The Acura RSX, a beloved name from the past, is making a comeback as Honda reimagines it for the electric vehicle era. The new RSX, set to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this weekend, is a high-riding five-door SUV featuring an “expressive coupe-like silhouette.” This marks a significant shift from its original incarnation as a sporty three-door coupe.
The announcement comes as Honda prepares to launch the RSX as the first model on its new in-house electric vehicle platform. Production will take place at Honda’s Ohio factory, with sales expected to begin in the second half of 2026. The RSX Prototype, which will be showcased at Pebble Beach, is reportedly a near-final version of the production model, with only minor changes anticipated, such as the wing mirror design.
Technical Specifications and Innovations
According to Acura, the production RSX will boast a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, a double wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes as standard equipment. While specific performance figures, battery capacities, and range details remain under wraps, the vehicle is expected to deliver robust performance befitting its sporty heritage.
The RSX will also introduce Honda’s new Asimo OS, a cutting-edge operating system that manages the vehicle’s infotainment, driver assistance, autonomous driving, and basic hardware functions. Drawing parallels to systems used by Tesla and Rivian, the Asimo OS supports over-the-air updates and offers extensive driver customization, connected services, and machine learning capabilities to adapt to individual driving and entertainment preferences.
Historical Context and Model Revival
The RSX is the second nameplate Acura has resurrected for an electric SUV, following the ZDX. While the ZDX maintained the coupe SUV silhouette of its predecessor, it and the Honda Prologue are based on GM’s BEV3 platform, utilizing GM’s EV technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Acura first began exploring its historical model names in 2022 with the release of the Integra liftback, a vehicle that closely resembled a restyled Honda Civic with powerful engine options. The original RSX, sold from 2002 to 2006, was a rebranded version of the fourth-generation Integra, available only as a three-door coupe. Its departure marked the end of Acura’s era of courting young enthusiasts with sporty coupes.
The shift from the Integra to RSX came as part of Acura’s strategy to focus consumer attention on the brand rather than individual models, transitioning from names like Legend and Vigor to alphanumeric designations like RL and TL.
Market Implications and Future Prospects
The revival of the RSX nameplate is a strategic move by Honda to leverage nostalgia while embracing the future of automotive technology. As the market for electric vehicles continues to grow, the RSX’s blend of sporty design and advanced technology positions it as a strong contender in the competitive EV landscape.
Industry experts suggest that the RSX could attract both former fans of the original model and new customers interested in cutting-edge electric vehicles. The integration of the Asimo OS and the vehicle’s expected performance capabilities are likely to appeal to tech-savvy drivers and enthusiasts alike.
As Honda prepares for the RSX’s official launch, the automotive world will be watching closely to see how this blend of past and future resonates with consumers. The success of the RSX could influence future model revivals and the direction of Honda’s electric vehicle strategy.
Meanwhile, the industry anticipates further announcements from Honda regarding additional models on its new EV platform, as the company continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup to meet growing demand and regulatory requirements.
