Acura Unveils Electric RSX Crossover, Features AI-Powered ASIMO OS
Acura has unveiled its forthcoming RSX crossover, a fully electric model set to debut next year, marking a significant step in the brand’s electrification strategy. The bright yellow prototype, dubbed “Propulsion Yellow Pearl,” made its public debut at this year’s prestigious Monterey Car Week, offering a glimpse into Acura’s performance-oriented electric future. Unlike the current generation RDX, the RSX will be exclusively battery-powered, signaling a clear shift in Acura’s product line.
Production of the new RSX will take place at the Honda Marysville Auto Plant, a facility with a four-decade history that has undergone a substantial high-tech modernization. This extensive refit has not only enhanced the factory’s energy efficiency and improved the working environment for employees but has also specifically prepared its assembly lines for the integration of electric vehicle manufacturing. This investment underscores Honda’s commitment to in-house EV production for its premium brand.
Acura has recently navigated a period of re-evaluating its brand identity. While often perceived primarily as a luxury marque, the company has historically positioned itself as Honda’s North American performance arm. With the RSX, Acura aims to firmly re-embrace this performance heritage. Notably, the RSX stands apart from the brand’s initial battery-electric offering, the ZDX, which was based on a rebadged General Motors EV platform. In contrast, the RSX was conceived and designed entirely in-house, a testament to Acura’s renewed focus on proprietary innovation.
Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura creative director and vice president of American Honda R&D, emphasized this strategic direction, stating, “The Acura RSX has a sporty coupe style that expresses the performance that comes from excellent aerodynamics. Starting from this all-new RSX, we will redefine the Acura brand around timeless beauty and a high-tech feel that is essential for a performance and unique brand.” This statement highlights a desire to fuse aesthetic appeal with advanced technology, all while maintaining a strong performance identity.
From a design perspective, the RSX prototype showcases a distinctive aesthetic that has already generated considerable discussion. Its arrow-like prow, a signature element in recent Acura designs, remains prominent. Observers have noted that the front fascia evokes comparisons to high-performance exotic vehicles such as the McLaren Artura, with some suggesting a “Urus” treatment in its assertive stance. Other viewing angles have drawn parallels to the Lotus Eletre, indicating a blend of supercar-inspired lines with the practicality of a crossover form factor. A particularly striking detail is the solid rear taillight, which serves as a deliberate homage to the second-generation Acura NSX, subtly connecting the new electric model to the brand’s iconic performance legacy.
Beyond its physical design, the RSX will introduce a new era of in-car technology. When it arrives on streets in the latter half of next year, it will be powered by ASIMO OS, Honda’s innovative new software-defined vehicle operating system first unveiled at CES earlier this year. Acura states that ASIMO OS is engineered to learn and adapt to a driver’s unique preferences and driving style, promising to deliver an “ultra-personal in-car experience.” This advanced software platform is poised to become a cornerstone of Acura’s future electric vehicles, offering a highly customizable and intuitive user interface.
The debut of the all-electric RSX represents a pivotal moment for Acura, signaling its commitment to electrification while simultaneously reinforcing its identity as a performance-driven luxury brand. With its in-house design, advanced manufacturing, and intelligent operating system, the RSX aims to carve out a distinct niche in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.