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2009 Vehicle Model Guide

2009 ACURA New Car Model Guide

Acura, a line of performance and luxury vehicles spinning out of Honda of Japan, serves a diverse menu of models in the 2009 mix. Acura's collection Acura Logoranges from the elegant full-size flagship RL sedan to the turbo-charged RDX crossover utility vehicle . It adds two more four-doors to its list — the mid-size TL performance luxury sedan and the compact-class TSX — plus a cushy mid-size CUV badged the MDX.

2009 Acura RLRL
Acura's fancy full-size sedan packs a forceful engine and a smart all-wheel-drive (AWD) system dubbed Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). It can disburse engine torque not just to wheels fore and aft, but also left and right. The RL's aluminum V6 engine displaces 3.5 liters with a drive-by-wire throttle and VTEC (Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control) system. The muscle is controlled through a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The latest options for the RL are a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with grille-mounted radar unit and a AcuraLink satellite communication system.

2009 Acura TLTL
The chic TL is not only a slick performance sedan, but also a plush ride with cushy gear aboard. It handles like a sports car, though the five-seat cabin — with leather seats, electronic controls governing climate and sound and a navigation equipment — conjures images of elegant, even luxurious, motoring. The TL's aluminum 3.2-liter VTEC V6 creates 258 horsepower with an automatic, five-speed transmission adding Sequential SportShift override for manual control. The TL Type-S performance package adds a more powerful VTEC V6, sport-tuned suspension and Brembo front brakes with a five-speed automatic or close-ratio, six-speed manual shifter.

2009 Acura TSXTSX
Keen exterior lines define Acura's compact-class sports sedan. The TSX is fun to drive, but also practical, with a four-door format and seating for five. The engine is a 2.4-liter, in-line-four with 205 horsepower through a close-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox or no-load electronic automatic five-speed Sequential SportShift. The TSX carries a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and Honda's vehicle stability assist (VSA) equipment operating in conjunction with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS). The cockpit houses bolstered sport bucket seats covered in perforated leather and a sports steering wheel. HandsFreeLink Bluetooth connectivity and a touch-screen navigation system are additional options.

2009 Acura RDXRDX
Acura molds this five-seat crossover wagon for the compact class, though it's stuffed with luxurious appointments and tuned for sporty performance. The RDX brings a turbo-charged engine as well as the agile control of SH-AWD and high-tech communications, navigation and entertainment equipment. The 2.3-liter, four-cylinder plant — outfitted with the turbo-charger and i-VTEC controls — produces 240 horsepower and ties to a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle shifters. Acura also adds a navigation system with voice recognition, a 360-watt premium sound system and curtain-style side air bags keyed to rollover sensors.

2009 Acura MDXMDX
Now in sensuous skin wrapping an expanded structure, MDX — the car-based CUV — slants toward performance and conjures up images of a toned athlete worthy of the vehicle’s name — Multi-Dimensional Cross-Trainer. It has a 300-horsepower, VTEC V6 with SH-AWD traction and a vehicle stability control (VSC) system to check lateral slippage. However, the MDX is also a refined luxury car. The cabin — with three rows of flexible seats — piles on comfort gear and trim in leather and hardwoods. Three optional packages create step-up models, like the Technology package, Sport package and the Entertainment package with a DVD-based video screen.

Detailed Acura pricing and ownership information.

For more information, visit the Acura website.