Honda’s first sports EV debuts at Monterey Car Week

Honda America (Acura) today unveiled its RSX Prototype, a next-generation all-electric performance SUV. Radiant in “Propulsion Yellow Pearl,” it is one of the star cars at Monterey Car Week.

This is the first model engineered in-house on the new Honda-developed EV platform. It is also the first EV produced at the Honda EV Hub flexible manufacturing facility in Ohio. It uses a mix of domestic and globally made parts. RSX will be built on the same Marysville Auto Plant as Integra. Honda can build ICE power, hybrids and EVs on the same production line.

Read our review of Honda’s e:N1.

Expected to go on sale midway through next year, the RSX will accelerate Acura into the Software Defined Vehicle era. It introduces ASIMO OS, a new global operating system. This is designed to learn the preferences and driving behaviour of the vehicle’s owner.

RSX can be used for mobile energy storage, meaning it can power a variety of devices including appliances. It can also provide home back-up power.

It should be a fun drive too, with dual-motor all-wheel drive, sport-tuned double wishbone front suspension, a low center-of-gravity and Brembo brakes. Expect extensive driver assistive technologies as well.

RSX Prototype Design

The sports styling of the Acura RSX utilised design language previewed on the Acura Performance EV Concept of a year ago.

Key to the look is advanced aerodynamics, with “timeless beauty and a high-tech feel”. The new EV platform allowed the designers to push the boundaries of design with a coupe-like silhouette and muscular proportions. The fastback roofline looks quick while deeply sculpted side surfaces, flush door handles and an integrated ducktail-style rear spoiler enhance its sporting credentials. So too do multi-spoke 21-inch rims, set at all four corners.

The front fascia features a Diamond Pentagon design with a unique lighting signature. Slim Daytime Running Lights are set above low mounted LED headlamps.

A full-width lightbar at the rear reminds of GenII NSX while Acura is writ large across the tailgate.

ASIMO OS

The ASIMO OS operating system will manage electronic control units for automated driving and advanced driver assistance systems, and in-vehicle infotainment.

It can also run a variety of applications, like on a smartphone. Over-the-air updates will bring new features and services to the RSX down the line.

Using AI, Acura RSX will learn owner preferences, such as music choices and driver behaviour, to offer a personalised driving experience.