Acura may be having troubling with the design of its NSX flagship but the launch of its next-generation TSX (Accord Euro) is still on track for a mid-2009 introduction. The model will adopt styling similar to that previewed by the Honda Tourer concept unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and it will also be Acura’s first diesel model. The new 2.2L four-cylinder i-DETC clean diesel expected to power the new TSX is already sold in the European version of the current model.

Speaking with Automotive News at the recent Detroit Auto Show, Honda boss Takeo Fukui confirmed the introduction of a diesel powered Acura and said other models in Honda/Acura’s U.S. lineup would get diesel power as well. Other engines expected to feature in the TSX lineup include two petrol engines of 2.0L and 2.4L capacities, and possibly a turbocharged version.

"All along, we've said there would be a diesel in Acura," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. "The whole direction is to separate Acura and Honda more. In five to six years, Acura will be a tier 1 luxury brand. The face of Acura will be totally different," he boasted.

Next year will also see the launch of a brand new TL sedan, Colliver revealed, and this could be followed in 2010 by a new V6 diesel.