I arrived here a few hours ago, got our gear set up, and just spent a little bit of time walking around to see what's new and exciting. We happened by the Hyundai display during the press conference for the 2011 Sonata 2.0T and 2011 Sonata Hybrid. These cars sound really promising. The 2.0T develops 274hp, 269lb-ft of torque (from 1800rpm) and achieves 34mpg on the highway through a 6-speed automatic transmission (Hyundai claims it's the lightest and most compact 6AT in the industry). The Hybrid features a 209hp delivered by the "industry's first" full parallel hybrid setup. The battery technology is Lithium Polymer, which Hyundai claims is 20% lighter, 40% more compact, and 10% more efficient than the latest Lithium Ion technology. Fuel economy is listed at 37mpg city, 39mpg highway, and the Sonata Hybrid will be the first hybrid on the road to feature a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai calls it their "no compromises" hybrid.

Over at the Honda display, the Odyssey Concept and CR-Z are the featured displays. Of course the rest of the 2010 lineup is represented as well. Behind the Honda display is Acura's display, which is pretty dark with an all black stage and blacked out columns. On stage are two gray TSX sedans and a cloaked TSX Sport Wagon. The wagon was uncloaked briefly so they could do some final detailing. It's painted a sharp looking blue. The press conference is set to begin at 3:35PM.

Update 9:01PM Apologies I was unable to get the photos uploaded. I had some server security issues that slowed things down immensely and I was trying to best make use of the time that I had while I was in New York. I've already noted this in a comment in the press release, but I wanted to point out again that the TSX Sport Wagon will be joining the lineup at the same time as the TSX receives its MMC, so the newly refined Power Plenum and front fascia treatment will find its way to the sedan as well. As a matter of fact, the refined Power Plenum will be making its way throughout the rest of the lineup. I think the updates are fairly subtle, but overall they are a nice improvement.

Regarding the TSX Sport Wagon, I spent a little time checking out the interior (yet not as much as I would have liked to). The hidden compartments below the cargo floor are a nice touch, but don't get too excited as they're fairly shallow (especially compared to the storage area found under the load floor in the Accord Crosstour. Rear seat accomodations are good for the class, but still maybe a little bit on the cozy side. The one area that felt most cramped for me is the toe space underneath the front seats. I have relatively large feet (11.5-12), but the shoes I wore today are not bulky, and even so I didn't have much room to stuff them under the seat. Headroom for me was adequate, but not by a big margin.

As part of the MMC, the interior has received some worthy upgrades and has an overall richer look and feel. The current TSX interior isn't bad by any stretch, but it seems to be a little austere, especially on the V6 model which tops out in the $38000 neighborhood. The lighting on the floor was pretty poor, but there is a new (undoubtedly faux) wood trim that adorns the shifter console and portions of the door panels. It seemed to be a nice touch that warmed up the interior a little bit. Also, the TSX now has the HDD-based navi system with the much sharper and more vibrant VGA LCD display. Overall, I came away pleased with the TSX Sport Wagon but the dealbreaker for me is the lack of a 6MT. We spoke with John Mendel and a few other Acura folks, and they all said something to the effect of "not now, but we never say never".

I'm currently in flight (using onboard wifi). I will try to get some photos posted at some point tonight. Hopefully we'll get the press conference posted to youtube early in the day tomorrow and the rest of our photos. I also have a brief on-camera interview with John Mendel that we'll be releasing, assuming the footage and audio came out okay.

UPDATE: 9:25PM. Some photos

Last edited by JeffX on March 31, 2010 21:24