Honda's sporty RS-X: first look

From the marque that mass manufactures not only cars, but motorcycles and even Formula One engines (fast ones, at that), a new model is about to be borne.

Using all of its resources borne from F1 and motorcycle 500GP success, hopes are high for the new RS-X inside the Honda camp.

The new Honda made its debut at the New York Motor Show to much applause. The car goes under the brand Acura in the States, as opposed to Honda. In Australia Honda doesn't have a luxury car brand, like Toyota has Lexus and Mazda has Eunos.

Anyway, we'll refer to it as the Honda RS-X for localisation purposes.

The new vehicle will replace the ageing Integra (and its Type-S counterpart) and has taken styling cues from no one in particular, instead going for an all-new look unlike any other car. The front-end is a little reminiscent of the Ford Cougar, but only from a distance.

The two-door coupe is essentially a sports tourer. It's not as intensely powerful or aerodynamic as the Honda NSX, but then it won't cost $280,000 either.

The RS-X will be available in two variants - the stock RS-X and the more powerful, sports-styled RS-X Type-S.

Both come with a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated mill. Both make use of new-generation i-VTEC technology with VTC or Variable Timing Control. What this means, in laymans terms, is that the engine maintains a higher torque output across a broader range of engine revolutions.

For instance, an older car may have peak torque between 2,500 and 3,000rpm. Take the new RS-X Type-S with VTEC, however, and peak torque is 192Nm across much of the low and mid-range revolutions.

The all-aluminium, 16-valve powerplant creates 191 and 192Nm of torque for the RS-X and Type-S respectively.

However, there is a much more noticable difference between the stock and Type-S power output - 119 and 149kW. This puts the new RS-X Type-S in the league of some of Japan's fastest cars, such as the Subaru WRX and Nissan 200SX.

Honda's are known for their ability to rev higher than most, and the RS-X is no stranger to high revs. The car redlines at slightly more than 9000rpm - not bad considering its powered by a 2.0-litre block.

The standard RS-X comes with either a five-speed manual or (five-speed) sequential automatic transmission. The Type-S features a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox to more effectively put the extra power to the ground.

The new RS-X Type-S will be an audiophile's dream come true, with a Bose six-stack CD-system, six speaker system plus a sub-woofer in the boot. The neighbours will love it.

The car sits nicely (although the car would look much nicer if lowered) on 16" five-spoke alloys. With disc-brakes all round, front and side dual airbags and a three-channel ABS system, the Honda RS-X is jam-packed with all the latest safety features.

The RS-X is to go on sale in the US this July, but no word on a price or an Australian release date. As it will be replacing the Integra, one would expect the pricing to be similar.

The new RS-X is an enticing package, with plenty of power, good looks and safety features normally found in much larger luxury cars. If the price is right when the car arrives on local shores, it could well be another winner for Honda after the hugely successful CR-V and Accord.