Acura RSX prototype is a good look at the sporty electric SUV that will be made in Ohio from next year – Jalopnik

Honda’s first real attempt at an electric vehicle for the US is the prologue, a compact crossover based on the Ultium platform of General Motors (there is also an Acura version, the ZDX). Despite underwhelming -specifications and Sedate Styling, the prologue has been a pretty big hit, especially thanks to some murderous deals. Still, because the prologue is not really a Honda, it doesn’t really appeal to people in the same way as the Japanese car manufacturers other models. Fortunately, Honda is working on his own Made-in-the-us EV platform that should offer better performance and efficiency and more Honda-like driving and styling properties, and the first model it uses will be the new Acura RSX.

Initially an example of the Performance EV concept that debuted last year on Monterey Car Week, during the Car Week of this year that is currently underway, Acura has just unveiled the RSX prototype. In Honda -language use means what you see here, in principle 98% of what the production -rsx design will look like -just add real side mirrors, tweak the diffuser and the front of the front somewhat, and this is it. Based on the rear three -quarters of a camouflaged RSX that Acura released earlier this year, all body panels of the prototype, lights, window glass and equipment from the outside are identical to the real work. I have to look at the RSX prototype a few weeks ago in a studio, and I think it looks very, very good.

Acura has not given any dimensions, but it seems to be about the same length as a CR-V-ter reference, the wheels are 21 inches, while the production car-teaser (below) is 20s. It has a dramatic sloping coupé roof line that works fairly well, relatively short over andes, a shark-like nose and a prominent Ducktail spoiler edge. As Honda left with his 0 series prototypes, the new platform will be a focus on lightness and thinness, both in terms of actual mass and visual mass. Unlike many other current EVs where you can clearly see that there is a thick battery in the battery, the RSX does not have much visual mass in the lower mid -section or under the sills. It has an athletic position, beautifully sculpted back hardening and subtly broadened mudguard flares.

Acura

Acura heard all of you whining about how you don’t like if EV’s have fake grilles, so the front of the RSX does not even try to mimic an internal combustion car. The front edge comes to a sharp point like the bow of a boat, with that shape that forms the upper edge of the inlet in the bumper. The individual running lights of the top day retain acuras “chicane” light signature, while the main headlights in the triangular housings under those also have functional air curtains to cool the fronts. It does not seem that the Boomerang element in the front doors is a real air opening, but those in the rear bumper are also functional. Otherwise there is not too many unnecessary surfaces or decorations here, which is a good thing. One new-for-acura detail is on the tailgate, where Acura is written in the script using a new font under the NSX-inspired rear light bar. Hopefully the propulsion achieves yellow pearl paint.

The windows of the RSX prototype are all black, because this is only a rolling model without an interior. We don’t really know what we can expect from the Hut of the RSX, but hopefully it will introduce a new interior design language. Acura says that the RSX will use the ASIMO OS infotainment system that debuted at CES earlier this year, making it the first real software-defined model of this brand. The operating system will “offer that integrated management of electronic control units for automated driving and advanced driver assistance systems, infotainment in the vehicle and other vehicle systems,” says Acura, and it will have over-the-air updates.

Acura says that the ASIMO OS will learn the owner’s driving style and preferences for things such as music and climate control to make the user experience even more personalized. A lot of different apps and connected services will be available, and in the prototypes of the 0 series the system looks like a lot of nicer and less outdated than all the software we have seen from Honda. Unlike GM’s Ultium Cars, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will certainly be offered.

Honda has not yet given his new platform a name and simply calls it the “Global EV platform”, and we also know no performance specifications. But the company says that the RSX will be supplied as standard with an electric motor with each axis, brembo brakes and a “sport-matched” double wishbone front suspension. The battery has vehicle-to-load options for power equipment and also to function as a backup generator for your house. Acura promises that the RSX “will deliver a pleasure to drive and take the driving experience.”

The RSX will be produced in Honda’s “EV HUB” in Marysville, Ohio, on the same production line as the Acura Integra, Honda Accord, and upcoming Afeela 1. The company is investing more than $ 1 billion in making the factory ready to produce the factory and it will be made with new hybrids and will be made with new combids and will be made with new combids. Domestic and globally made parts. ” Acura says that the RSX will be for sale in the second half of 2026, so expect the production car to debut a few months in advance.

I already know that a couple of you will be in your arms that the RSX name will be reused on a four-door electric crossover. But can you really care? And will the average consumer care? I don’t think so. Acura sold only about 130,000 of the RSX for sale in the US in his six years, where he barely had the 30,000 a year a year in 2002, in 2002. Most RSX sold in the US were also quite normal. Of course, it was a great looking two-door liftback coupé with an available manual, but it is still just a normal car-on the same way as the Integra, which the RSX was called in other markets, was usually just a normal car, despite our preference for the wild type R.

It just seems likely that someone will be put off by buying the new RSX because of the name, and their memories of the original, especially if they first want to buy an electric crossover. Everyone was so furious about the Ford Mustang Mach-e with the help of the Mustang name, but real buyers don’t care and the car has been a pretty big success. Acura has certainly chosen the RSX name for this new crossover, at least partly because it would not have to be to act or bring something totally new, but I think it fits in with the mission of this car. It may be a four -door electric SUV, but it has a sleek styling and an appearance of sporting intention. Moreover, there will certainly be a performance-oriented type S model.

Daniel Golson / Jalopnik

Daniel Golson / Jalopnik

Daniel Golson / Jalopnik

Daniel Golson / Jalopnik