Report: 2011 Acura TSX first in line to get hybrid powertrain

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Closely following Honda CEO Takanobu Ito's admission at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month that the Acura brand would soon jump head-first into the deep end of the hybrid waters comes a report from Automotive News suggesting that the entry-level TSX sedan would be the first such model from Honda's luxury brand so equipped.

AN's source is an unnamed Acura dealer who says the hybrid technology will grace the TSX's engine bay starting in 2011. TSX not your cup of tea? Fret not. John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. executive vice president for auto sales, says that there will be more Acura hybrid models to follow – though, for what it's worth, there won't be any V8 engines any time soon.

Ironically in light of Acura's recent addition of giant metal beaks, company spokesman Gary Robinson adds, "The idea of the big, bad luxury sedan with the shiniest grille has become a little uncouth." Robinson adds that Acura isn't in the business of "making compromises," insinuating that future cars from the automaker will combine fuel efficiency with appropriate performance and luxury.

- Report: 2011 Acura TSX first in line to get hybrid powertrain — Autoblog