Acura is set to breathe new life into the RSX nameplate, transforming it from its origins as a sporty coupe to an all-electric SUV. This move follows a trend seen with other iconic nameplates like the Ford Puma, Capri, and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which have been repurposed for the SUV market.
- The original RSX was known as the fourth-generation Honda Integra in markets outside North America
- New RSX will be an electric SUV based on the Acura Performance EV Concept
- Production to begin in 2025 at the new Honda EV Hub in the US
- Will debut Honda's new EV platform and ASIMO OS operating system
Design and Features
While Acura hasn't released full specifications, the new RSX is described as having:
- A sloping, coupe-like roofline
- Sharp creases on the doors
- A dramatically rising belt line at the rear doors
- A full-width light bar
- Dramatic rear-end treatment with distinctive cutouts
The overall silhouette is said to be less dramatic than the concept, which had more of a coupe-on-stilts appearance.
Acura's Market Position
- Acura is Honda's premium division in the US, competing with Lexus and Infiniti
- Positions itself as a 'premium performance brand'
- Currently expanding its lineup of high-performance Type S models
- Sells vehicles in North America, Panama, and Kuwait
- Withdrew from the Chinese market in 2022
The transformation of the Acura RSX from a sporty coupe to an electric SUV represents a significant shift in both Acura's lineup and the broader automotive landscape. As automakers continue to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the push towards electrification, the revival of beloved nameplates in new forms has become increasingly common.
The success of the RSX as an electric SUV could set the tone for Acura's future in the premium EV market, potentially opening doors for the brand in new territories where it has previously been absent.
