Engineering and Design
When designing the RSX, Honda chose to base it on an entirely new platform, rather than incrementally re-engineering the previous Integra/Civic platform. This new chassis would also be shared with the 2001 Civic. This was a significant change from the previous 1998 revision of the Integra, which had only been a minor refresh. In addition, this platform was the first entirely new entry-level chassis Honda had debuted since 1994. Owing to its more capable and luxurious nature, the Acura division chose to market the vehicle as the Integra's replacement, and badged it as the RSX. Touting the vehicle's more upscale feature-set and more luxurious amenities, Acura hoped to use the RSX to help garner more brand recognition and respect from older, wealthier buyers who tended to see the company's offerings, especially the Integra, as sporty and reliable, but not as mature or luxurious. Outside of North America, where the Acura division did not exist at the time, Honda chose to continue selling the model as the Integra, and continued to aim the car at younger men who wanted something nicer than a Civic Si without having to spend considerably more money.
The RSX suspension employs MacPherson struts in the front and double-wishbone suspension in the rear. This engineering decision disappointed some Honda enthusiast who had come to appreciate Honda's philosophy of employing double-wishbones for both front and rear suspensions. However, the K-series engine proved to have significant potential for tuning, a trait shared with the B-series engines previously employed in Integra and certain performance-oriented Civic models. The K-series engine features intelligent VTEC or (i-VTEC), which electronically adjusts valve lift, valve duration and valve timing, giving the 2.0 L engine a flatter torque curve and smooth power transition relative to previous VTEC implementations which only adjusted valve lift and valve duration.
The base RSX has the K20A3 motor with a specific output of 160 hp (119 kW) and is offered with either an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission; and the Type-S has a 200 hp (2002-2004) K20A2 or 210 hp (157 kW) in 2005 K20Z1 motor and a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. For 2006 model year vehicles Honda has switched to the Rev 8/04 SAE standards for measuring hp. The base RSX for 2006 is rated at 155 hp (116 kW) and the Type-S is rated at 201 hp (150 kW). In 2005 the RSX Type-S received camshafts, b-pipe and muffler from the exhaust, 4.77 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese model Honda Integra Type-R. Rev-limit was also increased from 8100 rpms to 8300 rpms.
The Honda Integra Type R, sold in Japan, Australia, and some other markets, has reduced weight, a 220 PS / 164 kW / 217 hp (162 kW) K20A engine (Japan-only; Oceania models have an engine similar to the Acura RSX-S), as well as a limited slip differential (LSD) and stiffer springs and shocks, Brembo brakes, 17" wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro suede seats, body trim, and more. The IIHS did not rate the RSX.
Replacement
Although it has been a strong seller for Honda, the RSX does not fit within the confines of Acura's re-structured market strategy, formulated after the decision to take the Acura brand worldwide (previously, the Acura nameplate has appeared only in North America, elsewhere in the world the same models are sold as Hondas). With the introduction of the similarly powerful and less expensive 2006 model-year Honda Civic Si to the marketplace, the decision has been made to discontinue production of the RSX, with the final units slated to be built in summer 2006. Because of its lower pricing and longer list of available options, Honda considers the new Si to be a more viable choice for performance minded young men, who are the most common buyers of RSXs. Speculatory articles seem to indicate that a 2-door variant of the new TSX will replace the RSX as Acura's entry-level sports coupe, although it will be more luxurious, more expensive and more powerful than the RSX and will thus likely appeal to a different market segment.
Changes from 2004 to 2005
* Revised suspension tuning for increased handling precision and a smoother ride
* Ride height reduced by 7 mm
* Optimized damper and spring settings
* Firmer stabilizer bars (front and rear for Type-S, front for RSX)
* Bushings at suspension installation points were optimized
* Inversely wound front coil springs
* Refined steering system for enhanced feel and quicker response
* Quicker steering ratio
* Stiffer steering column
* Pump flow increased by seven percent
* Kickback reduction valve
* Optimized braking system for enhanced stopping power and feel
* Pedal stroke decreased
* Master cylinder diameter increased
* Brake pedal to rigidity increased
* Larger diameter 17-inch sport design alloy wheels and 215/45R17 all-season high-performance tires
* Body rigidity increased 15 percent in front and 21 percent in the rear through the application of reinforcements at key areas
* Vehicle noise and vibrations reduced
* Engine damper added to front subframe to reduce engine rocking and vibration transmitted from the engine to the cabin
* Insulation material added at key points on doors and roof to reduce road noise
* Side-mirror gaps sealed and weather strip added
* Heated side-mirrors
* More generic exterior styling
* New front and rear bumper designs
* Redesigned headlight and taillight assemblies
* Restyled signature 5-sided Acura grille
* Redesigned side sill garnish
* Four new exterior colors: Magnesium Metallic, Vivid Blue Pearl, Jade Green Metallic, Blaze Orange Metallic
* Freshened interior design
* Deeply bolstered front seats with thicker cushions
* New chrome and titanium-look accents
* Meter faces changed from metallic to white
RSX Type-S Additional Enhancements:
* The engine intake and exhaust modifications that boost the power of the 2005 Type-S model to 210 hp (157 kW) at 7800 rpm (revised to 201 hp (150 kW) in 2006), compared to 200 hp (150 kW) at 7400 rpm on the previous model.
* High performance camshafts to improve engine breathing
* Air intake duct enlarged for increased air flow
* Larger diameter exhaust pipes to increase exhaust flow
* Catalytic converter optimized to reduce exhaust backpressure
* 6-speed transmission optimized with a lower final gear ratio for quicker acceleration and carbon synchronizers replacing brass on 5th and 6th gears for a smoother shift feel
* Larger diameter front strut tower bar gas
* Bushings replaced by bearings on strut mount
* Deck lid spoiler
Awards
* The RSX was listed among Car and Driver magazine's 10 Best list for 2002 and 2003.
* John Lingenfelter Memorial Trophy
* Won the September 2005 "Cheap Speed" comparison in Car & Driver in which it was pitted against the Dodge SRT-4 ACR, Subaru Impreza WRX, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, and the Saturn ION Redline.
* Won the May 2002 "Four Wedges & a Bubble" comparison in Car & Driver in which it was pitted against the Celica GT-S, Eclipse GTS, Hyundai Tiburon GT V6, and the VW New Beetle Turbo S.
* Won the "2001-2002 Sports Coupe" comparison from Edmunds.com in which it was pitted against the Celica GT-S, VW GTi, Prelude Type SH, Eclipse GT, and the Mercury Cougar V6.
* Won Spike TV's "Autorox" car awards show for tastiest tuner.
* Listed as one of Spike TV's top 52 cars of all time.
* Won top ten car in SCC in 2004
Racing
Acura won the Manufacturers' Championship of the Speed World Challenge Touring Car class in 2006, running both RSXs and TSXs. RSX drivers finished in 5th and 9th in the Drivers' Championship. Kensai Racing is using RSXs and TSXs in the KONI Challenge Series.