Tag Archives: Acura

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The Acura RSX Prototype: Yellow Fever Hits Monterey

Acura has pulled the covers off something big — and I don’t just mean the colossal expanse of its “Propulsion Yellow Pearl” paint. Meet the RSX Prototype, the brand’s first proper in-house crack at an electric SUV. And yes, it’s as loud as a mariachi band in a phone booth.

Now, Monterey Car Week is no place for the timid. It’s a playground for the absurd, the extravagant, and the “my-watch-costs-as-much-as-your-house” brigade. So Acura showing up here with a bright yellow, coupe-shaped SUV is like crashing the Met Gala in a samurai suit — bold, but you’ll get noticed.

This isn’t just another EV-shaped promise, though. The RSX is the first child of Honda’s all-new EV platform, conceived and built at the company’s shiny new Ohio EV Hub. Production will kick off in 2026 at the same Marysville Auto Plant that gives us the Integra, proving Honda can build petrol, hybrid, and fully electric cars under one roof without having a nervous breakdown.

Underneath the highlighter paint, the RSX Prototype means business. Dual motors, AWD, sport-tuned double wishbones, Brembos the size of dinner plates, and a low center of gravity all come as standard. In other words, it’s less “eco-box” and more “eco-boxer.”

Inside, things get properly futuristic with ASIMO OS — Honda’s new operating system named after its famous robot. Unlike your grumpy laptop, ASIMO OS is designed to learn. It’ll pick up on your driving habits, your music tastes, and presumably your unhealthy addiction to podcasts about unsolved crimes. Expect OTA updates, personalization galore, and a creeping suspicion that your car now knows more about you than your partner.

And because no modern EV is complete without a superhero party trick, the RSX can power your house during a blackout. Appliances, tools, even your espresso machine on a camping trip — the RSX is basically a bright yellow battery pack with Brembos.

Design-wise, it’s a strong evolution of the Acura Performance EV Concept we saw last year, only angrier. The fastback roofline screams coupe, the 21-inch alloys scream “don’t curb me,” and the rear light bar is a cheeky nod to the NSX of old. The new separated headlamp setup looks sharp too — more katana slash than mood lighting.

But beyond the tech, the stance, and the paint, here’s the real story: Acura is finally planting its EV flag in the ground. This isn’t a compliance car or a re-badged General Motors joint. The RSX is the real deal — a homegrown, performance-focused electric SUV meant to drag the brand into its next chapter.

Will it be good to drive? The ingredients suggest yes. Will it tempt Tesla buyers away from their beige-walled Superchargers? Possibly. Will the paint color look incredible on Instagram at Pebble Beach? Absolutely.

The RSX Prototype is Acura saying: “We’re still here, we’re still sporty, and we’re ready for the electric age.” And if that future is painted in Propulsion Yellow Pearl, well… bring your sunglasses.

Source: Acura

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Tony Stark’s NSX Is Back — and It’s Ready to Save Monterey Car Week

It’s been over a decade since we last saw Tony Stark’s most understated accessory — no, not the Iron Man suit — the Acura NSX Roadster from The Avengers. And now, like every good Marvel character, it’s getting a dramatic comeback. This August, at Monterey Car Week, the one-off superhero supercar will roll into The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, looking exactly as it did when it first stole scenes back in 2012 — complete with its “Stark 33” plates and Hollywood swagger.

Acura’s bringing it out as part of the 35th anniversary celebration of the first-gen NSX, which is a bit like having a birthday party and inviting Robert Downey Jr. to bring cake. And in true Tony Stark fashion, it’s not just for show — the roadster will be auctioned next year, with all proceeds going to charity. If you’re interested, Acura’s accepting “hand raisers” at Monterey. Think of it as RSVP-ing for the chance to outbid other rich petrolheads.

Now, for the petrolhead gossip: this roadster wasn’t some digital movie magic. Built by Trans FX in Oxnard, California, it started life as a very real, very tired 1991 NSX with 252,000 miles on the clock. Yes — that’s enough mileage to lap the planet ten times, but Marek and his crew decided nothing could be more reliable for filming than an OG NSX. They slapped on a hand-crafted resin and fiberglass body, dropped the suspension two inches, bolted on 18-inch wheels, fitted aftermarket seats, and — voila — Stark’s superhero cruiser was born.

The styling came straight from Acura’s LA Design Studio, drawing inspiration from the second-gen NSX Concept shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Unlike most movie props, this one isn’t a hollow shell — it’s fully driveable and, frankly, cooler than half the stuff that came after in the Marvel garage.

And because Acura knows how to party, the NSX Roadster won’t be alone. Sitting alongside it at The Quail will be a 1995 NSX-R, a 1999 Zanardi Edition, and the brand-new RSX Prototype — Acura’s all-electric premium performance SUV of the future.

So, if you happen to be at Monterey Car Week on August 15, brace yourself. You might not see Iron Man, but you will see the car that proved Tony Stark didn’t just have good taste in tech — he had impeccable taste in wheels.

Source: Acura

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2026 Acura Integra: A Fresh Face and Sharpened Edge for a Performance Icon

As Acura celebrates four decades of the Integra nameplate, the Japanese premium automaker is giving its award-winning sport compact a notable update for the 2026 model year. The refreshed Integra lineup brings sharper styling, enhanced tech, and a more engaging driving experience, ensuring its continued reign as the segment’s go-to liftback for enthusiasts with taste.

Since its 2022 revival, the modern Integra has dominated the premium sport compact segment, claiming over 40% of retail sales and earning accolades such as the North American Car of the Year. With a youthful buyer base and the highest conquest rate of any Acura model, it’s no surprise the brand is doubling down on what makes the Integra tick.

A Sportier, Smarter Integra

For 2026, Acura introduces three new paint options—Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, and the striking Double Apex Blue Pearl, borrowed from the electric ZDX Type S. A new aero body kit adds a more aggressive touch to the A-Spec trim, featuring gloss-black front corner spoilers and a redesigned side sill garnish. Updated 18-inch black wheels round out the visual upgrades, while a color-matched grille is now available in select hues.

The cabin receives meaningful tech upgrades across the board. A larger 9-inch touchscreen is now standard, up from 7 inches, and brings with it wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Wireless phone charging and a faster processor ensure the user experience is more seamless than ever.

For A-Spec models, interior personalization has been pushed further. A fresh trim pattern spans the dashboard, ambient lighting has been expanded, and upholstery options have become bolder—blue microsuede inserts grace the Orchid interior, while yellow contrast stitching animates Ebony-trimmed cabins.

Performance With Precision

At the heart of the Integra remains the spirited 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with either a CVT (with paddle shifters and step-shift logic) or an enthusiast-approved 6-speed manual transmission—still a segment exclusive. The manual variant also includes a helical limited-slip differential for improved traction through corners.

Driving dynamics remain a strong point. Built on an ultra-rigid chassis, the Integra continues to deliver confidence-inspiring handling with its independent suspension, precise variable-ratio steering, and available Adaptive Damper System (ADS). The standard Integrated Dynamics System offers Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an “Individual” mode added on A-Spec models with the Technology Package.

Form Meets Function

One of the Integra’s most compelling features is its unique 5-door liftback design, offering the sleek silhouette of a coupe with the cargo flexibility of a hatch. Rear seat legroom remains generous for the class, and split-folding rear seats make practical use of its spacious layout.

Inside, the Integra balances luxury and sportiness. Leatherette-wrapped heated front seats are standard, with optional microsuede inserts, contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals, and red gauge needles on A-Spec trims. Visibility is aided by slim pillars and well-positioned side mirrors, while the Acura Precision Cockpit™ 10.2-inch digital cluster adds clarity and customization to the driving experience.

Tech and Safety Take Center Stage

The Integra isn’t just about driving fun—it’s packed with class-leading technology. The Technology Package adds a 5.3-inch Head-Up Display, built-in Alexa voice integration, and a premium 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D® sound system.

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Integra’s appeal. AcuraWatch™, the brand’s suite of driver-assist technologies, is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition. A blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic monitoring is also standard, while A-Spec models with the Technology Package add front and rear parking sensors and Low-Speed Braking Control.

Already earning a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA, the Integra continues to set the benchmark for safety in its class.

Built for America, by America

True to its roots, the 2026 Integra is built exclusively at Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio. Its turbocharged engine is also made stateside at the Anna Engine Plant, reinforcing Acura’s commitment to American manufacturing excellence.

As Acura prepares to usher in the next chapter of the Integra’s story, the 2026 model demonstrates a perfect balance of heritage and innovation. With sharper styling, improved tech, and the same fun-loving spirit, the Integra remains one of the most compelling entries in the premium sport compact segment.

Source: Acura