Rumor: Acura RSX sedan to be based on Civic platform for 2014

Acura is in dire need of a revamp. As of recent, their cars haven’t exactly been something to write home about and I see this as one of their few chances to step their game back up. So to kick things off, word is that Acura has just confirmed that they will be building an RSX sedan for 2014.

Rumor has it that the small sedan will be based on the 2012 Honda Civic platform, but will be far from identical. Additionally, to separate it more from its lesser roots, the RSX sedan will be more of a “true luxury model” and will be slightly larger in size.

Once the RSX sedan comes about, that would make the brand have three front-wheel drive cars that are very similar to each other. As a result, the TSX may be dropped when the RSX comes around.

More concrete details should pop up as we get closer to 2014.
- By: Chris Chin

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/09/22/2014-acura-rsx-to-be-based-on-civic-platform/

MotorTrend: Is Honda Returning to Its Sports Car Roots?

At a press conference in early February, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito shocked the world's media when he nonchalantly revealed plans to launch a detuned production version of the V8-powered HSV-010 race car. Of course, he was referring to a road-going variant of the NSX successor project, which was shelved several years ago.

As it turns out, the next NSX (which is expected to be powered by a 400-plus hp V-8) features heavily in the company's renewed plan to pump out as many as three sports cars over the next several years.

Just over six weeks ago, a killer earthquake and tsunami threatened to cancel this about-face from Honda, and rob us of some of the most exciting news to come out of Japan since the Nissan GT-R surfaced three years ago.

But a reliable source close to Honda tells us that while these plans have been postponed as the company sorts out its parts supply problems, they are not dead in the water. In the last few weeks, we have been hearing that Honda is working on a high performance coupe powered by a 3.5 liter V-6 plug-in hybrid, a concept that Ito himself briefly mentioned.

The rebirth of the Acura RSX, the car you see pictured here in an artist's representation, is also on the near-term agenda. According our sources, the next-gen RSX will inherit a version of the just-launched ninth-generation Civic Si's 201 hp, i-VTEC 2.4 liter gas engine with slick 6-speed manual and helical LSD. Fitted with specially tuned sports suspension, the new RSX will also employ an interior inspired by the current Civic Type R and an exterior in a sharp, wedge shape.

Further down the line, Honda is also said to be developing a "more reasonably priced" C-segment sports coupe. Driven by a strong request from North American Honda dealers, this coupe is being developed with that market in mind and will incorporate Accord hardware.

One other concept that we have covered before and awaits the results of Honda's so-called "R-evaluation executive session" is a successor to the Beat. The original Beat was an open-top two-door, mid-engined 660cc minicar that could rev to 8500 rpm, and the next generation promises to be a new interpretation of that concept with a 1.3 to 1.5 liter gas engine. If built, don't expect the Beat to come to the U.S. We have also heard rumors of a hotter CR-Z getting a 190 hp-plus 2.0 liter gas unit, but that's all we have at the moment, rumors.

Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2011/1105_is_honda_returning_to_its_sports_car_roots/index.html

Acura confirms sub-TSX model under consideration

Just adding to the previous post....
Honda President and CEO Takanobu Ito has already confirmed that the automaker’s luxury division is in line for a number of new hybrid offerings, but the automaker’s fuel efficient offerings could expand beyond the realm of gas-electric drivetrains.Acura already offers the 30mpg TSX, but Japanese automaker is considering another high-mileage offering. Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura division, confirmed Acura is currently considering a smaller model to slot beneath the TSX.

Conrad failed to elaborate on the smaller offering, but said the new vehicle would compete with the likes of the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30. The smaller vehicle would also help Acura comply with upcoming CAFE regulations set to take effect in 2016.

Acura’s last compact offering – the RSX coupe – ended production in 2006. Acura’s Canada division continues to sell a luxury version of the Honda Civic called the CSX, but it remains to be seen if Acura would be bold enough to sell a re-badged version of the Civic in the States.

Source;
http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-confirms-sub-tsx-model-under-consideration.html

Acura’s V10, V8 plans on hold for now, may plan RSX successor

The economic downturn has taken a toll on Acura’s product plans for a V10 successor to the NSX, the long-awaited V8 and a rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Just last summer, Acura dealers were told to look forward to a V8 version of the Acura RL. But the program was put on hold by Honda President Takanobu Ito as part of the company’s cost cutting efforts. Also gone was the rear-wheel-drive program, which has now been pushed back to 2015 at the earliest, report Automotive News. Oh, and don’t even get us started on the V10 NSX.

But that doesn’t mean Acura will stop trying to be exciting. While we won’t see the V10 NSX, V8 or the rear-wheel-drive program gain traction until the economy improves, Acura is rumored to be planning a successor to the RSX.

Acura, which left the compact segment at the end of 2006 by dropping the RSX, is planning a successor to battle with the BMW 1-Series, Volvo C30 and Audi’s A3. The vehicle would be based on the next-generation Honda Civic, which arrives in 2011. So don’t expected to see anything until 2012.

Who know - by that time the economy may enable Acura to offer a V10 and V8 as well.

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/08/31/acuras-v10-v8-plans-on-hold-for-now-may-plan-rsx-successor/