RSX Information

[Civic Lover]

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 2006 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 the U.S., 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 or Subaru Impreza 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 fans who had come to appreciate Honda's previous 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 timing and cam 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 timing.

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 now is rated at 155 hp and the Type-S is rated at 201 hp. In 2005 the RSX Type-S received camshafts, b-pipe and muffler from the exhaust and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese model Honda Integra Type-R.

The Honda Integra Type R, sold in Japan, Australia, and some other markets, has reduced weight, a 220 PS / 164 kW / 217 hp 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" rims on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro suede seats, body trim, and more

[ninikins]

I've not seen anyone driving this car yet? Is it a popular one in Europe I wonder?

[whyDNA]

Very popular now in North America.

[Doubledaves]

I was told that this car is being dicontinued in the US next year, is that right? That will be a shame. It is a great car.

[motoxhcr250]

Yah, the RSX is being discontinued and is being replaced with the new Civic Si which is on the same platform with mostly the same specs (i've driven both, the Si is not a very good replacement in my opinion). There is very firm talk that the RSX will be placed with a TSX coupe, as to the specs nothing is for sure.

-Justin

[k20a2Stitch]

The SI did not really "replace" the rsx so to speak, they just wanted to make something more "comparable".

Basically the RSX did not fit into the luxary aspect of the acura line up, so by removing the rsx they could go with a more luxary theme and bump the prices of their car. Just have the rsx was decreasing the value of the rest of the cars.

[AP1fun]

Those TSX's are no joke. The K24 powers them very well, that handle amazing for such a luxery car and the gears are very nice. It's no RSX-S, but its not a civic either. (no offence)

[TnTRice]

no kidding the TSX is the "Euro-R" accord