The Acura RSX has made its return debut and what was once a sporty, gas-powered coupe has morphed into an all-electric SUV. Officially, the new model is a “prototype.” But, based on what we’ve seen before, the production Acura RSX will stray only slightly from what’s on display as part of Monterey Car Week. Headlight.News has more.
Expect a production version of the Acura RSX Prototype to debut later this year.
After a long wait Acura rolled its first long-range battery-electric vehicle, the ZDX, into U.S. showrooms last year. Now, it’s getting ready to introduce a second EV and those attending Monterey Car Week will get a good look at the new Acura RSX.
More precisely, the Honda luxury brand is referring to it as the RSX Prototype, but that’s an approach we’ve seen Acura repeat time and again over the years. Expect the production EV to stray only slightly for what the automaker will be showing off during a series of event this weekend on California’s Monterey Peninsula.
Significantly, where ZDX was developed as part of a partnership with General Motors, the upcoming Acura RSX has been completely engineered in-house. And it will be the first model produced at the new EV Hub operated by its parent Honda in mid-Ohio.
What’s new
The Acura RSX Prototype ushers in a new design language for the brand.
Acura’s first EV was part of a joint venture with GM that saw an assortment of new models come to market sharing most of their underpinnings – including not just ZDX and the Honda Prologue but the Chevrolet Blazer EV. With RSX – and the Honda 0-Series EV to follow – the project has been brought completely in-house and relies on a unique Honda platform.
Those who remember the RSX name will recall it was originally used on a sporty coupe that replaced Acura’s original Integra line. Not to confuse matters but the RSX will be built at Honda’s Ohio EV hub and roll down the same line as the now-revived Integra.
We’ll have to wait for powertrain details closer to the launch of the production RS but can expect RSX to deliver sporty performance and range widely expected to come in close to, or perhaps over, 300 miles per charge. Meanwhile, RSX will offer bidirectional charging capabilities which will enable an owner to draw from the battery pack to provide remote power at a camp or worksite, for one thing, or to hook up to one’s home to keep things running in the event of a blackout.
How many variants will be offered is uncertain but the a twin-motor all-wheel-drive layout and niceties such as blended Brembo brakes will be standard. A double-wishbone suspension should also enhance the CUV’s handling.
From coupe to crossover
Acura worked to retain a high level of sportiness with the RSX Prototype, even after adopting a CUV body style.
“The dramatic styling of our Acura RSX Prototype demonstrates that it’s not just a new EV, but a compelling all-new Acura model,” said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. “RSX will deliver on nearly four decades of Acura Precision Crafted Performance brand DNA with appealing design and cutting-edge technology.”
The Acura RSX Prototype features a tapering nose with a sealed grille and two-tone lower fascia giving the concept model a menacing appearance. The roof line offers a nod to the original RSX with its coupe-like curve, while broad shoulders accent what is likely to be serious performance from the production EV.
The design language of the new EV isn’t a one-off, said Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura Creative Director and vice president of American Honda R&D. “Starting from this all-new RSX we will redefine the Acura brand around timeless beauty and a high-tech feel that is essential for a performance and unique brand.”
More Acura News
- Here’s More on the Acura RSX
- 2026 Acura Integra Gets New Tech, Updated Design
- First Drive: Acura ZDX Type-S
ASIMO OS
Honda previewed the ASIMO OS in a prototype version of its own 0-Series EV.
While Acura hasn’t yet offered a look at the RSX interior, it did indicate both concept and production EVs will be heavily loaded with the latest safety and infotainment technologies.
You may recall the name ASIMO which, for years, Honda used for the charming little robot it liked to bring out on stage during media events. These days, the robot is gone but ASIMO is now the name for the electronic operating system that will soon begin rolling out across the Honda and Acura product lines. It will offer the sort of virtual personal assistant capabilities we’ve seen competitors like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Toyota/Lexus introduce over the last several years.
Capable of taking smartphone-style over-the-air updates, Acura said that, “Through machine learning, ASIMO OS will understand Acura RSX owner preferences such as music choices and driver behavior to offer a personalized and enhanced driver experience. Connected services will enhance UX and UI, delivering a stress-free and seamless ownership experience.”
If past product rollouts are any indication, look for Acura to reveal the production version of the new RSX before the end of the year, with a high likelihood of it appearing, we’ve been told, at the upcoming Los Angeles International Auto Show.
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