Here's a bit of surprising information from Acura themselves about the highly anticipated next generation Integra. Acura seems to be settling on calling the car to be shown at the Detroit Auto Show, the RS-X prototype. Their press release
verbiage follows.
Featuring a bold new look and advanced engine technology, the RS-X prototype provides consumers with an early glimpse of on an all-new Acura production vehicle coming later in the 2001 calendar year. The new model will serve as the replacement for the Integra in Acura's growing line of performance-minded luxury vehicles.
The three-door, four-passenger RS-X combines aggressive styling, exceptional aerodynamics and a wide, muscular stance to communicate its serious sporting intentions. Exterior styling highlights include extremely short front and rear overhangs, slim A- and B- pillars, and a sharply-chiseled front fascia featuring Acura's signature five-sided grille flanked by large, four-lamp headlights. The production version of the RS-X will also be the first model in North America to be powered by the company's next-generation series engine with i-VTEC technology.
It also confirms much of what has been said about the upcoming Acura TL Type-S:
The 3.2 TL builds on its position as the best-selling luxury sedan in the U.S. with a host of enhancements for the 2002 model year including a new, high-performance Type S model boasting 260 horsepower -- the highest output of any vehicle in its class.
All 3.2 TL models receive a number of styling changes for 2002 including new front end styling with a more aggressive front grille, reshaped headlights and a cleaner, more integrated taillight treatment. An Acura/Bose music system with 6-disc in-dash CD player is standard on all 2002 TL models.
Additional enhancements to the Type S include the adoption of Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, larger 215/50R 17-inch tires, a unique alloy wheel design, metallic-face instrument panel, perforated leather seats and steering wheel, and Type S shift knob. Numerous suspension refinements further enhance the Type S model's sporty character.
The rest of the press release is at the link. Please contact us if you will be going to the Detroit Auto Show on January 8th.
As for
the picture, we are trying to get a larger one for you. We will be discussing
the RS-X and TL Type-S on the VTEC.net BBS.