MANHATTAN: Honda Canada sounded the final death knell for the popular Integra name at the NY auto show this week by announcing that it would replace the current Acura model later this year with the 2002 RSX sports coupe.
They will market the RSX in two iterations -- Premium and Type S, which is now the official designation for all of Acura's sporty models. All models will be well equipped, Honda Canada promises, up to and including leather interiors. Both RSX models get new engines.
RSX Premium is equipped with a 16-valve, DOHC 2-litre inline-4 i-VTEC engine that produces 160 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum engine mates to either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic.
The Type S gets a twin-cam, 2-litre inline-4 that produces 200 horsepower and 142 pound-feet of torque. An all new close-ratio 6-speed manual is the transmission for the RSX Type S.
Both engines use the new i-VTEC system that combines VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) with a new VTC (Variable Timing Control) that continuously adjusts camshaft phasing for enhanced torque, horsepower and efficiency across a broad power band.
According to Richard Jacobs, Honda Canada public relations manager, Acura went to special trouble "to meet the demands of driving enthusiasts. Specifically, they developed all-new suspension and steering systems for handling precision, cornering grip and a controlled ride.
They will market the RSX in two iterations -- Premium and Type S, which is now the official designation for all of Acura's sporty models. All models will be well equipped, Honda Canada promises, up to and including leather interiors. Both RSX models get new engines.
RSX Premium is equipped with a 16-valve, DOHC 2-litre inline-4 i-VTEC engine that produces 160 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum engine mates to either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic.
The Type S gets a twin-cam, 2-litre inline-4 that produces 200 horsepower and 142 pound-feet of torque. An all new close-ratio 6-speed manual is the transmission for the RSX Type S.
Both engines use the new i-VTEC system that combines VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) with a new VTC (Variable Timing Control) that continuously adjusts camshaft phasing for enhanced torque, horsepower and efficiency across a broad power band.
According to Richard Jacobs, Honda Canada public relations manager, Acura went to special trouble "to meet the demands of driving enthusiasts. Specifically, they developed all-new suspension and steering systems for handling precision, cornering grip and a controlled ride.