Production and Platform Shift
Acura has revealed the RSX Prototype at Monterey Car Week, previewing its first all-electric SUV due in the second half of 2026. This debut represents a strategic pivot for the brand.
The RSX will be the first Acura engineered entirely on Honda’s global EV platform. It will also be the first EV built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio, sharing the Marysville Auto Plant line with the Acura Integra.
This flexible production approach allows Acura to build internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles in the same facility. That reduces downtime, limits capital expense, and enables production to follow market demand without costly retooling.
Exterior and Aerodynamic Engineering
The Acura RSX Prototype borrows from the Acura Performance EV Concept shown in 2024. Its fastback roofline and coupe-inspired proportions are not purely aesthetic—they reduce aerodynamic drag and improve highway efficiency.
Key design elements include:
- 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with exposed Brembo brakes.
- Flush door handles for cleaner airflow.
- Integrated ducktail rear spoiler to reduce lift at speed.
- Updated Diamond Pentagon grille with split headlight design.
- Full-width LED taillight inspired by the second-generation NSX.
Short overhangs and a long wheelbase improve weight distribution and cabin space. Wide track dimensions aid cornering stability, important for a performance-branded EV.
Performance and Mechanical Setup
Acura has outlined the RSX’s core hardware:
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive for instant torque delivery.
- Sport-tuned double wishbone front suspension for precise steering feedback.
- Brembo braking system with ventilated rotors standard.
- Low-mounted battery pack lowering the center of gravity.
While Acura has not confirmed horsepower or battery capacity, industry positioning suggests output in the 350–450 horsepower range, with an EPA-estimated range target near 300 miles. Charging will likely support DC fast charging above 200 kW, keeping it competitive with rivals.
ASIMO OS: Acura’s Software-Defined Future
The Acura RSX will debut ASIMO OS, Honda’s first proprietary vehicle operating system.
It will integrate:
- Automated driving and driver assistance systems.
- Infotainment and voice-controlled settings.
- Continuous over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Machine learning will allow ASIMO OS to adapt to driver habits, from preferred cabin temperatures to navigation routing patterns. The system’s architecture will support app-based add-ons, extending vehicle capability without a hardware upgrade.
This software-centric strategy mirrors moves by Tesla and Mercedes-Benz, shifting part of the product’s value from physical components to upgradable software.
Mobile Energy and Bi-Directional Charging
The RSX will serve as a mobile energy storage platform. Using vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) systems, owners can:
- Power appliances during outages.
- Run construction tools on remote job sites.
- Charge electric recreational gear while traveling.
This capability turns the vehicle into an energy asset, appealing to buyers in regions with unreliable power grids or outdoor lifestyle needs.
Public Debut Schedule
Acura’s Monterey Car Week rollout is designed to position the RSX among high-end performance brands:
- August 14, 2025 – Global reveal in Monterey, California.
- August 15, 2025 – Display at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering.
- August 17, 2025 – Appearance on the Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The setting signals Acura’s intent to attract attention from luxury performance buyers, not just EV adopters.
Competitive Market Analysis
The RSX will enter a competitive luxury EV SUV segment. Key comparisons:
| Model | Drivetrain | Starting Price (USD) | Range (EPA est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y Performance | Dual Motor AWD | $54,990 | 303 miles |
| BMW iX xDrive50 | Dual Motor AWD | $87,250 | 307 miles |
| Audi Q8 e-tron | Dual Motor AWD | $74,400 | 285 miles |
| Acura RSX (est.) | Dual Motor AWD | $60,000–$70,000 | ~300 miles |
To gain share, Acura will need to undercut German rivals on price while matching performance, charging speed, and software experience.
