360-watt audio system has a total of seven speakers. A pair of tweeters are positioned in the top of the instrument panel, and two 6.3-inch drivers are positioned in the front doors. The rear deck has another pair of 6.3-inch drivers, along with an 8-inch subwoofer (mounted on the right side of the cargo area in TSX Sport Wagon). An in-glass antenna (located in the rear window) is optimized to help deliver excellent radio reception without having a negative impact on vehicle aerodynamics. Remote controls located on the TSX’s 3-spoke steering wheel put frequently used audio functions within fingertip reach of the driver.

ACURA/ELS SURROUND® PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM WITH 10-SPEAKERS, DVD-AUDIO, DTS™, CD PLAYER, AND AM/FM/XM® TUNER

When equipped with the available Technology Package, the TSX includes a spectacular Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio System featuring 10-speakers and DVD-Audio. The system gets its name from multi-Grammy® Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner’s recording industry-recognized moniker “ELS®.” Scheiner’s goal in the development of this audio system was to reproduce music the way it is heard in the recording studio. The sophisticated ELS® system, developed together with Panasonic Automotive Systems, uses 10 speakers and a total of 415 watts of power (460 watts with the Sport Wagon) to create a unique listening experience in the TSX.

Like the 7-speaker Premium audio system, the Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio system can play program material from a wide range of sources. The CD player can read discs encoded with MP3 or WMA® files. There’s a 2.5 mm auxiliary mini-jack for use with an external MP3 player, and a USB jack and cable is located in the center console for the connection of an iPod® or compatible MP3 player. When used with compatible iPod® models, the USB connection provides iPod® control via the audio head unit. Bluetooth® Audio allows a compatible cellular telephone with a built-in audio player to wirelessly play the phone’s audio content on the TSX audio system.

The Acura/ELS Surround® audio system features selectable Dolby® Pro Logic® II signal processing that creates simulated 5.1-channel surround sound from CD, MP3/WMA®, XM® Radio, AUX and USB inputs. The TSX audio system plays conventional CDs and DTS™ discs, in addition to DVD-Audio discs.

While Elliot Scheiner and Panasonic Automotive tuned the Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio system to create outstanding sound from any source, DVD-Audio is the system’s most impressive sounding format. This advanced audio reproduction technology delivers over 500-times higher resolution than traditional CD audio. DVD-Audio delivers smoother, fuller and far more accurate sound through six discrete channels.

To make Acura/ELS Surround® system simple to operate, it has large-format dash-mounted controls. In addition, steering wheel-mounted controls of key audio functions are positioned within fingertip reach. Select audio system functions can also be executed via voice commands.

Hard Disc Drive

The TSX (with available Technology Package) has a hard disk drive (HDD) media storage space with 15-gigabytes of storage capacity dedicated to music storage (the balance of the HDD’s 60-gigabyte total storage capacity is used for the navigation system). The hard drive’s fast file-access time speeds search and retrieval of audio tracks, and allows tracks to be shuffled by album, artist and genre.

On-board information provided by Gracenote® allows the audio system to display the song artist, album name, track name, and genre for the program material that is stored on the HDD. Gracenote® uses a multi-step recognition method to enable identification, categorization and organization of digital music. The Gracenote® database is updated quarterly to include new audio releases. The TSX owner can download Gracenote® updates at www.acura.com, and then load the updates onto a USB thumb drive or CD-R which, in turn, can be downloaded into the TSX’s audio system. Without the Gracenote® update, new audio tracks will play on the Acura/ELS® system, but will play without accompanying text information on genre, artist, album name and track name.

The HDD media storage means that the TSX owner can download CDs directly to 15-GB (enough capacity to hold over 3,500 songs*) of dedicated hard drive storage for later playback. Once the CDs are downloaded to the HDD, the TSX owner no longer needs to carry around a bulky collection of CDs. Only original CDs and uncompressed CD-R files can be copied to the hard drive. Other formats such as DVD-Audio, MP3/WMA, DTS CD, USB, Bluetooth® audio and AUX inputs can not be recorded to the hard drive.

*Approximate capacity based on an average size of 4.0 MB per song at a 128kbps bitrate

10-speaker array

Each of the 10 speakers in the Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio system uses a high-energy Neodymium magnet for excellent sound quality and to reduce weight. There are soft-dome tweeters in the mirror patch location, plus a 2.75-inch midrange polypropylene-cone center speaker in the middle of the dashboard top. Each of the doors has 6.7-inch full-range dual-thickness polypropylene-cone speakers, and in the rear parcel shelf there are two more 6.7-inch drivers flanking a special Super Low Distortion 8-inch diameter subwoofer. The combination of high performance speaker drivers, optimal speaker locations and 415 watts of power (460 watts with the Sport Wagon) creates an audio system that delivers outstanding sound at any seating position.

An AM/FM tuner gets signals from a powered, glass-mounted antenna that is laminated into the rear window glass. The system displays Radio Data System (RDS) information, which can show items such as station name and program type.

XM® Radio

XM® Radio is a standard feature within the TSX audio system and it provides more than 200 channels of digital programming with near CD-quality sound. The XM® signal is beamed to two broadcast satellites positioned in geostationary orbit above Earth. The beams from these two broadcast satellites combine to span the entire continental United States and some of Canada.

XM® Radio programming includes channels devoted to music, sports, talk, traffic, weather, children’s programming and entertainment. Of the more than 200 XM® channels, 71 are commercial-free. When the TSX’s audio system plays XM® Radio, the display screen shows the current station, song title, or artist’s name. A complimentary three-month subscription to the XM® Radio service is included with purchase of a new TSX, and customers are able to continue the service or cancel any time afterwards.

Note Function for XM®

The TSX audio system includes the Note function for XM® Radio which is designed to be a convenience for owners who want to make note of songs heard on XM®. With the touch of a button, the Note function for XM® Radio records the current song title and artist name in text form, along with a short audio excerpt of the song.

The Note function captures up to 10 seconds of each selected song and can store a total of 30 song excerpts for later playback. Thus, if the TSX driver likes a particular song or artist, it’s easy to note (and refer back to it) for later consideration.

Song By Voice™

With so much audio content available with the TSX’s hard disk drive (HDD) media storage and in a user’s iPod®, Acura engineers set out to make it easy to choose audio content while driving. Song By Voice™ (SBV) lets the driver choose music by artist, album, song title, genre, playlist and even composer.

From most navigation screens, the driver simply presses the “TALK” button on the steering wheel and then says “iPod Search” or “HDD Search.” A category screen appears, and the user can choose by voice among categories to select the content they want. Alternately, selections can also be made using the interface dial. To improve voice recognition performance with unique words, the system has a feature that accommodates phonetic adjustment for up to 2,000 names. These updated phonetic names then apply to Song By Voice™ use of the hard drive or a connected iPod®.

ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL (TSX V-6)

The TSX V-6 receives an Active Sound Control system that is much advanced over Acura’s previous Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system. Whereas ANC dealt specifically with the elimination of low sound pressure entering the cabin, the new Active Sound Control system has a much broader range including the elimination of unwanted high frequency noise. In addition, Active Sound Control is linked to throttle position and engine rpm to provide a more quiet cockpit during normal cruising while allowing the 3.5L V-6’s muscular sound to be heard more during higher rpm, higher speed driving.

Sporting a special array of processing technology and sensors, Active Sound Control not only improves sound cancellation but also works throughout the entire engine rpm range (whereas the previous ANC system only worked to cancel engine booming noise up to 2,000 rpm).

Moreover, Active Sound Control is specially tuned for various levels of “effect” generated at different throttle positions: during low rpm, Active Sound Control delivers a quiet cabin; during mid-rpm throttle, some of the throaty exhaust note is allowed to enter the cabin; and during high rpm the Active Sound Control system is tuned to allow a more crisp exhaust note to enter the cabin.

Active Sound Control operates whenever the car is running, regardless of whether the audio system is on or off. There are two microphones mounted in the headliner- one just behind the front overhead console and another just ahead of the overhead rear light module. The microphones capture low frequencies entering the cabin, and send a signal to the Active Sound Control unit. The Active Sound Control unit then creates a precisely timed reverse phase audio signal that is sent to an amplifier, which powers the door speakers.

The Active Sound Control dramatically reduces the booming noise of the exhaust, front and rear. In the frequency range below 100 hertz, Active Sound Control results in an impressive 10 dB reduction in noise level. Moreover, the Active Sound Control system helps reduce high frequency and middle-frequency noise attenuation during normal cruising.

Acura Navigation System WITH VOICE RECOGNITION™

Designed for easy, intuitive operation, the TSX’s navigation system has a wide range of capabilities. The system features AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ along with AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ that are useful tools that not only help the TSX driver navigate their drive route, but also provides important weather information along the drive route.
                       
For 2011, the previous navigation screen was replaced with an 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display with LED backlighting. The new screen generates substantially crisper graphics and more vivid colors. The full VGA monitor is positioned high up in the center of the instrument panel where it is close to the driver’s line of sight while remaining shrouded from glare.

Also part of the system is a rearview camera (that projects an image on the VGA color screen) that helps provide added situational awareness for the driver when the vehicle is in Reverse.

Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ features summary:

  • 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display with LED backlight for convenient viewing, positioned high up and closer to driver’s line of sight
  • Rearview camera displays image on full VGA color navigation screen when transmission is placed in Reverse
  • Ultra-fast 60 gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) data storage
  • Coverage includes the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and Puerto Rico
  • Exceptionally fast Point Of Interest (POI) search speed
  • AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™
  • Voice recognition function with over 900 navigation commands minimizes the need for manual character entry
  • Voice recognition system recognizes city and street names as spoken words
  • Simple system operation with clear visual prompts to guide voice navigation
  • Interface Dial simplifies control of the system and is accessible to driver and front seat passenger
  • Audio system automatically mutes for turn-by-turn voice guidance (voice guidance can be turned off at any time)
  • Voice Recognition™ operates common audio and climate control functions
  • Highly directional array microphone for precise Voice Command recognition
  • On-screen picture of highway interchanges indicates which lane(s) to use to stay on route
  • 3 languages for all destinations (English, French and Spanish)
  • Destination memory recalls current trip addresses, previous destinations and user address books
  • Split-screen mode features simultaneous “map view” and selective route views
  • Trip routing can avoid user-selected areas
  • Telephone calls to on-screen points of interest with Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
  • Trip routing can include up to five user-chosen way points
  • Ambient light sensing automatically adjusts screen brightness for the conditions
  • Navigation system can be updated with available DVD
  • Store and display owner image files as wallpaper on navigation screen

Enhanced database:

  • Point Of Interest (POI) database includes approximately 7 million locations
  • Fuzzy logic POI and address searching simplifies and speeds searches
  • Smart logic for restaurant POI simplifies searching
  • Business and recreation directory of virtually all of the continental United States complete with telephone numbers
  • ZIP code entry speeds address input
  • Directory categories include restaurants (searchable by type of cuisine), lodging, shopping, airports, hospitals, recreation areas and much more
  • Zagat Survey™ restaurant guide provides information and reviews on restaurants in database, which can be read on-screen or heard over the audio system
  • Scenic Route drive route listings categorized by individual state
  • Exact addressing locates approximately 80-percent of addresses at their actual GPS coordinates (instead of estimating location based on linear street number)
  • Destinations are searchable by GPS coordinates

System Operation

The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ tracks the TSX’s position based on positioning data from up to 12 orbiting Global Positioning Satellites (GPS). If GPS reception is blocked by a tall building, tunnel, or parking garage, an internal gyroscopic system with a speed sensor tracks the location to keep the mapping information current and reliable until satellite reception is restored.

The TSX’s navigation system stores its mapping data on an internal hard disk drive (HDD). The same drive is partitioned and used by the audio system to store audio files. Much faster than the DVD drive used on the 2010 model, the new HDD is the key to the system’s impressive search and routing speed. The system can be updated annually with the latest mapping information by inserting an update disc into the audio system’s slot-loading CD/DVD drive. DVD update discs are available for purchase on an annual basis on-line at www.acura.com or by calling 888-549-3798.

The navigation system can be controlled by using the interface dial by choosing menu options or by spelling out a word (e.g., an address, business name or place). Characters on an on-screen keypad can be selected using the Interface Dial. For voice operation, the driver simply presses the “Talk” button on the steering wheel and says any of a number of preset command phrases. The system responds to over 900 command phrases, as well as to spoken city and street names.

The audio system is automatically muted when the “Talk” button is pressed, and an overhead array microphone receives the command from the driver. Commands can be given in plain English, like “Display gas stations,” “Find nearest hospital,” or “Find nearest Chinese restaurant.” The TSX’s voice recognition technology allows the driver to simply speak city and street names aloud, and the system responds by displaying matches available in the database. Points of interest on the map (such as restaurants or grocery stores) can be displayed or you can have the system provide turn-by-turn navigation- all by voice command. The massive point-of-interest (POI) database includes telephone numbers, which can be dialed by using the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system or with the driver’s cellular telephone.

INTERFACE DIAL

Most frequently used electronic functions in the TSX have dedicated controls placed on the instrument panel or on the steering wheel. Voice control of navigation, climate control, audio and communications functions are available, while the interface dial positioned just ahead of the center console-mounted shift lever provides another avenue of control. The Interface Dial can be rotated and rocked like a joystick to select function menus displayed on the navigation screen. A push of the controller selects the highlighted item.

Functions controlled by the Interface Dial include:

  • Audio system
  • Navigation system
  • AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System

Wallpaper image display

To further customize the TSX’s interior, the navigation system allows the storage of up to 10 images each for each driver (two drivers total) on the built-in hard disk drive (HDD). Any one of the stored images can be displayed as a full-screen image on the navigation display when the display is not otherwise in use. To avoid driver distraction, there is no “slide show” function. J-peg images can be loaded from a computer onto a USB storage device, such as a thumb drive. Then the thumb drive can be plugged into the TSX’s USB port that is located in the center console. Using on-screen menus, the images can then be transferred to the TSX’s internal HDD. Each driver can then choose among their stored images for display, or set the system to not display wallpaper.

AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System

The TSX’s available Technology Package includes the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System. AcuraLink® allows two-way communication between Acura and the TSX, providing customers with the latest information specific to their vehicle.

Once the owner has enabled its data-transmission function, the owner’s Bluetooth® telephone is used in cases where communication from the car to the Acura Telematics server is needed. In addition, while driving, the AcuraLink® system conveniently allows the TSX owner to make automated appointments for vehicle service. The data connection from the server to the vehicle is enabled even if the monthly XM® service package is not in effect.

Each AcuraLink® message is prioritized by importance, with high priority messages displayed immediately while normal messages trigger a message icon on the navigation display. To avoid distraction, low priority messages show up only on vehicle start-up. The owner can choose to read or listen to a message immediately, or archive it to be retrieved at a later time. AcuraLink® messages consist of a limited amount of text plus expanded details via Text-To-Speech.

Messages that can be sent to the TSX include Maintenance Minder™ (information regarding the next required maintenance), Quick Tips (information regarding the TSX features), Feature Guide (supplements to the TSX Owner’s Manual) and Diagnostic Info (detailed information and instructions should an onboard system issue arise). The TSX owner has complete control over the types of messages they receive. All AcuraLink® preferences can be set via the MyAcura website (www.myacura.com).

AcuraLink® can provide the owner with important information that previously has been unavailable. For example, if a warning light should appear on the TSX instrument panel, AcuraLink® can automatically send a trouble code along with the sensor data associated with the fault to the Acura Telematics Server. The code is analyzed, and a message is sent back to the TSX- such as “A software issue has been detected. It is OK to continue driving. The repair is currently being developed, so you do not need to visit your dealer at this time.” A separate AcuraLink® message will be sent to the TSX when it is time to visit the dealer to have the system repaired. AcuraLink® can tell the TSX owner if a particular fault is serious enough to cancel a trip, if it can be dealt with later or if it requires special driving techniques.

ACURALINK REAL-TIME TRAFFIC™

With AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™, the TSX’s navigation screen can display regularly updated traffic information including traffic flow, incidents and construction on freeways in 130 major metropolitan areas within the United States and three major metropolitan markets within Canada. The information is part of the XM NavTraffic® feature (aggregated by NAVTEQ™ from multiple sources including police and highway patrol incident reports and transportation departments). Information is transmitted by XM® satellites to the TSX where it is graphically displayed on the navigation system- with a zoom scale ranging between 1/20-mile to 5-mile increments.

To see details or select traffic incidents, the TSX owner can click on an icon on the map by pushing “Enter” on the interface dial. TSX drivers can avoid congestion en route and choose the fastest path to their destination with traffic information that is continuously updated. The system displays traffic incidents, determines average traffic speed and (if a destination is programmed into the navigation system) estimates travel time along the chosen route. It can automatically recalculate results as factors change. Plus, XM NavTraffic® alerts drivers of scheduled traffic incidents such as construction and road closures, plus unscheduled incidents such as incidents and disabled vehicles.

Traffic Rerouting™ can automatically recalculate a “detour” route and display a pop-up box signifying the route change, when traffic congestion or road incidents are detected along the selected drive route.

Alternately, the driver can recalculate a route in manual mode simply by selecting “TRAFFIC INCIDENTS” from the Map Info menu followed by selecting the “AVOID” command relevant to an incident.

AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting™ gives TSX owners a useful time saving tool on freeways. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ is offered on a subscription basis following a 3-month free trial period. In addition to the on-screen traffic information, TSX owners who maintain their XM® Radio service also receive more general audio traffic information for 130 major metropolitan areas that runs on a 2-3 minute loop.

ACURALINK REAL-TIME WEATHER™

The ideal complement to AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ is the TSX’s integrated AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™. In difficult driving conditions, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ can provide an up-to-date weather picture.

Key features

  • Professional grade weather information provided by Baron Services, Inc.
  • Weather information continually updated to reflect rapidly occurring weather changes
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ information for 21 specific metropolitan areas
  • Weather forecasts for the next 3 hours, 6 hours or over the next 1-day or 3-days
  • Severe weather alerts
  • Specific area weather information
  • Weather radar image maps

AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ was co-developed with XM NavWeather® to provide a weather tracking system for area specific, regularly updated weather conditions between your current location and a programmed final destination. The system focuses on the specific weather on your personal drive route, rather than just offering general weather conditions for a region. AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ information is continuously updated and is delivered to the vehicle navigation system via the TSX’s built-in XM® satellite receiver.

AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ technology is enhanced for specific travel conditions in 21 major metropolitan areas. The information focuses on identifying potential weather threats along with current and future forecast weather conditions. The navigation screen displays current weather conditions in an easy-to-read format. By moving the TSX’s navigation system cursor to the desired location on the map you can obtain weather info for a specific location. Press the “Enter” button and information regarding your current location will return.

Unique Threat Matrix Technology within AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ generates prompts with specific icons (within 46 different categories) that inform the TSX driver if the vehicle is headed into oncoming severe weather- such as a developing snow storm, ice, wind shear or even a tornado warning. Based on this advance information, the TSX driver can choose to reroute before encountering the severe weather. When the display is zoomed out to reveal the entire United States, a radar image map shows current weather patterns across the entire country. AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ offers 1- or 3-day weather forecasts for specific areas of the United States.
Weather data is provided by Baron Services, Inc., which deciphers a complex array of National Weather Service information to produce the weather information. TSX owners receive a complementary 3-month trial subscription that delivers AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ along with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ and XM® Radio. After the complementary subscription expires, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ is available on a monthly subscription basis individually, together with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ or XM® Radio, or as a combined package of all three features.

ACURALINK REAL-TIME WEATHER™ INFORMATION

Current Condition Weather Information

  • Clear
  • Partly Cloudy
  • Mostly Cloudy
  • Cloudy
  • Light Rain
  • Moderate Rain
  • Heavy Rain
  • Freezing Rain
  • Heavy Freezing Rain/Ice
  • Snow
  • Heavy Snow
  • Fog

Present Threats

  • Hail Storm
  • Shear Storm (Potential Tornado)
  • Lightning
  • Winds (expressed as Low, Medium, or Heavy)
  • Visibility (expressed as Good, Patchy, Marginal, or Very Poor)

Potential Threats (5- to 15-minute advance warning)

  • Hail Storm
  • Shear Storm (Potential Tornado)

Precipitation Forecast (30-minute advance warning)

  • No Predicted Weather Issues
  • Rain
  • Snow

Current Road Conditions

  • Clear
  • Flooded
  • Slippery
  • Ice, Patchy Ice
  • Snow
  • Heavy Snow
  • Road Closed

National Weather Service (NWS) Warnings

  • Official NWS warnings for 46 threat categories

Current Conditions

  • Temperature
  • Wind (wind speed, wind gusts and wind direction)
  • Sky conditions (OK, haze, fog, dust/sand, drizzle/mist, smoke/ash, rain, heavy rain, thunderstorm, hail, freezing rain/ice, snow, heavy snow, tornado/funnel cloud)

Future Weather Forecasts

  • Current weather
  • 1- or 3-day forecasts (with separate night and day forecasts for each day)
  • Daytime high and nighttime low temperatures
  • Precipitation type (rain, ice, rain or snow, snow)
  • Chance of thunderstorm (yes/no)
  • Sky condition (clear, mostly clear, partly cloudy, cloudy)
  • Wind

INTERIOR ACCESSORIES

Acura Genuine Accessories are available for the TSX to provide personalization for the Acura client. Like all Acura Genuine Accessories, the TSX accessories are covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty if installed at the time of original vehicle purchase.

Interior Accessories

  • Sport steering wheel (with perforated leather)
  • Sport shift knob (with perforated leather)
  • Interior trim kit (with Dark Metallic color)
  • Steering wheel trim (with Dark Metallic color)
  • Ashtray
  • All-season floor mats
  • Trunk tray
  • Trunk hooks
  • Cargo organizer
  • Cargo net

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