The Acura RSX is a Japanese performance sports car, which was also known as the Acura RSX in North America. It is available in base and "Type-S" models in North America, and a "Integra iS / Integra Type S" and "Type R" version sold in Japan and Oceania. However, the "Type R" sold in Oceania is very similar to the "Type-S" sold in North America, and the Integra line naming in Oceania has recently been realigned to be similar with North American conventions.
Canada had three models: Base (cloth interior, no sunroof, steel wheels with wheel covers), Premium (leather interior, sunroof, alloy wheels) and Type S. In other places, (e.g. Hong Kong, Singapore only the base version is available.
This model is the final generation of the Honda Integra; afterwards production ceased.
The Integra suspension employs MacPherson struts in the front and double-wishbone suspension in the rear. This engineering decision disappointed some Honda enthusiasts who had come to appreciate Honda's philosophy of employing double-wishbones for both front and rear suspensions. However, the K-series engine proved to have significant potential for tuning, a trait shared with the B-series engines previously employed in Integra and certain performance-oriented Civic models. The K-series engine features intelligent VTEC or (i-VTEC), which electronically adjusts valve lift, valve duration and valve timing, giving the 2.0 L engine a flatter torque curve relative to previous VTEC implementations which only adjusted valve lift and valve duration.
The base RSX has the K20A3 motor with an output of 160 hp (120 kW) and is offered with either an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission; the Type-S has a 200 hp (150 kW) (2002–2004) K20A2 or 210 hp (160 kW) in 2005 K20Z1 motor and a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission which has been linked to many technical problems with inside components such as synchro and gears 3 and 5[citation needed]. In 2005 the RSX Type-S received camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, 4.7 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese model Honda Integra Type-R. Another major change made to the inline VTEC-i engine was the use of a timing chain rather than a timing belt, which reduced maintenance needs.
The Honda Integra Type-R, sold in Japan has reduced weight, a 220 PS / 164 kW / 217 hp (162 kW) K20A I4 engine (Japan-only; Oceania models have an engine similar to the Acura RSX-S), as well as a limited slip differential (LSD) and stiffer springs and shocks, 4 piston Brembo brakes, 17" wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro suede seats, body trim, and more.>
