then they can name it the integra again... i wish

i really think it'd be a better idea to move the integra over to honda, especially if they're really going to attack this youth-segment thing, like scion. if acura wants to keep a coupe of some sort, they'd be better off creating a car that's more like the 3 series coupe. more of a sedan, less of a wedge-shaped sports car (like the RSX is). an RSX/integra type of car isn't typically associated with luxury, at least in my opinion

 

i dont know what exactly will happen with the RSX. turning it into a honda sounds good on paper, only IF the price is kept low. if not, it will meet the same fate as the prelude. i'm pretty sure honda will be conservative in terms of power with the new civic. 1.8 liter 140 hp for the ex model sounds reasonable, K18 anyone?? i doubt a sporty model will reappear soon but when(if it even does in this generation), i wouldn't expect more than a 180 hp 2.0 liter, besides the type r of course. i'm guessing the RSX will soldier on for at least 3 more years, just as the integra did, just to milk it for what its worth. the design of the 2006 civic does look very promising though, it looks like they want it to be on top in terms of design instead of just being there like the current generation. it seems like it will have a very uplevel feel to it, from what i can tell in the pics.

 

I really don't see the need for the RSX anymore if they would do a proper Civic Si coupe with some serious power and some added luxuries. 220 horsepower K series engine, suede sport seats, navigation optional on all civics - standard on the Si, power everything, and there you have it.....bye bye RSX.

 

revhappy said above "i dont know what will happen" but no one here except perhaps those American Honda people combing the boards to check on what's being said.
And they won't tell you.

I can picture the RSX going upscale along with Acura. They could cut it too.
It depends what American Honda management wants Acura to do of course.
They run the show as much as they can given products from Japan as well as whatever manufacturing capacity they have in North America to make vehicles from the Accord and Odyssey platforms (TL and MDX).

If the RSX stays around and goes upscale, I don't see it conflicting too much with the new Si (we need more details on what the new Si will do first, of course).

If the RSX is dropped AND its JDM model line (Integra) is also dropped, then the stage would be set for something new.

I think it would be in Honda, Nissan, and Toyota's interest, once the coupe market regains strength in the US again (fair chance of that happening; I don't see it completely dying off) and also in Japan and other world markets (where Eurotrash hatchback boxes and sedans are more on order) ...

... in their interest to revive the Prelude, Silvia, and Celica nameplates which have historical, performance, and aspirational value for those who don't or can't afford to buy a luxury performance coupe or don't need or want a midsize family coupe. I say that the Celica is totally rooted in some 1970s/1980s or that the Prelude and Silvia are rooted in some 1980s/1990s context is a valid argument but not necessarily true.

In any case, as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota become more US-oriented you will see fewer imports from Japan and hopefully that doesn't mean that sporty import compact coupes are dead. The yen is currently 102-103 to the dollar as of Friday. Yuck.
Does that inspire Nissan to develop a new RWD platform when they already have cut down so that no model really has its own exclusive platform AND their plants are running so lean that a small steel shortage cuts production for a week? Does it inspire Toyota to do anything other than chase the middle-aged middle market with plethoras of Camrys, Highlanders, and Siennas? And Honda seems more focused on making the Civic and Accord even more mainstream (is it possible?) - bigger, faster. Honda's past and also the need for them to have some kind of affordable less-than-total-luxury specialty coupe to maintain street cred means they're in the best position.

So perhaps the 2006 Si is where it all ends, versus whatever model Scion currently runs (the tC now, perhaps something else later because Toyota stated they consider the models to be disposable).

It's not like Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Subaru have enough resources to put together honest coupes. They're focused on convertibles, weirdo rotary-powered pikachus, and rally boxes. Yuck! Mazda is on a tight leash held by Ford, Mitsubishi is falling and intends to spruce up the Lancer/Galant further (limited Ralliart trims) and Subaru I think has issues with pressures from GM, new design directions, and a deer-in-the-headlights boardroom situation with the Impreza. What to do with it? It's fairly successful right now. If they make it bigger, it's not much different than the Legacy.

Is this mike still on? oops.

 

Logic among Honda enthusiasts states the "Integra" would be better off as a Honda.
Demographics state that the RSX helps bring younger people into the showroom that will later move up and buy other, more expensive Acura models.

 

I'm taking my car in Friday for a checkup. They said I'll get a loaner car. It could be any AT Acura. Schweetness City!

I'm a badge snob. :chuckles:

 

At our dealership we use TL's and TSX's.

 

There is a new Civic sketch at MagX, a Japanese membership site.
You still can see a small pic and it looks very similar to the spy pics from 4Car

The front doesn't look like a TSX but rather a Japanese Odyssey...

http://www.mag-x.com/index_ie.html

Hit the Japanese tab at the upper right side of the page for the current Japanese edition

 

Uh, this thing?

 

I believe so - it looks very similar to the spy pics i have seen - can you make the pic any bigger?