Quick Highlights:
- RSX Prototype makes its first public appearance at Monterey Car Week.
- First Acura EV developed entirely in-house — no GM parts under the skin.
- Debuts Acura’s new ASIMO OS infotainment and driver-assist platform.
- Built in Ohio alongside the Integra at Honda’s new EV Hub.
- Aimed squarely at Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer EV buyers.
If there’s one place you don’t show up unless you’re ready to turn heads, it’s Monterey Car Week. Acura got the memo. The brand has just pulled the cover—well, a shadowy teaser shot—off its RSX Prototype EV, a sharply cut electric SUV that marks a turning point for the company. It’s officially set to arrive at dealers in the second half of 2026 as a 2027 model year vehicle.
This new RSX isn’t just going after familiar names like the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer EV — it’s jumping into a crowded, exciting luxury EV field alongside the Volvo EX30, Rivian R3, Kia EV3, Tesla Model Y, and even Honda’s own 0 Series. And it’s interesting because Acura’s first EV, the ZDX, actually shared some roots with a few of these competitors. Now, with the RSX, Acura is ready to make its mark.
Not Another ZDX
When Acura rolled out the ZDX, it was a capable first step into the EV market, but insiders knew it was riding on GM bones. The RSX Prototype is a clean break from what came before. This is Acura’s first model on its in-house electric platform, something they’ve never done before. The result is the freedom to design and engineer without compromises tied to someone else’s architecture. It also revives the RSX nameplate from the early 2000s two-door hatchback, though the new SUV shares nothing mechanical with its predecessor.
Under the skin, it’ll also launch the brand’s new ASIMO OS, a proprietary operating system shown off at CES 2025. Think of it as Acura’s digital brain — controlling everything from driver-assistance features to infotainment, with over-the-air updates baked in.
Styling with Purpose
The design team didn’t just borrow cues from the Performance EV Concept; they toned them down just enough for production reality without losing the drama. The nose carries Acura’s “beak” front fascia, framed by slit-thin DRLs and an illuminated badge that’s impossible to miss at night. Earlier camouflaged prototypes also revealed a full-width taillight, coupe-like proportions, and a subtle ducktail spoiler. From the rear three-quarter view, a steeply raked roofline and subtle ducktail spoiler give it more coupe than crossover vibes.
It’s less shouty than the concept, but make no mistake: this thing still has presence.
Built in the Heart of America
When production kicks off in the second half of 2026, the RSX will roll out of Honda’s EV Hub in Ohio — the same flexible line that builds the Integra. More than 90 percent of Acura’s lineup is already American-built, and the RSX will keep that streak alive. Honda’s EV Hub will also serve as the birthplace for future Acura and Honda EVs built on the same in-house platform.
Drawing the Battle Line
By choosing Monterey Car Week for the debut, Acura isn’t hiding its ambitions. This is a prestige stage — the kind of place you bring a car you believe can steal oxygen from established rivals. The RSX is aimed squarely at the same luxury-EV shoppers currently gravitating toward the Lyriq and Blazer EV, with Acura betting its mix of Japanese precision, American build quality, and a clean-sheet platform will be enough to tip the scales.
The prototype’s full reveal will happen before the end of the week, but one thing’s already clear: the RSX isn’t just a new model. It’s Acura planting a flag in contested territory — and daring Cadillac and Chevrolet to come and take it.
Do you think the Acura RSX Prototype EV can take on the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevy Blazer? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Sources: Acura
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