As Acura looks to keep its TSX lineup fresh, the automaker has added a new variant for the 2012 model year known as the Special Edition, complete with changes inside and out.
While Acura has yet to release actual images of the car, we do have quite a bit of information regarding the changes that will be applied to an otherwise standard 2012 TSX sedan in order to justify the “Special Edition” badging – and price premium.
At first glance one will notice a unique and ” more aggressive front spoiler, a new rear bumper fascia, unique side sills and an exclusive “Special Edition” badge on the trunklid,” as well as a polished finish with a dark grey background for the 17×7.5-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels to round out the exterior cosmetic changes.
Step inside the Special Edition TSX and you will enjoy perforated black Lux Suede inserts with red backing, as well as red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and the shift knob. The injection of red continues with red lighting for the instrument cluster gauges, overhead lighting and footwell lighting.
Acura also added aluminum pedal covers with a race-inspired look to the driver’s footwell. Rounding out the Special Edition’s interior upgrades is the use of bright silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and the swapping of the standard grey headliner to a black headliner.
But now comes the potentially bad news for those looking for a hot looking and fast-moving TSX, “The Acura TSX has long been known for its high-revving four-cylinder engines and sporty driving nature,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “With the new Special Edition, the TSX becomes even more youthful and sporty in character, furthering its appeal to performance-minded buyers.”
In other words, the TSX Special Edition will only be available with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 201 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed manual, or the same horsepower and two fewer lb-ft of torque with the five-speed automatic transmission.
The 2012 Acura TSX Special Edition will make its formal debut on September 22 at the Orange County International Auto Show.
