Acura RSX Prototype Debuts At Monterey Car Week Ahead Of 2026 Production
The original Acura RSX was a two-door coupe closely related to the Integra of the time, but the new one won't be anything like the front-wheel-drive hot hatch. Acura today unveiled the RSX Prototype, a concept previewing next year's performance SUV, at Monterey Car Week in California, where it will be displayed at both The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Although a concept in 'Prototype' form, this is clearly close to production, softening and simplifying the design of last year's Performance EV Concept. There's a real drivetrain in this pre-production RSX, too, as this previews the first model to be produced on Honda's in-house-developed global EV platform.
Acura RSX Debuts ASIMO OS, Promises Exciting Driving Experience
Acura says the RSX will be usable as a backup power supply, much like Ford's Pro Power Onboard system, allowing one to power devices or even the home from the EV's battery. Helping run things will be the first application of ASIMO OS, a new operating system 'designed to learn the preferences and driving behavior of the vehicle's owner to deliver an ultra-personal in-car experience.' Unfortunately, Acura has not revealed any of the cabin, so we can't see how this interface looks or operates.
What we do know is that, as standard, the RSX will have a dual-motor AWD system, double wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes. With the battery contributing to a low center of gravity, the handling ought to cash the check that the styling writes. Hopefully, this new Propulsion Yellow Pearl paint (different from the Indy Yellow Pearl on the NSX and the Integra Type R HRC Prototype) will be available from the start of production. Otherwise, this is in danger of looking almost exactly like a Model Y from the rear.
New RSX Will Be Built In America In 2026
Another first for the RSX is that it'll open EV manufacturing at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio, being put together on the same Marysville Auto Plant production line as the Integra. The ability to build gas, hybrid, and all-electric cars within the U.S. should help keep pricing competitive with the Mustang Mach-E ($37,995) and Chevy Blazer EV ($44,600), in spite of tariffs. However, with the RSX set to offer AWD and Brembo brakes as standard, as well as wearing an Acura badge rather than a Honda one, we suspect pricing may start closer to $50,000, if not higher. It all depends on how much goes into the SUV. We'll find out soon enough – the production RSX is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2026, and Acura will no doubt share more information and imagery between now and then.
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