Report: Acura TSX Will be First Hybrid Model from Honda’s Luxury Division

The entry-level TSX model will be the first Acura offered with a hybrid powertrain. According to one dealer sourced by Automotive News, the TSX hybrid will be offered starting in 2011.

This news comes as somewhat of a surprise as previous rumors had suggested the next RL model would be Acura’s first hybrid, combining a gasoline V6 engine and hybrid technology to deliver V8-like power – a convenient way for Acura to get around its policy to not offer a V8.

Hybrid versions of other Acuras are also expected to follow soon after with John Mendel, head of sales for American Honda Motor Co., confirming that fact.

Presumably the Acura TSX Hybrid will be the first full hybrid offered from Honda, as all previous hybrid models (including the just-announced CR-Z) use Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) mild hybrid setup. The IMA technology, while cheaper, is significantly less advanced and doesn’t deliver the same level of fuel economy.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]