Autoblog

Acura preparing Civic-based RSX sedan?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, Honda, Luxury

The Civic has long been a big volume model for Honda. But while it has grown in size and standards of accommodation over the years, Canadian buyers are the only ones in the world who can get their hands on an Acura version.

Called the CSX, it's essentially a rebadged Civic with some extra luxury touches. It was preceded by the EL, also based on the Civic, which in turn took the place in Acura Canada's lineup left vacant by the departure of the Integra sedan in 1996. Rumors, however, have been circulating for the past year that Acura was developing a new Civic-based model earmarked towards a broader market - including the United States.

We've heard this line of thinking out of the rumormill before, but it's been a while, and this is the first time we've heard talk of it reviving the RSX badge. The RSX, as you may recall, succeeded the Integra, albeit in coupe form only, and it was a favorite among front-wheel drive performance guys and gals. Whether a new RSX sedan might prove a worthy successor - or for that matter, whether a two- or three-door version might be offered as well - remain to be seen, but word on the street is that we can expect it to arrive in 2013 as a 2014 model.

Acura preparing Civic-based RSX sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura hybrid could arrive next year

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Acura

Acura is working hard to revamp its existing lineup, and the first phase is underway thanks to some updated sheetmetal. Next year, Acura's main focus will be to increase the fuel efficiency of its portfolio, and this will be accomplished by the addition of hybrid powertrains for certain models. According to Automotive News, the TL, RDX and MDX are all slated to get a gas-electric option.

In addition to the hybrid automobiles, Acura is looking to revive both the RSX and NSX nameplates. The RSX will be offered as a sedan for the 2013 model year, and then a coupe starting in 2015. We won't get excited for the NSX just yet (its on-again/off-again reports have left us a bit cold), but rumor has it that we could see the Acura sports car by 2014. Fingers, toes, arms and legs are all crossed for that one.

Acura hybrid could arrive next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DDR launches McLaren F1-influenced Miami GT with Acura RSX or Chevy Corvette power

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Acura, Chevrolet, Specialty, MISC

The guys at DDR Motorsport have put their brand-new Miami GT kits on the market. The kits all sell for right around $20 grand, and can be set up to accept the four pot from either an Acura RSX or Toyota MR2 in Sport Prototype 4 form, or the LS Series small block from the Chevrolet Corvette in Sport Prototype 8 form. The idea, DDR says, is to put a truly affordable supercar on the market.

For your $20k, you get a full tube chassis, an unpainted fiberglass shell, lights, signals and all the glass. What you don't get is an engine or any running gear. Though they can't supply the drive trains, DDR will happily explain how to get your McLaren F1 lookalike up and running.

DDR launches McLaren F1-influenced Miami GT with Acura RSX or Chevy Corvette power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Online Find of the Day: K20-powered Honda Insight recalls '88 CRX Si

Zach Bowman — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

Honda Insight with K20A2 Swap - Click above for high-res image gallery

We miss the first-generation Honda Insight. The aluminum-bodied hybrid represented a no-holds barred quest for fuel efficiency with innovative weight saving techniques, an aerodynamic design and a tiny 1.0-liter gasoline engine. As a result, the two-door garnered an EPA-rated 70 mpg highway and 61 mpg city - a far cry from the 43 mpg highway of the much larger current car. Of course, the Insight of yore also begged to be modified, even if it wasn't done that often. Still, some tuners simply couldn't resist the thought of plopping a high-horsepower engine into a featherweight chassis, which is exactly what CincyStreetScene forum member Cheezoto did with his first-gen Insight.

A 210-horsepower K20A2 lifted from an Acura RSX Type S is now bolted in place of the old IMA lump and motor, and the seller promises the swap was done as cleanly as possible. There are no check engine lights, and the gauges, anti-lock brakes and cruise control all work as they should. The seller did the swap himself back in 2007, and the engine now has around 45,000 miles on it. The chassis, meanwhile, sits at a shave under 300,000 miles.

Surprisingly enough, the asking price is a reasonable $9,900. Considering that a non-modified 2000 Insight will set you back close to $9,000, we'd say this sounds like a deal. Head over to CincyStreetScene for a closer look.

Online Find of the Day: K20-powered Honda Insight recalls '88 CRX Si originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura planning RSX successor?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 May 2011 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Hatchback, Acura, Rumormill, Luxury

2006 Acura RSX Type S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Good news, Hondaphiles: Acura may be planning a return to the sports car game. According to Motor Trend, the Japanese automaker has plans to add up to three new performance-oriented models to its lineup over the next few years. While that includes a spiritual successor to the NSX, it may also mean that the RSX will return to life, as well. The entry-level sports hatch was nixed in the U.S. back in 2006, leaving the TSX to carry the burden of luring younger buyers to the brand.

MT reports that the RSX-successor is on the Acura near-term agenda, and that while supply issues kicked up by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters in Japan my delay the vehicle somewhat, it shouldn't be long before we start seeing three-door mules kicking around on public streets.

Under the hood, the vehicle will likely pack a modified version of the same 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine found in the recently unveiled 2012 Honda Civic Si. Expect to find a six-speed manual cog box, complete with a helical limited-slip differential, bolted behind that mill.

Of course, this particular report has been kicking around since 2009, so we'll wait for a little more solid confirmation before busting out the welcome-back party hats.

Acura planning RSX successor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Acura planning to take on BMW 1, Audi A3 with new RSX?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Acura, Rumormill, Luxury

Remember back in the day when Honda was all about building two-doors? At various times between its own badge and its premium Acura division, the Japanese automaker had the Prelude, CRX, RSX, NSX, Legend, CL and S2000 - in addition to coupe versions of the Civic and Accord. A few years down the line and the S2000 is on its way out, leaving the Civic and Accord coupes to hold down the fort by themselves until the new NSX arrives in whatever form it takes. According to new reports, however, the Japanese automaker is keen to bridge that gap once again with a successor to the RSX coupe.

Based on the next-gen Civic, due in 2011, the new RSX (or whatever it would be labeled) is rumored to, like the upcoming CT hatchback from arch-rival Lexus, take on the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 in the premium compact segment. If it happens, expect a front-drive layout with probable four-cylinder propulsion (if not a hybrid setup like the forthcoming CR-Z), but beyond that your guess is as good as ours, so stay tuned.

[Source: eGMCarTech]

Rumormill: Acura planning to take on BMW 1, Audi A3 with new RSX? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura exec outlines future vehicle lineup

Dan Roth — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Acura, Honda

Acura's sales are down, and rather than try to be all cars to all buyers, filling niches is more the game plan. Product planning manager John Watts intimated that Acura's looking at segments with a narrower appeal, such as the now-defunct CL, and the possibility of a retractable hardtop vehicle, too. The MDX does well, and the new RDX is the darling of everyone who drives it, but as far as cars go, Acura's not catching anyone's hair on fire. The top-dog RL sedan is a wonderful car - beautifully drawn, SH-AWD moves, and a powerful V6 make it a very pleasant way to devour miles, but it doesn't offer the flavor du jour for premium sedans with performance leanings. The engine layout is wrong, and it's missing at least two cylinders to truly be taken seriously by some buyers who are looking for a V8 and rear drive as prerequesites.

There's talk of a new 8 or 10 cylinder powerplant in the offing. The NSX is supposedly getting a V10, which could then propagate through to other Acura cars. Analysts have noted that there's a need for a flagship sedan above the RL to offer RWD and larger engines. While Acura gets its act together developing the new NSX and readying the new TL for launch in 2009, dealers are enviously eyeing Lexus and Infiniti stores, wishing they had a big V8 boomer to throw into the fray, as well.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Acura exec outlines future vehicle lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hondata sets four new records at Bonneville

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, Acura, Honda

If you've spent any amount of timing tweaking the B16 in your EK hatch, you're probably all too familiar with Hondata. The firm specializes in providing easy-to-use, plug-and-play components for the world's Acura and Honda owners, and has proved invaluable on at least two past project cars of ours.

The So. Cal.-based tuning firm decided to take to the Bonneville Salt Flats a couple of weeks back and came away with four new class records, all behind the wheel of a heavily modified 2003 Acura RSX. The stock two-liter K20 was built by Prototype Racing and was able to produce 270 naturally aspirated horses running VP Racing fuel, and 390 HP when injected with everyone's favorite go-juice, nitrous oxide.

When the salt settled, the Hondata crew set a one-way speed of 190.1 MPH in the G/FCC class while running the NO2, and 172 MPH in the G/GCC class with the aforementioned racing fuel.

You can follow the jump for Hondata's press release and check out its website for more information on its products.

[Source: Hondata]

Continue reading Hondata sets four new records at Bonneville

Hondata sets four new records at Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Honda

Every automaker has its own subset of dedicated enthusiasts, with varying levels of obsessive behavior. Honda is no different. Take away the misinformed ricers, and Honda's racing heritage stands alone in a sea of commuter-infused mediocrity.

In order to recognize the Big H's engineering prowess and its motorsports legacy, Honda has launched a new ad campaign in the UK that focuses on the automaker's obsessive compulsive attention to detail. Dubbed Hondamentalism, the idea is to forge a link between its racing successes and its consumer vehicles - hardly a new concept - but the way it's presented deserves a look. The new spot, posted after the jump, will give you a feel for the campaign as a whole, albeit in a somewhat melodramatic, Aphex Twin-influenced creative.

You can get your head into the campaign by heading over to the Hondamentalism website, and you can check out a brief run down on what the Red H is all about here.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism

VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forum busts hit and run RSX

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Acura, First Drives

Take one part Acura RSX, add two parts moron, a pinch of speed, whoops, too much! Crashing into someone and speeding away is a bad idea in any case, but with the internet shrinking the globe, it's especially dumb now. Members of Canada's Beyond.ca automotive forums came to the rescue of a Mercedes driver that absorbed the kinetic energy these young knuckleheads didn't manage to scrub off in time. A quick thinking forum member just happened to be right there with his DSLR and monster lens and snapped several nice, clear pictures of these jerks zipping away from the scene. Beyond.ca member three33 created a post asking others to be on the lookout for a silver RSX that'd cracked up his buddy's car. In a masterstroke of serendipity, fellow forum member CalgaryDave (whose pix show up on Beyond as his friend TypeS - long story, explained here with more details) was just a little further back. Thinking quickly, CalgaryDave hopped out into the street and captured incriminating evidence that removes any chance of lying your way out of it. PWNED. Don't mess with the internet.

Thanks for the tip, Bocho!

Forum busts hit and run RSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. to get Honda Civic Type-R?

Erin Mays — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

We might not get another Acura RSX, but as it turns out, that might not be such a bad thing. AutoWeek spotted the Honda Civic Type-R testing in Germany recently (pictured), and had a deep thought: the publication is ~~predicting~~ hoping that the Type-R, the tippy-top model in the Civic lineup, may be making its way to this side of The Pond.

Here's why: in an effort to take aim at BMW, Acura is moving upscale, leaving a Type-R -sized hole where the RSX used to operate. The production Type-R, powered by a 220 hp 2.0L four-cylinder, is set to premiere at the London Motor Show.

Similar statements have been made about the Civic Si as the RSX's replacement, but we're hoping AutoWeek is right and we're not left out of the loop on the Type-R yet again.

[Source: AutoWeek]

U.S. to get Honda Civic Type-R? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tricked-out Acura RSX hoped to help police prevent street-racing

Joel Arellano — Tue, 09 May 2006 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Contests, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Acura

Last week the police of London, Ontario unveiled their latest weapon to combat illegal street-racing: an Acura RSX coupe with modifications such as tinted windows and $1,500 worth of wheels.

In London, nine people have been arrested in recent months due to street racing while 30 deaths in the Toronto area have been attributed to the activity in the past decade. The London police force hopes that the RSX, donated by a local dealership, will make it easier to approach car enthusiasts who often gather to show off their modified vehicles. According to Constable Bernie Martin, who suggested the idea, enthusiasts get nervous and leave at the sight of an approaching police Crown Victoria police cruiser. The London police hope that the RSX, which still bear police stickers, will make it easier for them to approach, then educate enthusiasts on what is legal, like racing on dragstrips, and what is not (the streets).

The RSX donation is temporary; the department will hand it back to the dealership at the end of the summer.

Related post:
Street-racing being driven from misdemeanor to felony

[Source: London Free Press]

Tricked-out Acura RSX hoped to help police prevent street-racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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