OVERVIEW
The bodywork of the RSX leaves no doubt in the minds of
beholders:
clearly, this is a car designed for the driving enthusiast.
From its rakishly angled hood to its broad stance, deep chin spoiler, combination headlights, and sleek, wind-cheating lines, the RSX says "speed" even when standing still. Yet the car's dramatic presence derives every bit as much from function as from form. Compared with the Acura Integra, the sleek RSX boasts a drag coefficient improved by 4 percent-making the RSX the most aerodynamic coupe in its class. In addition, the RSX's coefficient of lift is less than the Integra's.
Contoured window glass in the doors and quarter panels helps the RSX slip effortlessly through the air-and also provides exceptional visibility for all occupants. In front, unique headlights lend a distinctly "Acura" look to the nose, while neatly integrated cylindrical taillights accent the rear. A smoothly integrated liftgate raises easily to reveal a spacious cargo hold.
Inside, the stylish RSX cockpit has been carefully crafted to meet the needs of spirited drivers. A wide instrument pod with large, metallic-face analog gauges surrounds the driver. Deeply sculptured seats provide excellent comfort and support during cornering maneuvers. A thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel offers exceptional comfort and fits the driver's hands like a racecar wheel.
Upscale features abound. Standard conveniences include an Automatic Climate Control System, power windows and outside mirrors, a keyless entry system with engine immobilzer, and two premium audio systems: a 6-speaker system with in-dash CD player (RSX), and a 7-speaker Acura/Bose® Music System with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and cassette player (Type-S). Rich leather seating surfaces are also available (standard on Type-S).
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) have been reduced thanks to an exceptionally rigid structure, extensive sound insulation, and extremely tight fit-and-finish tolerances
Body And Interior At A Glance
Styling
- Sleek, dramatic bodywork with a broad stance, sharply raked hood, deep chin spoiler, and compound curved window glass
- Cabin-forward silhouette
- Short overhangs front and rear
- Class-leading aerodynamics
- Signature 5-sided Acura grille
- Flush 4-pod headlights
- Neatly integrated taillights
Interior
- "Driver-oriented" cockpit design
- Large, easy-to-read analog instruments
- Stylish, contemporary shapes and materials
- Small-diameter, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel
- Abundant luxury features, including automatic climate control system, power windows, power door mirrors, and keyless entry system
- Premium audio: 6 speakers with in-dash CD player (RSX); 7-speaker Acura/Bose® Music System with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, cassette (Type-S)
- Deeply bolstered seats available in cloth (RSX) or hand-selected perforated leather (optional on RSX; standard on RSX Type-S)
Quality And Refinement
- High degree of torsional and bending rigidity
- Tightly controlled noise and vibration
- Computer-designed structural reinforcements
- Significant reductions in body-panel fit tolerances
NVH Control
- Extensive sound insulation
- Melt sheets added to the floor to reduce interior noise
- Urethane foam seals roof-pillar cavities
- Newly developed door-trim seals
Comfort/Utility
- Generous interior head, leg, shoulder, and hip room
- Heat-rejecting window glass
- Spacious cargo area (16.0 cubic feet)
- Large glove box and abundant storage bins and pockets
- Easy-access liftgate with reduced lift effort
Corrosion Resistance
- Double-sided galvanized steel in all high-corrosion areas
- Anti-chipping primer applied to leading edges of hood and fenders
- PVC and wax sealer applied to underbody
EXTERIOR STYLING
The RSX features an aggressively styled front end, a
broad-shouldered
stance, and a cabin-forward posture. A neatly integrated liftgate
affords easy access to the rear cargo area, while the smoothly
bowed
door and quarter-panel glass contributes to superb visibility and
outstanding aerodynamics.
Short overhangs front and rear add to the lean, purposeful appearance, while clever packaging provides abundant cabin room for the driver and passengers. New combination headlights and a five-sided grille lend the RSX a decidedly "Acura" face.
The 2003 RSX is available in eight colors: Taffeta White, Nighthawk Black, Redondo Red Pearl, Satin Silver Metallic, Desert Silver Metallic, Eternal Blue Pearl (RSX only), Premium White Pearl (Type-S only), and Arctic Blue Pearl (Type-S only).
PRECISE FIT AND FINISH
With the combination of new manufacturing techniques at the
Sayama
factory in Japan and the advanced design system, the fit
tolerances
of the RSX are extremely precise. The bumpers, door and
tailgate
openings, and body panels-all reflect an entirely new level of fit
and finish. The result is a more solid and integrated
appearance, one
befitting the RSX's sophisticated image.
UNIT BODY STRUCTURE
To provide the best-possible ride, handling, safety, and NVH
control,
the RSX unit body was designed for maximum torsional rigidity
without
excess weight. To accomplish this, Acura engineers performed
extensive computer analyses using the NASTRAN
stress-analysis
program. Then, in creating the final structure, the engineers
specified a high percentage of lightweight yet strong high-tensile
steel-and further enhanced rigidity using numerous strategically
placed reinforcements. The result: the RSX is 35 percent better
in
bending rigidity and 116 percent better in torsional rigidity than
the Integra it replaces.
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
The engineers of the RSX set out to create an automobile of
outstanding quietness and refinement. To reduce
high-frequency road
noise, for instance, the RSX features carefully developed
door-trim
seals. Further reducing noise are a new styrofoam-molded cover
over
the spare tire, noise-insulating carpet, asphalt-based melt
sheets in
the floor and trunk areas, gap-sealing urethane foam in the front
pillars, and a dashboard insulator to isolate the cabin from
engine
noise.
CURVED WINDOW GLASS
For the doors and quarter-panels of the RSX, Acura engineers
opted
for subtle, compound-curved glass that both improves the car's
smoothly integrated look and enhances its aerodynamic
performance.
INTEGRATED HEADLIGHTS
The face of the RSX has a decidedly Acura appearance, thanks
in part
to new headlight system that incorporates four lamps-low beam,
high
beam, turn signal, and position light-into a multi reflector and
side
reflex reflector behind a single clear lens. At the rear, neatly
integrated taillights complement the sporty image of the
headlights.
CABIN OVERVIEW
The roomy interior of the RSX has been carefully designed to
meet the
needs of driving enthusiasts while also providing comfort and
amenities for all passengers. A bold, driver-oriented instrument
panel delivers critical vehicle information at a glance while also
lending a decidedly racy air to the interior. Deeply sculptured
seats
offer ample support and comfort. Standard cabin luxuries include
an
Automatic Climate Control System, power windows, a keyless
entry
system, and premium audio systems. Rich fabric with simulated
suede
is standard in the RSX, while hand-selected leather is available
as
an option (standard on Type-S). For exceptional versatility, the
RSX
is equipped with 50/50 split-folding rear seats that greatly extend
the cargo capacity of the cargo area.
INTERIOR STYLING
The RSX is a driver's car. Large, analog gauges are arrayed in a
pod
that angles toward the driver. A thick, leather-wrapped steering
wheel begs to slice up a mountain road. All controls are in easy
reach. Stylish materials lend a sporty, even slightly aggressive
flavor to the cabin environment. Above all, the RSX cockpit is
highly
personalized, outfitted with controls designed for rewarding
tactile
feedback and shapes that enhance the "driver's machine"
theme.
SEATS
The solid, deeply sculptured front bucket seats of the RSX are
built
to provide exceptional support during even the most enthusiastic
driving. Deep side bolsters provide superb lateral support during
hard cornering maneuvers, while firm back and bottom cushions
stabilize occupant posture and deliver excellent support during
acceleration. Integrated headrests contribute to the sporty,
functional appearance of the front seats.
In back, the RSX is equipped with comfortable 50/50 split-folding seats and, between them, a convenient storage tray for sunglasses and other small items.
Cloth inserts with simulated suede trim are standard on the RSX, with sporty hand-selected perforated leather available as an option. On the Type-S, the perforated leather is standard.
INSTRUMENTATION
During the day, the large, analog gauges of the RSX appear as
easy-to-read black numerals on titanium-tone metallic
backgrounds. At
night, however, the gauges are backlit in red providing excellent
acuity while also adding a touch of drama to the cockpit.
Furthering
the racy feel of the instrument panel are "zero-angle" pointers
that,
like the needles in many race car gauges, point straight down to
the
six o'clock position when at rest.
MATERIALS
The materials found in the RSX cockpit were carefully chosen to
create a stimulating yet luxurious driving environment. Wrapping
the
instrument panel is a unique, rubberized geometric-grain
material
that feels soft to the touch yet has a warm, "high-tech" look.
Flush-surface panel-joint areas reinforce the high-quality
appearance, while metallic-finished panels on the dash accent
the
interior and enhance the advanced look. Rich fabric with
simulated
suede trim adorns the seats in the RSX, with handsome
perforated
leather available as an option. On the high-performance Type-S,
the
perforated leather is standard, enhancing ventilation and
accentuating the car's sporty demeanor.
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
For year-round comfort and exceptional convenience, the RSX is
equipped with a standard high-efficiency Automatic Climate
Control
System. Operated by three large, easy-to-use dials on the dash,
this
integrated system delivers best-in-class cool-down performance
with
minimal power consumption A host of atmospheric sensors
provide
highly accurate, fully automatic operation; the system can also
be
easily overridden manually using the dashboard controls.
Heat-rejecting window glass helps improve the efficiency of the
climate control system. Air flowing from the dashboard is
expelled
through stylish "fin-type" round outlets.
To help ensure a clean, pollutant-free cabin environment, the Automatic Climate Control System is complemented by a standard air filtration system that traps dust and other airborne particles before they can enter the cockpit. The filter, conveniently located behind the RSX's glove box, can be easily replaced without the need for tools.
AUDIO SYSTEMS
Standard on the RSX is a premium 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with in-dash CD player. Each of the six speakers has been carefully located to optimize the unique acoustics of the RSX cabin. Complementing two dash-mounted tweeters are four side-mounted speakers that utilize rare earth, neodymium magnets for authoritative bass response and high output levels with extremely low harmonic distortion. An antenna etched into the tailgate glass provides excellent radio reception without the breakage concerns of conventional pole antennas.
On the Type-S, the standard-equipment list features a high-power Acura/Bose® music system custom engineered for the acoustics of the RSX cabin. The Bose system in the Type-S automatically adjusts tonal balance so that the listener hears natural sounds at all volume levels
The unique system couples a sophisticated AM/FM head unit with an integrated 6-disc in-dash CD changer and cassette player with seven speakers, including a low-frequency Bose Richbass™ woofer, strategically placed for optimum sound quality throughout the vehicle. The RSX's exclusive Bose Richbass woofer, cleverly located in the spare tire well to help maximize available space, dramatically increases volume in the low-frequency range. Two 1 _-inch tweeters mounted in the dash and four 6 _-inch wide-range speakers located in the doors and rear panels work with the woofer to help provide full stereo sound for all occupants. The Acura/Bose system also uses a printed radio antenna in the rear window for a clean exterior appearance.
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM / ENGINE IMMOBILIZER
A standard keyless remote entry system allows the doors and
rear
hatch to be unlocked by pressing a button on the key fob. A
"panic
button" on the keyless remote, when pressed, activates the
security
siren and flashes the headlights to summon assistance in an
emergency.
The keyless entry system on the RSX works up to 30 feet away from the vehicle. By using electromagnetic keyless control and frequency modulation, as well as an anti-copying system for the transmission code, the keyless entry signal is highly resistant to "cloning."
Complementing the keyless entry system is a standard engine-immobilizer system. A special electronically coded key prevents the car from being started-even if a mechanical duplicate of the key is used. A transponder, built into the key, signals the immobilizer control unit that the key is genuine. If the car is hot-wired, or an unauthorized key is used, the engine will not start.
In addition to its standard engine-'immobilizer' system and copy-resistant keyless entry system, the RSX is equipped with several other notable anti-theft features. The inside door lock knobs are recessed when locked, making it extremely difficult to unlock the doors with a prying tool. A new plastic cover around the lock area deflects "slim jim" type mechanisms from being used to force the door lock.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
For the ultimate in convenience and versatility, the RSX is
equipped
with a long list of handy features as standard equipment. These
include:
- An "Auto-up" power driver's window, which raises the window with a single press of the window switch (an auto-reverse system halts the window if an obstruction is detected) and "auto-down"
- Intermittent windshield wipers
- Large glove box allows storage of letter-size papers
- Multi-function center console with integrated cup holders and hidden, sliding storage tray
- Dual door pockets: one for CDs or letter-sized papers, one for concert tickets or other small items
- Integrated door grips with soft center pads and elbow-rest areas
- Lightweight and removable rear cargo cover
- Rear center tray for sunglasses and other small items
LIFTGATE/CARGO AREA
The integrated liftgate of the RSX makes for easy cargo loading,
while a generously sized 16.0-cubic-foot cargo area provides
enough
room to hold two large suitcases or two 9-inch golf bags even
without
folding down the rear seats. With both seats folded down, cargo
room
grows to 25.3 cubic feet-enough to accommodate extra-large
items such
as bicycles.
The RSX liftgate itself has been optimized with a damper mechanism and additional inner handle that makes it easier to open and close. A lightweight rear cargo cover is integrated into the liftgate for easy loading and unloading.