Acura RSX Reimagined: From Sports Coupe to Electric Crossover
Acura is bringing back the RSX nameplate, but not in the form automotive enthusiasts might remember. The new RSX is poised to emerge as an all-electric crossover, a significant evolution from its legacy as a compact sports coupe. This bold reintroduction signifies Acura's accelerating shift toward an electrified future, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability within its vehicle lineup.
The RSX Prototype, recently unveiled during Monterey Car Week, offers a compelling preview of this forthcoming electric model. Notably, this vehicle is not merely another electric variant but represents a pivotal moment for Honda's electric vehicle development. Unlike Acura's ZDX, which utilizes General Motors' Ultium electric vehicle architecture, the RSX Prototype is the inaugural production vehicle to feature Honda's entirely new, proprietary EV platform. This platform initially debuted with the Honda 0 Series concept vehicles, underscoring its significance for both Honda and Acura brands.
While Acura refers to this model as a "prototype," it is widely understood that Honda's concept vehicles typically bear a strong resemblance to their eventual production counterparts. Therefore, the RSX Prototype likely provides a near-accurate depiction of the production model's exterior styling and overall design, though specific details like the vibrant yellow paint scheme's availability remain to be confirmed for mass production.
From a mechanical perspective, the RSX is engineered for robust performance and advanced capability. It will feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, ensuring optimal traction and dynamic handling. The inclusion of a double wishbone front suspension system further enhances ride quality and steering precision. Additionally, high-performance Brembo-branded brakes will provide superior stopping power. The prototype rides on substantial 21-inch wheels, contributing to its commanding presence, while its broad rear design draws stylistic inspiration from the second-generation Acura NSX, blending performance aesthetics with its new crossover identity.
Beyond its mechanical underpinnings, the RSX is set to debut Honda's cutting-edge infotainment system, named ASIMO OS, a tribute to the company's renowned humanoid robot. Acura highlights this vehicle as a "software-defined" machine, emphasizing its intelligent operating system capable of learning user preferences and supporting seamless over-the-air software updates. This technological integration positions the RSX as a smart and adaptable vehicle, continuously evolving with software enhancements. Furthermore, the RSX will incorporate a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, ensuring broad compatibility with charging infrastructure, and will offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, allowing it to function as a mobile power source, adding practical utility for various applications.
Despite the excitement surrounding its debut, Acura has kept many key specifications under wraps, including detailed performance metrics, battery capacity, estimated driving range, and projected pricing. However, given its positioning as a potentially smaller model than the ZDX, it is anticipated that the new RSX will be offered at a more accessible price point. As is often the case with Honda's concept-to-production pipeline, a relatively short waiting period is expected before more comprehensive details and the official launch date are announced.