With V8s and V10s dead, Acura may instead revive the RSX
In recent months, Honda and its Acura division have been struggling with future product plans and how to deal with falling sales and rising fuel economy demands. Acura, in particular, has struggled recently and shifted a significant part of its lineup toward SUVs and crossovers. Acura has already shelved plans for V8 and V10 engines for RL and NSX.
Automotive News is now reporting that Acura may instead revive the RSX which was discontinued in 2006. With Honda adding the CR-Z hybrid sport coupe next year, it seems possible that Acura could add a new compact using the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain. With BMW, Volvo and Audi all offering compact models and Lexus expected to add one soon, it would make sense for Acura to get back to the segment where the original Integra debuted. The Civic is getting a redesign for model year 2011 so a new RSX could be spawned off of that.
[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CaramelZappa 11:21AM (9/01/2009)
I hope they're right, and I hope Honda doesn't mess it up. The RSX was one of my favorite (reasonable) cars.
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Gary 11:26AM (9/01/2009)
Blame only the domestics who used the strategy towards, heavier, and thirstier vehicles to increase profits.
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UH2L 1:08PM (9/01/2009)
Blame the domestic people, not the domestic car companies. The bigger is better and more powerful is better mentality is part of our society. The car companies, (import and domestic), just tap into it.
SumideXE 12:49PM (9/01/2009)
No doubt they will pack a 1.3 hybrid powertrain in the thing and try to sell it for 25k.
That would be a modern honda move.
If they stick the 2.4 in it, it's worth driving but i doubt it.
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anonynnnn 1:35PM (9/01/2009)
more hot hatches and small coupes please! finally america is realizing the greatness of small fast cars that europe has always had.
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FredM 1:39PM (9/01/2009)
The SUV with the worst MPG in its class is the Lexus/Toyota with the 4.7 V-8 at 16MPG. That compares to a Chevy Tahoe at 20. (It's also being investigated by the NHTSA for its propensity to roll over). The Japanese got into the truck/suv business for the same reason as the domestics-profits. Noteworthy also is the fact that the biggest monetary loss of any auto company ever has not been GM or Chrysler but Toyota. Want to blame somebody? Blame yourself if you own one.
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ssrsxss 2:27PM (9/01/2009)
Though I have loved my RSX since I bought it I've always thought they could have done better...Like the simple addition of a LSD would help. Maybe rear wheel drive and the addition of an inline 6 to compete with the BMW's of the world?
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wincros 5:36PM (9/01/2009)
I have worried about Honda. They seem to have lost their direction. Not only the SUVs, but the gross enlargement of the TSX and the addition of a six cylinder engine. I fear a new RSX will be a rebadged and restyled Accord Coupe. No diesel to save it.
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jacksodj 9:54AM (9/02/2009)
Fugly cars FTW
It seems that the *biggest* issue for Acura is not market, or engine.. but the WTH styling they seem to have recent fallen in love with.
I seriously cannot think of any manufacturer at any point in time that has offered a "less pleasing to look" at lineup of vehicles.
that right there is why they have falling sales.
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T2 Vert 11:31AM (9/02/2009)
uh huh.... Honda gets stupid with the Crosstour, kills the S2000, and of course Acura doesn't know WTF they're doing. Who the efff is manning the wheel here?
- When was the last time you saw an RL rolling around?
- MDX, RDX - ummm aren't we getting away from SUV's? Who's got $35K plus for a Turbo'ed 4 banger CuteUV?
-Let's sheepishly add a retarded ZDX while we can...
-TL, TSX - Will the real slim shady please stand up? V6 in the TSX, why have twins? Same price as well.
I DON'T GET THESE GUYS!! Of all the import luxury lines, I think Honda's has the most pathetic offerings. Back to the drawing board kids!
You got NOTHING on the G37coupe... I don't own one, but damn that car is purrdy.
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Lorena Palin 5:31PM (9/04/2009)
Yeah. I see a number of problems:
badging the S2000 as a honda- the price and performance compete with the nissan 350z, the bargain bin BMW Z, and the Audi TT. The fact that it's a honda and not an accura makes people think "2 seater roadster with a 4 cylinder- so why is it 6 grand more than a mitata?" now if it were an acura, they could point out that it is lighter than it's competitor, that the 4 cyl revs up to 9k RPM, etc, and that it is a luxury performance roadster.
and so now they are getting rid of it.
The civic, accord, and fit are well styled, very good, reliable, nice riding cars. The issue with acura is that so manny of thier cars look very similar to thier honda little brothers, and don't give you that much incentive over thier cheaper counterparts- I mean a civic is a damn good car, and if you want a hot hatch you can get the civic type R (has the brilliant 9k RPM motor from the S2000) that will run circles around the RSX. and it will be cheaper too.
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