I Think These 3 Predictions About The Revived Acura RSX Are Very Plausible. Find Out Why

Acura RSX was the successor to the Acura Integra from the early to mid-2000s. In most markets, the RSX was known as the fourth-generation Honda Integra (DC5). Similar to what Toyota has been doing with its old nameplates, Honda also started reviving some of its iconic models from the last.

The Honda Prelude Concept previewed a sporty coupe with a hybrid powertrain, which immediately begged the question: will there be a high-performance Prelude Type-S? I have reason to believe there will be, but that's not all.  

Honda recently filed a patent in Japan, trademarking the RSX name. The Acura Integra already made a comeback as a hatchback, sharing bones with the Civic, and now, it seems the RSX will be making a comeback too. Given what Honda has done so far, here are a few things, I think, we should expect from a new RSX. 

The new Acura RSX will be a US-only model 

It is quite simple. Anything with an Acura badge is, typically, aimed at the North American market, and it will be the same deal with the RSX. The Acura Integra is not offered anywhere else other than the North American market, where it is sold alongside its technological twin, the Honda Civic. Europe and the rest of the world only get the Civic.  

All that is purely speculation at this point, but given what the Japanese brand is doing so far, it will likely be the case. Moreover, the Honda Prelude was confirmed for the European and Japanese markets, but never officially confirmed for the US market, which is all the more reason to believe the RSX will be tailored to North American buyers. 

It will be a more luxurious Prelude 

Here's where it gets a bit tricky. RSX was the alter ego of the Honda Integra, sold on the US market. That said, the Integra has already made a comeback as a re-bodied Civic, which leaves only one other option for the RSX. It will be a luxury coupe, based on the new Honda Prelude.  

Acura is, likely, attempting to make up for a missed opportunity. Many enthusiasts were displeased when the Integra was brought back as a five-door hatchback instead of a sporty coupe. While the Integra Type-S put many concerns to rest, the RSX will likely fulfill the wishes of purists, for a Japanese coupe with the Acura badge. 

The powertrain options could be a mix of familiar and new powertrains 

Carmakers rarely talk in detail about future models, which is why everything I say here is speculative (but plausible). I expect the base powertrain of the RSX to be shared with the one we see on the Prelude Concept. That one features a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter engine and two electric motors, sending power to the front axle.  

I expect the future Acura RSX will compete with the upcoming Toyota Celica GR Sport, which is why a Type S model is, pretty much, guaranteed. Why offer a sporty coupe if you aren't going to make it competitive with its peers?

The only powertrain that has what it takes to propel the RSX Type-S to Celica GR Sport performance levels, is the Integra Type-S K20 engine. But that's not enough. I suspect Honda is working on a hybrid powertrain that would bump power closer to 400. 

Another valid route would be to utilize the K20 engine in its current form, without hybrid assist. This would keep the price down compared to the Celica GR Sport, which is said to be a more luxurious offering when it arrives. Nothing is said about the 1.5-liter turbo-four engine.

Honda isn't planning to axe the small turbocharged engine just yet, but given the Prelude Concept's powertrain, we can expect the base RSX to be hybrid-only. What are your thoughts on the revival of the Acura RSX? Should Acura use the familiar K20 engine without electrification? 

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Honda Preluce Concept