Originally posted by kazi
Yeah...that's the problem of the perception. People don't say the A4 is a upsize Passat, but a Passat is a downsized A4. People will say the TSX is an upscaled Accord, no doubt about that. But I think the difference is before 1998, Passat really didn't have an established name and VW brand was going to a bad tormoil, so using the upscale Audi name to connect to VW was a great plan to help the brand back on its feet.
Using this same concept, Honda might be using the Accord, a name with already good reputation, for its springboard for the TSX, a brand new name in Acura's line. The TSX might cover where the Accord leaves off, that is, a sportier exterior and more fun driving experience. Just my speculations. 
Kazi I agree... but even with the strategy of Honda going upscale with their interiors and Acura sortof in limbo...meaning differentiation between it's parent company and it's luxary branch. Acura has shown us it has power with it's type S series, Acura has shown us reliability, Acura has not shown us interiors that cry luxary(perhaps maybe the RL) and Acura has not shown us RWD or AWD cars yet.
I think the next big step for Acura will be to add new drivetrains to their cars. AWD will haveto be integrated in the future... perhaps with the TL/CL redesign and RL.
And going with the VW/Audi theme may not be a good idea. VW shared the ideas and thoughts of it's upscale Audi line to revamp it's cars, makes sense. But Honda/Acura is doing the reverse... they have not taken any ideas from Acura because they dont need to. Honda cars always sold #2 or #1 for the last couple of years. Acuras and Hondas are similar enough that mentioning Acura and Luxury in the same sentence doesnt give it justice. What has happened is Acura is taking cues from it's Parent company.
I guess that's what happens when they ship over Euro-hondas and rebadge them as Acura's.
Just a few thoughts.
