Acura RSX
Encyclopedia
The Honda Integra DC5 is a Japanese performance sports car, which was also known as the Acura RSX in North America
(Rally Sportscar eXperimental). It is available in base and "Type-S" models in North America, and a "Integra iS / Integra Type S" and "Type R" version sold in Japan and Oceania
. However, the "Type R" sold in Oceania is very similar to the "Type-S" sold in North America, and the Integra line naming in Oceania has recently been realigned to be similar with North America
n conventions.
Canada
had three models: Base (cloth interior, no sunroof, steel wheels with wheel covers), Premium (leather interior, sunroof, alloy wheels) and Type S. In other places, (e.g. Hong Kong
, Singapore
) only the base version is available.
This model is the final generation of the Honda Integra
; afterwards production ceased.
The Integra suspension employs MacPherson strut
s in the front and double-wishbone suspension in the rear. This engineering decision disappointed some Honda enthusiasts who had come to appreciate Honda's philosophy of employing double-wishbones for both front and rear suspensions. However, the K-series
engine proved to have significant potential for tuning, a trait shared with the B-series
engines previously employed in Integra and certain performance-oriented Civic models. The K-series engine features intelligent VTEC
or (i-VTEC), which electronically adjusts valve lift, valve duration and valve timing, giving the 2.0 L engine a flatter torque curve relative to previous VTEC implementations which only adjusted valve lift and valve duration. All RSX's have timing chains, instead of belts, which evidently reduces maintenance required.
The base RSX has the K20A3 engine with an output of 160 whp and is offered with either an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission
; the Type-S has a 200 whp (2002–2004) K20A2 or 210 whp in 2005 K20Z1 engine and a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission
. In 2005 the RSX Type-S received camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, 4.7 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japan
ese model Honda Integra Type-R.
The Honda Integra Type-R, sold in Japan
has reduced weight, a 220 PS / 164 kW / 217 hp K20A I4
engine (Japan
-only; Oceania
models have an engine similar to the Acura RSX-S), as well as a limited slip differential
(LSD) and stiffer springs and shocks, 4 piston Brembo brakes, 17" wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro
suede seats, body trim, and more.
2002-2004 RSX Type-S (USDM)
2002-2006 Acura RSX (BASE)
to the marketplace, the decision was made to discontinue production of the RSX, with the final units built in summer 2006. Because of its lower pricing and longer list of available options, Honda considered the new Civic Si to be a more viable choice for performance minded young men, who were the most common buyers of RSXs. The TSX
would replace the Acura RSX as Acura's entry level nameplate starting in 2007.
2005 & 2006 RSX Type-S additional enhancements:
Gear Ratios for the 2005 & 2006 revision
Gear Ratios
1st Gear - 3.267
2nd Gear - 2.130
3rd Gear - 1.517
4th Gear - 1.147
5th Gear - 0.921
6th Gear - 0.738
Reverse - 3.583
Final Drive - 4.765
Kensai Racing is using RSXs and TSXs in the KONI Challenge Series.
Badged as a Honda, the DC5 won the British Touring Car Championship
with Matt Neal
in 2005 and 2006, for Team Dynamics
(branded as Team Halfords after the title sponsor).
The racing community has embraced the RSX enthusiastically. Both A2 and A3 versions of the K20 motor have shown a major potential for tuning and surprising durability when exposed to extreme conditions under aftermarket forced induction applications which in recent years became very popular and vastly available among car enthusiasts.
hatchback (191), Pontiac Sunfire
(179), Mitsubishi Eclipse
(169), Dodge Neon
(161), and the Chevrolet Cavalier
4dr (150).
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
(Rally Sportscar eXperimental). It is available in base and "Type-S" models in North America, and a "Integra iS / Integra Type S" and "Type R" version sold in Japan and Oceania
Oceania
Oceania is a region centered on the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Conceptions of what constitutes Oceania range from the coral atolls and volcanic islands of the South Pacific to the entire insular region between Asia and the Americas, including Australasia and the Malay Archipelago...
. However, the "Type R" sold in Oceania is very similar to the "Type-S" sold in North America, and the Integra line naming in Oceania has recently been realigned to be similar with North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n conventions.
Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
had three models: Base (cloth interior, no sunroof, steel wheels with wheel covers), Premium (leather interior, sunroof, alloy wheels) and Type S. In other places, (e.g. Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
) only the base version is available.
This model is the final generation of the Honda Integra
Honda Integra
The Honda Integra is a compact luxury performance coupe made by Honda during the years 1985 to 2006. The sporty front wheel drive car is able to house five passengers with a two door hatch or four door sedan available.The Integra was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list six times, in...
; afterwards production ceased.
The Integra suspension employs MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut
The MacPherson strut is a type of car suspension system which uses the axis of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. It is widely used in modern vehicles and named after Earle S. MacPherson, who developed the design.-History:...
s in the front and double-wishbone suspension in the rear. This engineering decision disappointed some Honda enthusiasts who had come to appreciate Honda's philosophy of employing double-wishbones for both front and rear suspensions. However, the K-series
Honda K engine
The Honda K series engine is a four-cylinder four-stroke engine introduced in 2001. The K series engines are equipped with DOHC valvetrains and use roller rockers to reduce friction. The engines use a coil-on-plug, distributorless ignition system with a coil for each spark plug...
engine proved to have significant potential for tuning, a trait shared with the B-series
Honda B engine
The Honda B-series are inline-4 DOHC automotive engines. They were made in 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, and 2.0 liter variants, with and without VTEC . Later models have minor upgrades including modifications to the intake valves and ports and piston tops, along with individual cylinder oil injectors...
engines previously employed in Integra and certain performance-oriented Civic models. The K-series engine features intelligent VTEC
VTEC
VTEC is a valvetrain system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The VTEC system uses two camshaft profiles and electronically selects between the profiles. It was invented by Honda R&D engineer Ikuo Kajitani, and was the first system...
or (i-VTEC), which electronically adjusts valve lift, valve duration and valve timing, giving the 2.0 L engine a flatter torque curve relative to previous VTEC implementations which only adjusted valve lift and valve duration. All RSX's have timing chains, instead of belts, which evidently reduces maintenance required.
The base RSX has the K20A3 engine with an output of 160 whp and is offered with either an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
; the Type-S has a 200 whp (2002–2004) K20A2 or 210 whp in 2005 K20Z1 engine and a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
. In 2005 the RSX Type-S received camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, 4.7 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese model Honda Integra Type-R.
The Honda Integra Type-R, sold in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
has reduced weight, a 220 PS / 164 kW / 217 hp K20A I4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
engine (Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
-only; Oceania
Oceania
Oceania is a region centered on the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Conceptions of what constitutes Oceania range from the coral atolls and volcanic islands of the South Pacific to the entire insular region between Asia and the Americas, including Australasia and the Malay Archipelago...
models have an engine similar to the Acura RSX-S), as well as a limited slip differential
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
(LSD) and stiffer springs and shocks, 4 piston Brembo brakes, 17" wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
suede seats, body trim, and more.
Engine
2005-2006 Type-S- No. of cylinders: 4
- Bore & stroke: 85.85 mm (3.38 in) x 85.85 mm (3.38 in)
- Total displacement: 1998 cc
- Maximum power: 210 bhp @ 7800 rpm
- Maximum torque: 143 lbft @ 7000 rpm
2002-2004 RSX Type-S (USDM)
- No. of cylinders: 4
- Displacement: 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)
- Compression: 11.7.1
- Power: 200 hp @ 7600 rpm
- Torque: 142 ft·lbf (193 N·m) @ 6900 rpm
- Rev limit: 8400 rpm (USDM RSX-S)
- Redline: 7900 rpm
- i-VTEC engagement: 6000 rpm
2002-2006 Acura RSX (BASE)
- No. of cylinders: 4
- Displacement: 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)
- Compression: 9.8:1
- Power: 160 hp(120 kW) @ 6500 rpm(SAE net J1349 Rev 8/04)
- Torque: 140 lb·ft (190 N·m)* (191 N·m) @ 5000 rpm(SAE net J1349 Rev 8/04)
- Redline: 6700 rpm
- i-VTEC Engagement Window: 5200 rpm
Performance
- 0-60 mph: 7.6 sec (2002-06 BASE)
- 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec (2002-04 TYPE -S)
- 0-60 mph: 6.0 sec (2005-06 TYPE -S)
- Top speed : (drag limited) 136 mph (218.9 km/h)
- Standing 1/4-mile: 15.8 sec(2002-06 BASE)
- Standing 1/4-mile: 15.1 sec(2002-04 TYPE -S)
- Standing 1/4-mile: 14.9 sec(2005-06 TYPE -S) @ 95 mph
- 70 mph-0 mph braking distance : 181 ft (55.2 m) skidpad : 0.86 g
- EPA Fuel Economy: 24 miles per US gallon city/31 miles per US gallon highway
Replacement
Although it had been a relatively strong seller for Honda, the RSX did not fit within the confines of Acura's re-structured market strategy, formulated after the decision to take the Acura brand worldwide (previously, the Acura nameplate has appeared only in North America, elsewhere in the world the same models are sold as Hondas). With the introduction of the similarly powerful and less expensive 2006 model-year Honda Civic SiHonda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is a sport compact / hot hatch version of the Civic built by the Japanese automaker Honda. The Si trim, which stands for "Sport Injected," was introduced for the third generation of Honda Civics in both Japan and North America...
to the marketplace, the decision was made to discontinue production of the RSX, with the final units built in summer 2006. Because of its lower pricing and longer list of available options, Honda considered the new Civic Si to be a more viable choice for performance minded young men, who were the most common buyers of RSXs. The TSX
Acura TSX
-Overview:Named as Touring Sportscar eXperimental. The 2004 model year TSX's powertrain consisted of a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission , and a front wheel drive layout. A five-speed automatic transmission was a no-cost option in the U.S...
would replace the Acura RSX as Acura's entry level nameplate starting in 2007.
Changes from 2004 to 2005
- Revised suspension tuning for increased handling precision and a smoother ride
- Ride height reduced by 7 mm (0.275590551181102 in)
- Optimized damper and spring settings
- Firmer stabilizer bars (front and rear for Type-S, front for RSX)
- Bushings at suspension installation points were optimized
- Inversely wound front coil springs
- Refined steering system for enhanced feel and quicker response
- Swifter steering ratio
- Stiffer steering column
- Pump flow increased by seven percent
- Kickback reduction valve
- Optimized braking system for enhanced stopping power and feel
- Pedal stroke decreased
- Master cylinder diameter increased
- Brake pedal toe rigidity increased
- Larger diameter 17-inch sport design alloy wheels and 215/45R17 all-season high-performance tires
- Body rigidity increased 15 percent in front and 21 percent in the rear through the application of reinforcements at key areas
- Vehicle noise and vibrations reduced
- Engine damper added to front subframe to reduce engine rocking and vibration transmitted from the engine to the cabin
- Insulation material added at key points on doors and roof to reduce road noise
- Side-mirror gaps sealed and weather strip added
- New front and rear bumper designs
- Redesigned headlight and taillight assemblies
- Restyled signature 5-sided Acura grille
- Redesigned side sill garnish
- Four new exterior colors: Magnesium Metallic, Vivid Blue Pearl, Jade Green Metallic, Blaze Orange Metallic
- Freshened interior design
- Deeply bolstered front seats with thicker cushions
- New chrome and titanium-look accents
- Meter faces changed from metallic to white
2005 & 2006 RSX Type-S additional enhancements:
- The engine intake and exhaust modifications that boost the power of the Type-S models to 210 hp at 7800 rpm, compared to 200 hp at 7400 rpm on the previous model.
- The '06 Type S model has the same bhp as the '05 model. SAE HP measurement ratings changed from '05 to '06.
- Higher performance camshafts sourced from the Type-R engine
- Air intake duct enlarged for increased air flow
- Larger diameter exhaust pipes to increase exhaust flow
- Catalytic converter optimized to reduce exhaust back pressure
- Larger diameter front strut tower bar
- Bushings replaced by bearings on strut mount
- Deck lid spoiler
- 6-speed transmission optimized with a lower final gear ratio for quicker acceleration and carbon synchronizers replacing brass on 5th and 6th gears for a smoother shift feel
Gear Ratios for the 2005 & 2006 revision
Gear Ratios
1st Gear - 3.267
2nd Gear - 2.130
3rd Gear - 1.517
4th Gear - 1.147
5th Gear - 0.921
6th Gear - 0.738
Reverse - 3.583
Final Drive - 4.765
Awards
- The RSX was listed among Car and DriverCar and DriverCar and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
magazine's 10 Best listCar and Driver Ten BestCar and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
for 2002 and 2003. - John Lingenfelter Memorial TrophyCar and Driver Supercar ChallengeCar and Driver is home to the John Lingenfelter Memorial Trophy. This award is given annually at their Supercar/Superfour Challenge.* 2001 Winner - 2000 Lingenfelter Twin-Turbo Corvette Stage II* 2002 Winner - 2000 Lingenfelter Twin-Turbo Corvette Stage II...
- Won the September 2005 "Cheap Speed" comparison in Car & Driver in which it was pitted against the Dodge SRT-4Dodge SRT-4The Dodge SRT-4 is a sport compact car manufactured by Dodge from 2003-2005. A turbocharged variant of the Neon, the car was developed by DaimlerChrysler's in house PVO tuner group. PVO was officially renamed SRT in 2004. The "4" in the SRT-4's name denotes the number of cylinders of the engine...
ACR, Subaru Impreza WRXSubaru Impreza WRXThe Subaru Impreza WRX is a turbocharged version of the Subaru Impreza, an all-wheel drive, four-door passenger vehicle. It is available as a sedan or wagon....
, Chevrolet CobaltChevrolet CobaltThe Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced both the Cavalier and the Prizm as Chevrolet's compact car....
SS, and the Saturn IonSaturn IONThe Saturn Ion was a compact car sold by the Saturn marque of American automaker General Motors between the 2003 and 2007 model years. It used the GM Delta platform. The Ion replaced the Saturn S-Series in 2003,...
Redline. - Won the May 2002 "Four Wedges & a Bubble" comparison in Car & Driver in which it was pitted against the Celica GT-SToyota CelicaThe Toyota Celica name has been applied to a series of coupes made by the Japanese company Toyota. The name is ultimately derived from the Latin word coelica meaning "heavenly" or "celestial"....
, Eclipse GTSMitsubishi EclipseThe Mitsubishi Eclipse was a coupe that was in production since 1989 for left hand drive traffic markets. According to Mitsubishi, the car was named after an 18th century English racehorse which won 26 races, and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through...
, Hyundai TiburonHyundai Tiburon-RC :Tiburon first began production in late 1996. It was available in a few foreign markets with engine choices of either 1.6L or 1.8L. In the United States, the Tiburon was first offered in 1997 with base models using the Elantra's 1.8L engine while the upscale FX received a 2.0L four-cylinder...
GT V6, and the VW New Beetle Turbo S. - Won the "2001-2002 Sports Coupe" comparison from Edmunds.com in which it was pitted against the Celica GT-S, VW GTiVolkswagen GolfThe Volkswagen Golf is a small family car manufactured by Volkswagen since 1974 and marketed worldwide across six generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico .The...
, Prelude Type SHHonda PreludeThe Honda Prelude was a sports coupe produced by Japanese automaker Honda from 1978 until 2001. It replaced the Honda S800, a front-engined, front wheel drive sports car...
, Eclipse GTS, and the Mercury CougarMercury CougarThe Mercury Cougar is an automobile which was sold under the Mercury brand of the Ford Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury Division from 1967 to 2002. The name was first used in 1967 and was carried by a diverse series of cars over the next three decades. As is common with Mercury vehicles, the Cougar...
V6. - Won Spike TV's "Autorox" car awards show for tastiest tuner.
- Listed as one of Spike TVSpike TVSpike is an American cable television channel. It launched on March 7, 1983 as The Nashville Network , a joint venture of WSM, Inc...
's top 52 cars of all time. - Won top ten car in SCC in 2004.
Racing
Acura won the Manufacturers' Championship of the SCCA World Challenge Touring Car class in 2006, running both RSXs and TSXs. RSX drivers finished in 5th and 9th in the Drivers' Championship.Kensai Racing is using RSXs and TSXs in the KONI Challenge Series.
Badged as a Honda, the DC5 won the British Touring Car Championship
British Touring Car Championship
The British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s...
with Matt Neal
Matt Neal
Matthew Neal is a British motor racing driver. He won the British Touring Car Championship in 2005, 2006 and 2011. He has also won a European Touring Car Championship race. He is 6' 6" tall, making him almost entirely unable to race single-seaters...
in 2005 and 2006, for Team Dynamics
Team Dynamics
Team Dynamics is a UK-based motor-racing team based in Pershore, Worcestershire; best known for their successes as an independent squad in the British Touring Car Championship, including winning the Overall Drivers title in 2005 and 2006 with Matt Neal...
(branded as Team Halfords after the title sponsor).
The racing community has embraced the RSX enthusiastically. Both A2 and A3 versions of the K20 motor have shown a major potential for tuning and surprising durability when exposed to extreme conditions under aftermarket forced induction applications which in recent years became very popular and vastly available among car enthusiasts.
Safety
Driver deaths fatality risks statistics — published by the IIHS — rated the RSX and 15 other vehicles among the "Highest rates of driver deaths.", The RSX had 202 driver deaths per million registered vehicle deaths, while the average for the RSX class (2-door small) was 134. Other small cars on the list included the Kia SpectraKia Spectra
The Kia Spectra is a compact car produced by Kia Motors between 2000 and 2009.- First generation :- Second generation :...
hatchback (191), Pontiac Sunfire
Pontiac Sunfire
The Pontiac Sunfire was introduced for the 1995 model year as the compact car to replace the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier...
(179), Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a coupe that was in production since 1989 for left hand drive traffic markets. According to Mitsubishi, the car was named after an 18th century English racehorse which won 26 races, and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through...
(169), Dodge Neon
Dodge Neon
The Plymouth/Dodge Neon, sold in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and elsewhere outside the United States as the Chrysler Neon, is a compact front wheel drive car introduced in January 1994 for the 1995 model year by Chrysler Corporation's Dodge and Plymouth brands...
(161), and the Chevrolet Cavalier
Chevrolet Cavalier
The Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact automobile produced from 1982 to 2005 by General Motors. Built on the company's J platform, the Cavalier was one of the best-selling cars in the United States throughout its life.- Predecessors :...
4dr (150).