Acura: RSX News
I'm back, biatch.
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Sunnyvale, CA
My guess: RSX will be designed and become a 2 door version of the TSX (and priced near it as well), but will keep the RSX name... and all of us TSX drivers will be drooling over it and trading on our TSXs.
Got Ramen?
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Irvine, CA
i agree the next "RSX" is really the next TSX coupe. With the Civic Si now having 200hp, i believe that car will take the place and replace the current RSX. While the next RSX will move upmarket to match the rest of the lineup.
Kinda like how Infiniti turned the small entry level G20 of the 90's into a midsize G35 performance sedan
Kinda like how Infiniti turned the small entry level G20 of the 90's into a midsize G35 performance sedan
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
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From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Acura RSX News **Removed from Acura Lineup for MY 07 (page 1)**
Moving Upscale - - By KATHY JACKSON | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS - - Source: Autoweek
LOS ANGELES -- Acura will kill the RSX coupe at the end of the 2006 model year.
John Mendel, senior vice president of automobile operations at American Honda Motor Co., says the company is considering replacements for its cheapest vehicle but would not elaborate. Some dealers say Acura will add a coupe version of the TSX.
Elimination of the RSX, Acura's least expensive vehicle by about $8,000, looks like part of Acura's long-term plan to move upscale and separate from sibling brand Honda.
Consumers can now buy a 197-hp Honda Civic Si for about the same price as a base 155-hp RSX.
"The Acura brand has been inconsistent," Mendel said during an interview with Automotive News. "We want to be performance, luxury and technology -- in the BMW area a little bit."
This summer Acura will introduce the small RDX all-wheel-drive crossover, Acura's first vehicle with a turbocharged engine. A redesigned MDX SUV goes on sale this fall with a V-6 engine that Acura promises will deliver more horsepower than any other vehicle in its class.
The base RSX, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine making 155 hp. It is priced at $20,940, including the $615 destination charge.
By comparison, the Civic Si is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine making 197 hp and teamed with a six-speed manual transmission. It sells for $20,840, including shipping.
The RSX was introduced in 2002 and freshened in the 2004 model year. U.S. sales fell 10.6 percent the first three months of this year, to 4,150 units.
By comparison, Acura's best seller, the TL, posted sales of 16,804 in the same period.
Guido Vildozo, automotive analyst with Global Insight in Lexington, Mass., says the RSX needs to go if Acura wants to distance itself from Honda and move upscale. "Where do you position RSX now that Honda has the Civic Si?" Vildozo asks.
Rob Mohr, sales manager for 20 years at Montano Acura in Albuquerque, N.M., says dealers have heard that Acura may add both coupe and convertible models to the TSX sedan, the second-least expensive Acura, which lists at $28,505, including shipping.
But Mohr questions the brand's decision to kill the RSX. He says the inexpensive sticker brought in a lot of customers.
"It's a mistake," he says. "It's a great first car for Acura. We had our chance at the luxury market and blew it. Now we're going to lose a lot of the RSX customers, and I'm not so sure we can get them back."
The RSX is the successor to the Integra, an Acura mainstay in the past. In 1995, for instance, the Integra posted U.S. sales of 61,316.
The Integra outsold the Acura Legend by more than 3-to-1 and accounted for 63.1 percent of Acura sales.
Acura already has learned some lessons about high price tags. The redesigned RL flagship sedan arrived in the fall of 2004 loaded with such equipment as all-wheel drive and a navigation system. The sticker is just shy of $50,000.
But sales are down by more than a third this year. So Mendel says the company will bring out a trim line this summer that will give customers more flexibility with options. He says the vehicle will be priced more in the mid-luxury range.
John Mendel, senior vice president of automobile operations at American Honda Motor Co., says the company is considering replacements for its cheapest vehicle but would not elaborate. Some dealers say Acura will add a coupe version of the TSX.
Elimination of the RSX, Acura's least expensive vehicle by about $8,000, looks like part of Acura's long-term plan to move upscale and separate from sibling brand Honda.
Consumers can now buy a 197-hp Honda Civic Si for about the same price as a base 155-hp RSX.
"The Acura brand has been inconsistent," Mendel said during an interview with Automotive News. "We want to be performance, luxury and technology -- in the BMW area a little bit."
This summer Acura will introduce the small RDX all-wheel-drive crossover, Acura's first vehicle with a turbocharged engine. A redesigned MDX SUV goes on sale this fall with a V-6 engine that Acura promises will deliver more horsepower than any other vehicle in its class.
The base RSX, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine making 155 hp. It is priced at $20,940, including the $615 destination charge.
By comparison, the Civic Si is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine making 197 hp and teamed with a six-speed manual transmission. It sells for $20,840, including shipping.
The RSX was introduced in 2002 and freshened in the 2004 model year. U.S. sales fell 10.6 percent the first three months of this year, to 4,150 units.
By comparison, Acura's best seller, the TL, posted sales of 16,804 in the same period.
Guido Vildozo, automotive analyst with Global Insight in Lexington, Mass., says the RSX needs to go if Acura wants to distance itself from Honda and move upscale. "Where do you position RSX now that Honda has the Civic Si?" Vildozo asks.
Rob Mohr, sales manager for 20 years at Montano Acura in Albuquerque, N.M., says dealers have heard that Acura may add both coupe and convertible models to the TSX sedan, the second-least expensive Acura, which lists at $28,505, including shipping.
But Mohr questions the brand's decision to kill the RSX. He says the inexpensive sticker brought in a lot of customers.
"It's a mistake," he says. "It's a great first car for Acura. We had our chance at the luxury market and blew it. Now we're going to lose a lot of the RSX customers, and I'm not so sure we can get them back."
The RSX is the successor to the Integra, an Acura mainstay in the past. In 1995, for instance, the Integra posted U.S. sales of 61,316.
The Integra outsold the Acura Legend by more than 3-to-1 and accounted for 63.1 percent of Acura sales.
Acura already has learned some lessons about high price tags. The redesigned RL flagship sedan arrived in the fall of 2004 loaded with such equipment as all-wheel drive and a navigation system. The sticker is just shy of $50,000.
But sales are down by more than a third this year. So Mendel says the company will bring out a trim line this summer that will give customers more flexibility with options. He says the vehicle will be priced more in the mid-luxury range.
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern California
"The Acura brand has been inconsistent," Mendel said during an interview with Automotive News. "We want to be performance, luxury and technology -- in the BMW area a little bit."
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
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Consumers can now buy a 197-hp Honda Civic Si for about the same price as a base 155-hp RSX.
Granted, the RSX-S makes about the same power on premium, and costs more.
has been here awhile
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
The RSX has no place in the Acura lineup anymore. I think it's definitely a move in the right direction if Acura plans on moving upmarket. A $20k car has no place in a luxury lineup.
Nice move, Acura. Now, fill the coupe void with something upmarket.
Nice move, Acura. Now, fill the coupe void with something upmarket.
Got Ramen?
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Irvine, CA
Originally Posted by SPUDMTN
The RSX has no place in the Acura lineup anymore. I think it's definitely a move in the right direction if Acura plans on moving upmarket. A $20k car has no place in a luxury lineup.
Nice move, Acura. Now, fill the coupe void with something upmarket.
Nice move, Acura. Now, fill the coupe void with something upmarket.
When Infiniti dropped the G20, it was able to finally move upscale and build a stronger image by making the G35 a true luxury sports sedan. Acura is following suit. Maybe the RSX moniker will be revived in the form of a luxury sports coupe a la CL/Legend... or they'll bring back the CL?
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
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I'd rather see the CL return, but this time as a true G35 coupe competitor, and not just a 2-door TL.
I'm not sure the TSX coupe that is currently rumored to replace the RSX will be something desirable. Someone did a photochop a long time ago on the TSX forum, and a 2-door TSX looked like a Civic coupe.
I'm not sure the TSX coupe that is currently rumored to replace the RSX will be something desirable. Someone did a photochop a long time ago on the TSX forum, and a 2-door TSX looked like a Civic coupe.
Liquid Ice
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,909
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From: Northern Virginia, USA
The current gen TSX won't be a coupe. Assuming the regular 5 year cyrcle, the next gen TSX (aka the Euro/JDM Accord) is scheduled to be released in MY08 for Europe/Japan. We might not get the redesigned TSX until MY09, but I'd imagine it'd be an early release, like a Spring '08 release if Acura did that. The next gen TSX will be the one with a coupe and possibly convertible.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Champaign, Illinois
Integra/RSX didn't necessarily build the brand, but they kept it alive. And this is how American Honda and Acura repay us. No, I'm not saying they can't drop the model. They should be more diplomatic about it, and when I mean diplomatic, I mean they shouldn't sound like a guy when he dumps his girlfriend.
A TSX-based coupe would play with the 3er and upcoming Audi A4/A5 and Lexus IS coupes.
However, a TL-based coupe would be a true midsize semilux coupe, and an AWD, RL-based coupe would be a return to what the Legend Coupe really started.
A TSX-based coupe would play with the 3er and upcoming Audi A4/A5 and Lexus IS coupes.
However, a TL-based coupe would be a true midsize semilux coupe, and an AWD, RL-based coupe would be a return to what the Legend Coupe really started.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Orlando, Fl
Originally Posted by M TYPE X
A TSX-based coupe would play with the 3er and upcoming Audi A4/A5 and Lexus IS coupes.
However, a TL-based coupe would be a true midsize semilux coupe, and an AWD, RL-based coupe would be a return to what the Legend Coupe really started.
However, a TL-based coupe would be a true midsize semilux coupe, and an AWD, RL-based coupe would be a return to what the Legend Coupe really started.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,349
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From: Lower Nazzie, Pa
Originally Posted by biker
The only one that makes sense is the TL based coupe since they have the Accord coupe to draw upon and they have the CL badge ready to use.
I think they need to throw down the gauntlet and build a RWD 2+2 coupe from an extended/updated s2000 platform and equip it with the 3.5L from the RL.
If people want a FWD coupe, tell them to buy an accord coupe or solara.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,349
Likes: 3
From: Lower Nazzie, Pa
Originally Posted by M TYPE X
Integra/RSX didn't necessarily build the brand, but they kept it alive. And this is how American Honda and Acura repay us. No, I'm not saying they can't drop the model. They should be more diplomatic about it, and when I mean diplomatic, I mean they shouldn't sound like a guy when he dumps his girlfriend.
A TSX-based coupe would play with the 3er and upcoming Audi A4/A5 and Lexus IS coupes.
However, a TL-based coupe would be a true midsize semilux coupe, and an AWD, RL-based coupe would be a return to what the Legend Coupe really started.
A TSX-based coupe would play with the 3er and upcoming Audi A4/A5 and Lexus IS coupes.
However, a TL-based coupe would be a true midsize semilux coupe, and an AWD, RL-based coupe would be a return to what the Legend Coupe really started.
I'm not sure the reasoning behind dropping the RSX, but I have 2 different views, depending on the REAL reason.
1) If they are dropping the RSX in order to move the brand image "upscale", then i think it's a bad and unnecessary move. So what if they sell a car as cheap as the RSX...the RSX isn't what's dragging down their top offering RL. there's many reasons for poor RL sales that have nothing to do with the RSX...it seems they just find it convenient to blame the RSX rather than blame themselves for 1) lack of options 2) lack of V8 and 3) lack of RWD or independent platform.
2) If they are dropping the RSX in order to free up resources so they can focus on their higher end offerings, then this is a sensible decision. maybe the money that is freed up by killing the RSX WILL provide resources to justify moving the RL onto its own independent platform for the next generation, or enough resources to justify a more high-po coupe.
But we'll see the results of this "sacrifice" in the coming years. So it will eventually prove that they did it to save "face" for poor RL sales, in which case they still have difficultly penetrating the $50k+ market, or they did it so they can ROCK with new and better appealing products and actually move upmarket.
I'm a llama :(
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Washington
Originally Posted by M TYPE X
Integra/RSX didn't necessarily build the brand, but they kept it alive. And this is how American Honda and Acura repay us. No, I'm not saying they can't drop the model. They should be more diplomatic about it, and when I mean diplomatic, I mean they shouldn't sound like a guy when he dumps his girlfriend.
A TSX-based coupe would play with the 3er and upcoming Audi A4/A5 and Lexus IS coupes.
However, a TL-based coupe would be a true midsize semilux coupe, and an AWD, RL-based coupe would be a return to what the Legend Coupe really started.
A TSX-based coupe would play with the 3er and upcoming Audi A4/A5 and Lexus IS coupes.
However, a TL-based coupe would be a true midsize semilux coupe, and an AWD, RL-based coupe would be a return to what the Legend Coupe really started.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,432
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From: Orlando, Fl
Originally Posted by mrdeeno
I'm not sure the reasoning behind dropping the RSX, but I have 2 different views, depending on the REAL reason.
1) If they are dropping the RSX in order to move the brand image "upscale", then i think it's a bad and unnecessary move. So what if they sell a car as cheap as the RSX...the RSX isn't what's dragging down their top offering RL. there's many reasons for poor RL sales that have nothing to do with the RSX...it seems they just find it convenient to blame the RSX rather than blame themselves for 1) lack of options 2) lack of V8 and 3) lack of RWD or independent platform.
2) If they are dropping the RSX in order to free up resources so they can focus on their higher end offerings, then this is a sensible decision. maybe the money that is freed up by killing the RSX WILL provide resources to justify moving the RL onto its own independent platform for the next generation, or enough resources to justify a more high-po coupe.
.
1) If they are dropping the RSX in order to move the brand image "upscale", then i think it's a bad and unnecessary move. So what if they sell a car as cheap as the RSX...the RSX isn't what's dragging down their top offering RL. there's many reasons for poor RL sales that have nothing to do with the RSX...it seems they just find it convenient to blame the RSX rather than blame themselves for 1) lack of options 2) lack of V8 and 3) lack of RWD or independent platform.
2) If they are dropping the RSX in order to free up resources so they can focus on their higher end offerings, then this is a sensible decision. maybe the money that is freed up by killing the RSX WILL provide resources to justify moving the RL onto its own independent platform for the next generation, or enough resources to justify a more high-po coupe.
.
It's very simple and has been said already - Civic Si with 197HP for the same price.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,349
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From: Lower Nazzie, Pa
Originally Posted by biker
It's very simple and has been said already - Civic Si with 197HP for the same price.
The last generation TL-S had 260hp and started at slightly less than $30k, the v6 accord EX stepped all over its toes with 240hp for a few bucks less. They didn't KILL the last gen. TL when they updated the Accord and it stepped all over the TL's toes...they just moved the TL upmarket for the next generation.
No reason why they can't do this with the RSX...the civic SI steps all over the RSX's toes, but the RSX is due for a next generation anyway. The natural step would be to move the RSX uplevel in both price and power with the next generation.
but they are not doing this, they are KILLING it like the killed the CL, not giving it a hiatus to come back as a new generation. And unlike the CL, the RSX was usually a decent seller.
Like I stated before, the results can be good or the results could be bad, but we won't find out for several years.
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,677
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Originally Posted by mrdeeno
No reason why they can't do this with the RSX...the civic SI steps all over the RSX's toes, but the RSX is due for a next generation anyway. The natural step would be to move the RSX uplevel in both price and power with the next generation.
Maybe they are being honest - for brand image, and not sales power, they're getting rid of the RSX moniker. Look at the MDX, they could've easily labeled that the SLX, but that thing was such a miss they'd rather have a completely new SUV to overshadow any memories of it. While the RSX was a decent seller, it just doesn't do anything for the brand image-wise. But I don't see them giving up the 2K per month that the RSX usually brings in. I do think we will see another entry level coupe in the Acura lineup later - one that will indeed be more uplevel than the RSX, but without carrying its name.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,349
Likes: 3
From: Lower Nazzie, Pa
Originally Posted by phile
Maybe they are being honest - for brand image, and not sales power, they're getting rid of the RSX moniker. Look at the MDX, they could've easily labeled that the SLX, but that thing was such a miss they'd rather have a completely new SUV to overshadow any memories of it. While the RSX was a decent seller, it just doesn't do anything for the brand image-wise. But I don't see them giving up the 2K per month that the RSX usually brings in. I do think we will see another entry level coupe in the Acura lineup later - one that will indeed be more uplevel than the RSX, but without carrying its name.
Acura thought the brand image would be lifted by switching from names to alphanumerics in the 90's. So rather than focusing on "product", they got rid of the Legend name and gave us the last gen. RL which did nothing for the brand image. The Integra was regarded highly, and they got rid of the name and replaced it with the RSX, yet it continues to be highly regarded because of the product, not the name.
I agree that they will replace the RSX with a different "named" model, and the success of that model will depend on the product and not the name.
That's why I question why they are "killing" the RSX rather than moving it upmarket. I think the marketing guys are too caught up on this name thing and convinced the company to drop the RSX "name" because it's holding the brand back.
In the end, if they give us a compelling replacement, no matter what the name, it will move the brand upmarket. If they give us a mediocre and "compromise-car" as a replacement, it'll bring the brand image down. If they continue to give consumers products that ACURA wants, rather than giving consumers the products CONSUMERS want, then that will bring down the brand.
The reason that they give us may not be false, but I don't see it as being the entire truth either.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 148
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From: Now in Denver
The reason is not the type-S but the non s models which just sit since the Civic has arrived. The sport four concept is the future entry level for the brand. They will have a coupe version of that.
Photography Nerd
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21,489
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From: Toronto
Originally Posted by Stevens24
The reason is not the type-S but the non s models which just sit since the Civic has arrived. The sport four concept is the future entry level for the brand. They will have a coupe version of that.
