Hefty Acura: 2009 Acura TSX V6 @ 2009 CAS

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That's how the Acura midsize sedan lineup has shaken out since Honda's luxury division invented the TSX back in 2004. Made perfect sense to us and the rest of civilized society, and the TSX has grown in popularity with its recent redesign and the world's newfound focus on fuel mileage and smaller engines.

Acura, however, thought something was missing from the mix: a V6-powered TSX. And here it is: the 2010 Acura TSX V6. Acura says it fills a niche between the four-cylinder TSX and the larger, recently redesigned TL.

OK, we'll buy that. But the two front-wheel-drive sedans now share the same 3.5-liter V6 with VTEC and a dual-stage induction system. In both cars the engine makes 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. That's enough to get a TL to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds, and the smaller and lighter TSX V6 should be even quicker.

And more fuel-efficient. A four-cylinder TSX is rated at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. A TL is rated at 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The V6 TSX should split the difference; MPG estimates are 19 city/28 highway.

The only transmission is Acura's Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic, which is also used in the TL. Shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel are standard. That's right: no third pedal with the V6, just the four-banger.

The V6 model does get its own suspension tuning, and it features larger five-spoke cast-aluminum 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The exterior of the car is set apart by a slightly revised front bumper and a V6 badge on its derriere. Inside the car, you'll find leather upholstery, a sunroof, automatic climate control, CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a USB port and aux-jack music interface as standard equipment, and all the usual Acura tech goodies will be available in the optional Technology package that includes a navigation system with rearview camera.

Sales start this summer, with pricing north of the four-cylinder TSX's base price of $28,960 and south of the TL's base price of $34,995.