Sure, we all saw it coming. Even Cheers and Seinfeld had to go off the air someday. All good things must come to an end, and that even includes the popular Acura Integra. Change isn't always bad. After all, now we have Survivor, and the sitcom looks to be poised to go the way of the Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In.
Prior to its debut in Detroit, rumors had been running rampant about the successor to Acura's beloved Integra. Web sites and chatrooms had been busy speculating as to the new car's power, specifications, and drivetrain layout. The speculation is now officially over. The name change to RS-X is the result of Acura's desire to designate its vehicles with numbers and letters (like those trendy Europeans), but avoiding words and vowels whenever possible. Super Street readers, we feel, will become fond of consonants after laying their gazes on the new RS-X prototype.
The new prototype draws inspiration from the exterior design cues and drivetrain layout of the Integra it replaces. To this basic recipe, Acura adds a heavy dosage of precision engineering, refining the original Integra concept into a superior vehicle with its own unique character: the RS-X.
The RS-X concept maintains the Integra's front-wheel-drive layout, and spices the package up in a couple of significant ways. Acura ups the power ante big time with the addition of a magnificent 2.0 liter, 16-valve i-VTEC engine, which will be expected to produce somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 highly strung horses. The new engine combines the proven VTEC variable valve-timing technology with new Variable Timing Control that adjusts camshaft timing gears for optimum power. The new generation motor is lighter and more compact than previous VTEC powerplants while improving torque output. For the Integra's successor, this "new age" VTEC motor is coupled to a close ratio six-speed manual transmission that will keep the spirited VTEC motor in its happier stratosphere of the rev range. A track-tuned four-wheel independent suspension will continue the Integra tradition of sharp handling and driver appeal. ABS-assisted four-wheel disc brakes at all four corners will also be available on the production RS-X.
The exterior styling is a pleasing blend of sweeping curves and sharply chiseled lines that conspire to create a stunning visual package. The RS-X prototype's aesthetic appeal relies on a visually-balanced package whose silhouette is reminiscent of the model it replaces while simultaneously maintaining its own personality. The restyled front fascia is focused around a distinct Acura grille that flows nicely into a large, bright multi-reflector headlight arrangement. The front lighting arrangement is a departure from previous Integra pod-style lighting found on the U.S models. The short front and rear overhangs of the prototype help lend it an aggressive character.
The RS-X prototype's interior is the typical result of Acura's credo to create the best possible environment for the driver with sight lines affording excellent visibility. The legible, reflective gauge faces, and familiar shift position offer the function and appeal enthusiasts had come to expect from this Honda division. The Recaro seats will most likely not be included in the production version due to what they'd add to the sticker price, but expect very supportive and attractive seats from the factory. It is also doubtful that the 18-inch wheel package seen on the Detroit concept will appear from the factory as anything but a dealer-installed option. However, the front and rear styling cues (fascias and light arrangements) as well as the exterior character and dimensions will most likely stand on the production RS-X, which is scheduled to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April. However, based on what we've seen on the RS-X prototype, you can be guaranteed world-class performance, design excellence, practicality, and safety in this Integra successor. With a considerably more rigid chassis, i-VTEC power, and the refreshed styling, we can't wait to see what the Type R variant of the new RS-X chassis will be like. Change is good.