Acura RSX Prototype Is A Shut Look At The Sporty Electrical SUV That Will Be Made In Ohio Beginning Subsequent Yr

Honda’s first actual try at an electrical automobile for the U.S. is the Prologuea compact crossover based mostly on Common Motors’ Ultium platform (there’s additionally an Acura model, the ZDX). Regardless of underwhelming specs and sedate styling, the Prologue has been a fairly large hit, particularly because of some killer offers. Nonetheless, because the Prologue is not actually a Honda, it would not actually enchantment to folks in the identical method that the Japanese automakers different fashions do. Fortunately Honda is working by itself made-in-the-U.S. EV platform that ought to supply higher efficiency and effectivity and extra Honda-like driving and styling traits, and the primary mannequin to make use of will probably be the brand new Acura RSX.

Initially previewed by the Efficiency EV idea that debuted at Monterey Automobile Week final 12 months, at this 12 months’s Automobile Week that is presently underway Acura simply revealed the RSX Prototype. In Honda parlance, meaning what you see right here is mainly 98% of what the manufacturing RSX design will appear to be — simply add on actual aspect mirrors, barely tweak the diffuser and entrance bumper, and that is it. In actual fact, judging by the rear three-quarter picture of a camouflaged RSX that Acura launched earlier this 12 months, all the Prototype’s physique panels, lights, window glass and exterior trim items are an identical to the actual factor. I bought to take a look at the RSX Prototype in a studio just a few weeks in the past, and I believe it appears very, superb.

Acura hasn’t given dimensions, but it surely appears to be about the identical size as a CR-V — for reference, the wheels are 21 inches, whereas the manufacturing automobile teaser (beneath) is on 20s. It has a dramatically sloping coupe roofline that works fairly nicely, pretty brief entrance and rear overhangs, a shark-like nostril and a outstanding ducktail spoiler edge. As Honda talked about with its 0 Sequence prototypesthe brand new platform may have a give attention to lightness and thinness, each when it comes to precise mass and visible mass. In contrast to many different present EVs the place you possibly can clearly inform that there is a huge fats battery pack in there, the RSX would not carry a variety of visible mass in its decrease midsection or beneath the sills. It has an athletic stance, properly sculpted rear haunches and subtly widened fender flares.

Acura

Acura heard all of you whining about how you do not like when EVs have faux grilles, so the RSX’s entrance finish would not even try and mimic an inside combustion automobile. The vanguard involves a pointy level just like the prow of a ship, with that form forming the highest fringe of the consumption within the bumper. The separate higher daytime operating lights retain Acura’s “chicane” mild signature, whereas the principle headlights are within the triangular housings beneath that even have purposeful air curtains to chill the entrance brakes. It would not seem to be the boomerang component within the entrance doorways is an precise air vent, however the ones within the rear bumper are additionally purposeful. In any other case, there is not an excessive amount of pointless surfacing or ornamentation right here, which is an effective factor. One new-for-Acura element is on the liftgate, the place Acura is written out in script utilizing a brand new font beneath the NSX-inspired taillight bar. Hopefully the Propulsion Yellow Pearl paint will make it to manufacturing, too.

The RSX Prototype’s home windows are all blacked out, as that is only a rolling mannequin with no inside. We do not actually know what to anticipate from the RSX’s cabin, however hopefully it will introduce a brand new inside design language. Acura does say that the RSX will use the ASIMO OS infotainment system that debuted at CES earlier this 12 months, which can make this the model’s first actual software-defined mannequin. The working system will “present built-in administration of digital management models for automated driving and superior driver help programs, in-vehicle infotainment and different automobile programs,” Acura says, and it will characteristic over-the-air updates.

Acura says the ASIMO OS will study the proprietor’s driving model and preferences for issues like music and local weather management to make the person expertise much more personalised. There will probably be a bunch of various apps and related companies accessible, and at the very least within the 0 Sequence prototypes the system appears a lot nicer and fewer outdated than any software program we have seen from Honda. In contrast to on GM’s Ultium automobiles, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will certainly be supplied, as nicely.

Honda hasn’t given its new platform a reputation but, simply calling it the “international EV platform,” and we do not know any efficiency specs both. However the firm says the RSX will come commonplace with an electrical motor at every axle, Brembo brakes and a “sport-tuned” double wishbone entrance suspension. Its battery pack may have vehicle-to-load capabilities to energy home equipment and act as a backup generator for your home, too. Acura guarantees the RSX will “ship a enjoyable to drive and interesting driving expertise.”

The RSX will probably be produced at Honda’s “EV Hub” in Marysville, Ohio, on the identical manufacturing line because the Acura IntegraHonda Accord, and upcoming Feminine 1. The corporate is investing over $1 billion in making the plant prepared to supply next-gen EVs alongside new hybrids and internal-combustion autos, and it says the RSX will probably be made “utilizing home and globally made components.” Acura says the RSX will go on sale within the second half of 2026, so anticipate the manufacturing automobile to debut just a few months beforehand.

I already know {that a} bunch of you might be gonna be up in arms about the RSX identify being reused on a four-door electrical crossover. However do you actually, really care? And can the typical shopper care? I do not assume so. Acura solely bought round 130,000 of the RSX in its six years on sale within the U.S., solely barely cresting the 30,000-per-year mark as soon as, in 2002. A lot of the RSX that had been bought within the U.S. had been fairly regular ones, too. Certain, it was a great-looking two-door liftback coupe with an accessible guide, but it surely’s nonetheless only a common automobile — in the identical method that the Integra, which the RSX was referred to as in different markets, was usually only a regular automobile regardless of our fondness for the wild Kind R.

It simply would not appear doubtless that somebody will probably be postpone from shopping for the brand new RSX due to its identify, and their recollections of the unique, particularly in the event that they’re somebody seeking to purchase an electrical crossover within the first place. Everybody was so livid in regards to the Ford Mustang Mach-E utilizing the Mustang identify, however precise patrons did not care, and the automobile has been a fairly large success. Acura definitely picked the RSX identify for this new crossover at the very least partially as a result of it would not have to trademark or market one thing completely new, however I do assume it matches this automobile’s mission. It might be a four-door electrical SUV, but it surely’s bought glossy styling and an outwardly sporty intent. Plus, there certainly will probably be a performance-oriented Kind S mannequin.

Daniel Golson / Jalopnik

Daniel Golson / Jalopnik

Daniel Golson / Jalopnik

Daniel Golson / Jalopnik