The RSX Type R Legacy Lives On
The RSX Type R is more than just a car — it’s a symbol of a golden era in Japanese performance engineering. Originally launched in the early 2000s, the RSX Type R carved a name for itself among enthusiasts seeking high-revving thrills and agile handling. In 2025, Acura has reignited that legacy with the announcement of a 2026 Acura RSX — a fully electric coupe SUV. As the industry shifts toward electrification, the RSX name is poised to bridge nostalgia with innovation.
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The Original RSX Type R: A Performance Icon
Introduced in 2001 as a successor to the Integra, the Acura RSX Type R (known as the DC5) was a front-wheel-drive marvel. Equipped with a high-revving K20A engine, it delivered approximately 220 horsepower, making it one of the most potent naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines of its time. Its lightweight chassis, precise steering, and sport-tuned suspension earned it accolades as one of the best-handling FWD cars ever produced.
Collector’s Gem: Rising Value and Enthusiast Appeal
Over the years, the RSX Type R and even the Type S variants has garnered a cult following. According to reports, nearly 80% of inquiries about RSXs come from millennials or younger, indicating a growing interest among newer generations. Quote volumes have more than doubled from 2022 to 2024, signaling a surge in demand.
Online forums echo this sentiment. One enthusiast noted, “I bought my Type S for $2,300 seven years ago… now, clean Type S models are fetching $12,000 to $16,000.” The combination of rarity, performance, and nostalgic appeal positions the RSX Type R as a modern classic.
2026 Acura RSX: A Modern Reinterpretation
In January 2025, Honda announced the return of the RSX nameplate, but with a twist. The 2026 Acura RSX will be an electric coupe SUV, built on Honda’s proprietary Zero platform and featuring the in-house-developed Asimo operating system. This marks Honda’s first original EV, moving away from previous collaborations with General Motors.
While the new RSX aims to blend performance with modern EV technology, its SUV form factor has sparked debate among purists. Some enthusiasts express concern over the departure from the original coupe design, fearing it may dilute the RSX’s performance heritage.
Design and Performance
The RSX EV showcases a sleek, coupe-like silhouette with a fastback roofline, flush door handles, and a full-width rear light bar. Under the hood, it’s expected to offer both single and dual-motor configurations, with the dual-motor AWD variant delivering up to 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 5 seconds. A 102 kWh battery is anticipated to provide a range of around 289 miles, with DC fast-charging capabilities restoring 80% charge in just 30 minutes.
Technological Advancements: Asimo OS
The RSX will debut Honda’s Asimo OS, a proprietary operating system named after the company’s iconic humanoid robot. This software-defined vehicle system allows for core functions to be controlled by updatable software, offering features like Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, intelligent voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The integration of Asimo OS signifies Honda’s commitment to a connected and intelligent driving experience.
How the New RSX Honors Its Heritage
While purists may raise eyebrows at the coupe-SUV shape, Acura insists that the RSX spirit lives on. The RSX Type S AWD EV is rumored to bring back performance-tuned handling, torque vectoring, and a “Sport+” mode that mimics the sharp throttle feel of the original Type R.
Acura’s strategy is to combine the RSX’s name recognition with cutting-edge EV technology, drawing in both loyalists and new-gen buyers.
Manufacturing and Market Positioning
Production of the RSX is set to commence in late 2025 at Honda’s new $4.4 billion EV Hub in Ohio, a joint venture with LG Chem. This facility underscores Honda’s dedication to sustainable manufacturing and innovation. The RSX will enter the market as a premium electric SUV, with pricing expected around $55,000 in the U.S. It aims to compete with models like the Tesla Model Y, Porsche Macan EV, and BMW iX3.
Will the RSX Type R Legacy Continue?
The Acura RSX Type R’s legacy is undeniable. Its blend of performance, design, and affordability has cemented its place in automotive history. As Honda ventures into electrification with the 2026 RSX, it pays homage to a storied past while charting a course for the future. Whether the new RSX will capture the essence of its predecessor remains to be seen, but its arrival ensures that the RSX name continues to resonate in the automotive world.
FAQs About the RSX Type R and the 2026 Acura RSX
Q: Is the RSX Type R still a good investment?
Yes, clean examples are rapidly appreciating in value, especially JDM-imported Type R models.
Q: Will the 2026 Acura RSX have a Type R trim?
Not confirmed, but a performance-oriented dual-motor “Type S” model is expected to carry on the spirit.
Q: What’s the release date for the 2026 Acura RSX?
Acura targets a late 2025 reveal, with customer deliveries in early 2026.
