Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Acura 2004 Model Year Change Summary

For the 2004 model year, the excitement at Acura is centered around the introduction of two all-new sport sedans, the TSX and TL. The 200hp TSX was launched in the spring, along with the mildly revised 2004 RL. The MDX gets a 5hp bump in power and "new styling". 2004 marks the 14th birthday of the NSX in the US market, and it's (finally) getting a standard CD player and keyless entry.

?MDX

The 2004 MDX receives additional horsepower, new styling and added interior features designed to insure its place as the benchmark in its segment. Enhancements to the 2004 MDX include:

Powertrain:

Output increased to 265 horsepower at 5,800 rpm (from 260hp@5,750 rpm)
Torque increased to 253 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm (from 250lb-ft@3,500-5,000 rpm)

Body

Redesigned front fascia
Integrated chin spoiler
Dual exhaust
Satin chrome finish front and rear trim
Redesigned taillights
Rear wing spoiler
New projector-type headlights
Acoustic windshield glass
New colors: Aspen Pearl White, Burnished Bronze Metallic

Chassis

New wheel design (Touring Package)

Interior

Power lumbar suppoort on driver's seat (Touring Package)
Brushed metal-look center stack trim
Enhanced Acura/Bose? Music system (Touring Package)
Leather armrests
Auto-on/off headlights
Ambient foot lights and welcome illumination
Enhanced functionality of second row seat

Safety

Side curtain airbags with roll over sensor
Tire Pressure Monitoring System

?NSX

2003 Model Shown

As an icon in the supercar category, the NSX's unique mid-engine design, aluminum construction and high performance powertrain continue to make it a favorite of discriminating sports car enthusiasts. The NSX adds several new features as standard equipment for 2004 including:

Trunk-mounted 6-Disc CD changer
Keyless entry system
Redesigned shifter knob
Redesigned instrument panel surround

?RL

2004 Acura RL

When it went on sale in March, the 2004 3.5 RL luxury sedan became the first car in its class to feature XM? Satellite Radio as standard equipment. In addition, the RL received numerous interior changes including:

Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
Upgraded Acura/Bose? Music system
Driver's seat power lumbar support
Redesigned center console, instrument panel and steering wheel
Chrome interior accents
Wood-pattern shifter knob

?RSX

In its third year, the RSX sports coupe continues to build a following among youthful performance enthusiasts. It comes in two versions, the 160 horsepower RSX and the 200 horsepower RSX Type-S. Both provide powerful, DOHC engines featuring Acura's innovative i-VTEC technology, sport tuned chassis and suspension systems and a long list of standard features. For 2004, the RSX receives heated sideview mirrors and a new exterior color, with Milano Red replacing Redondo Red Pearl.

?TL

2004 Acura TL

The dramatically redesigned all-new 2004 TL features increased performance, even sportier handling and an assortment of class-leading technology. A new 3.2-liter engine delivers 270 horsepower and 238 lb-ft. of torque while lowering emissions and maintaining impressive fuel economy. The TL is now available with two transmissions, a 5-speed Sequential SportShift? automatic and a new close-ratio 6-speed manual. Inside, an assortment of cutting edge electronics has been added to the TL's already impressive list of standard amenities. These include the first automotive application of DVD Audio 5.1 surround sound, HandsFreeLink? wireless phone capability and XM? Satellite Radio, making the 2004 TL one of the most comprehensively equipped performance luxury sedans available.

2004 TL Highlights:

Powertrain

Engine

Horsepower increased to 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm
Torque increased to 238 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm
Dual-stage intake manifold

Available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission
Limited slip differential (w/6-speed manual transmission)
Drive-by-wire throttle
Maintenance Minder system
ULEV-2 emissions
High flow exhaust system
Cold air intake system

Chassis

4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with multi-link rear
4-channel VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)
4-piston Brembo brakes (w/6-speed manual transmission)
17-inch wheels and tires
Available 17-inch high performance tires (w/6-speed manual transmission)
Refined steering system for enhanced feel and reduced kickback
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Brake Assist system
Available A-spec model with 18" wheels and 235/40ZR 18 Yokohama AVS ES100 tires, upgraded suspension (lowered 1.2"), aero kit, rear spoiler, special steering wheel with distinctive shape and stitching, performance brake pads (for 5AT models), A-spec badging

Interior

Acura HandsFreeLink? wireless phone capability
Acura/ELS? Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS? and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby? Cassette
Optional New Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition? featuring 8-inch Multi-Info display screen
Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Steering-wheel mounted audio, cruise control and voice recognition controls
Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
Enhanced keyless entry system with seven customizable memory functions
10-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support
Power moonroof
Perforated leather seating trim
Additional master light switch on overhead console
Brushed aluminum accent trim

Body/Styling

Dramatic new styling
Wider, more aggressive stance
Acoustic windshield glass
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights. Low and high beams
Enhanced torsional rigidity.

Safety

Front dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags
Driver's and front passenger's side airbag
Passenger's side airbag occupant size and position sensor system
Standard side curtain airbags
Pedestrian Impact Protection

?TSX

2004 Acura TSX

The addition of the TSX makes Acura's 2004 model lineup the strongest ever. Designed to compete head on with world class sports sedans like the Audi A4, Lexus IS300 and BMW 328i, the TSX delivers sports car-like performance coupled with the comprehensive list of standard amenities that performance enthusiasts have come to expect from Acura.

2004 Acura TSX Highlights:

Powertrain

2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC aluminum alloy 4-cylinder engine
200 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm
Drive-by-wire throttle system
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Choice of 6-speed manual transmission with magnesium housing or 5-speed automatic transmission iwth Sequential SportShift?
LEV-2 emissions
110,000-mile tune-up interval

Chassis

4-wheel-independent double-wishbone suspension with multi-link rear
Torque-sensing, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system
17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated all-season performance tires
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Interior/Exterior Features

Perforated leather seating
Power moonroof
Dual-zone automatic climate control system
Heated front seats
8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support
360-watt 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System
Steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches
Tilt and telescopic steering column
Keyless entry system with window controls and panic button
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
Optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition