It has been one 12 months since Acura confirmed off the Efficiency EV Idea at Monterey {Car} Week, and now that automobile is creeping additional in direction of manufacturing. Properly, it is truly extra of a step backwards. The RSX Prototype simply made its debut on the 2025 Monterey {Car} Week, previewing Acura’s next-generation electrical automobile, constructed on an in-house platform. We name this a backwards step as a result of earlier this 12 months, Acura teased what seemed to be a extra production-ready RSX, albeit coated in a blue camouflage wrap.
DrivingOnRoad had an opportunity to preview the RSX Prototype forward of its {Car} Week reveal, and ask Acura the massive query that is been on everybody’s thoughts since this automotive was first introduced: why is it known as an RSX? Followers of the unique RSX keep in mind it as a two-door hatchback coupe, which was bought in different markets because the Honda Integra. Since Acura has already introduced again the Integra nameplate to fill the RSX function, it wanted one other title for its first in-house EV.
“This isn’t a successor to the previous automotive. It isn’t meant to tie into the previous automotive. It is merely a reputation that we had trademarked and had model worth. We had been excited to apply it to a brand new product.”
– Jon Rivers, Acura senior product planner
Troublesome To Please The Web
Acura has realized the exhausting means that it is unimaginable to please the web, and automotive fanatics will virtually at all times criticize you for doing something apart from the identical factor from 20 years in the past. The Integra obtained destructive feedback from on-line critics who claimed they wished a two-door, and that Acura had tarnished the nameplate by promoting it as a four-door sedan. We right here at DrivingOnRoad pushed again on the pushback, reminding commenters that the unique Integra was bought as a coupe, sedan, and five-door hatchback.
Acura is aware of there shall be individuals who will make the identical feedback in regards to the RSX, however Rivers has a response on the prepared.
“A lot in the identical means as when the final RSX launched, there was a ton of uproar as a result of it ought to have been an Integra,” Rivers defined, referencing the RSX’s title in different markets. “We incessantly go down that path the place you may’t appease sure markets and prospects. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless a reputation recognizable with the model.”
Subsequent 12 months, in 2026, will probably be the fortieth anniversary of the Acura model, which is why the RSX’s arrival is sensible to usher in a brand new electrified chapter. “It looks like we simply celebrated the thirtieth anniversary not too way back, however there was a decade between that. The model drastically modified and went again to its efficiency roots. Now, we’re persevering with that evolution into a brand new period,” he added.
Are EVs Acura’s Solely Focus?
The RSX Prototype is just an idea automotive, so Acura didn’t share many particulars in regards to the specs. We had been instructed it could include a dual-motor setup, double-wishbone entrance suspension, Brembo brakes, and a cost door that hides an NACS port for native Tesla supercharging. The RSX may even be constructed at Honda’s EV Hub in Ohio on the identical manufacturing line because the Integra and the upcoming 0 Sequence EV, and it’ll function a brand-new infotainment system known as Asimo OS. However because the Honda model continues to see short-term success with its stellar hybrid lineup, we surprise if Acura additionally plans to promote them alongside its EV and ICE fashions.
“Honda is dedicated to a carbon-neutral future. On the best way there, it should be a winding street with totally different powertrains: ICE, hybrid, and EV. We will not speculate on precisely what may be coming, however there shall be a range,” an Acura spokesperson instructed DrivingOnRoad.
“We constructed within the functionality; one manufacturing facility can do a number of powertrains, which might serve each manufacturers,” Rivers added.
Will Acura observe its mainstream counterpart with extra hybrid fashions? Solely time will inform.