Beyond the SUV Trend: Acura's Enduring Passion for Performance
The Shifting Landscape of Acura's Portfolio: A Decade in Review
Next year, after a decade of presence in the U.S. market, Acura is set to discontinue the TLX sedan, including its acclaimed sporty Type S variant. This follows the cessation of NSX sports car production in 2022, after a brief resurgence. Consequently, the Integra stands as the sole remaining "car" in Acura's current lineup, highlighting a noticeable contraction in its traditional passenger car offerings.
Leadership's Vision: Sedans and Sports Cars are Here to Stay
However, this trend is not indicative of Acura's long-term strategy. In a recent discussion during Monterey Car Week, Katsushi Inoue, Honda's Chief Officer for Automobile Operations, underscored the enduring significance of sedans and sports cars within the Acura brand identity. He articulated that while SUVs are vital for core business, differentiation from competitors necessitates the continued development of sporty body styles, asserting that SUVs are not the sole focus of their vision.
The Electric Horizon: RSX and a Potential New Sports Car
This strategic announcement coincides with Acura's plans to reintroduce a celebrated nameplate as an electric SUV, the RSX. Unlike previous electric models, the RSX will utilize Honda's innovative in-house EV platform and is slated for production alongside the Integra at the Marysville, Ohio, facility, effectively succeeding the TLX sedan. Expected to hit the market around 2026, the RSX represents Acura's commitment to electrification. Furthermore, earlier indications from executives in the previous year pointed to a new performance vehicle, potentially an "NSX-type" electric sports car, projected for release in 2027 or 2028. While the current slowdown in EV development introduces some uncertainty, such a vehicle would likely leverage the advanced, efficient battery technology and platform underpinning the new RSX, with more information anticipated in 2026.