Another retro coupe becomes an electric SUV as Acura announces the return of the RSX

Carmakers just can’t resist, can they? Everyone wants to bring back names from the past right now, and there’s a particular fondness for plundering the monikers of Nineties and Noughties coupes.

And yep, that’s exactly what’s happening here. See that camouflaged coupe SUV thing up there? That’ll soon be known as the Acura RSX.

The RSX was the US-spec name given to the fourth-gen DC5 Honda Integra, meaning it got a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with various power outputs throughout its life. It was also available with the ‘A-Spec Performance Package’ that added sports suspension, special 17in wheels and the giant rear spoiler from the Integra Type R.

No such spoilers on the new car, sadly. It currently wears a wrap that Acura reckons “emphasises the sleek, coupe-like silhouette with sophisticated patterns that emulate light emerging through the camouflage to convey calmness, strength and inner power". Of course it does. And surprise - it’ll be all-electric. The new RSX will be based on the same platform as the new Honda 0 Series cars and will share the recently announced Asimo OS operating system.

The Acura will be the first EV built at the new Honda EV Hub in Ohio. The EV Hub is being created during retooling of the Marysville Auto Plant, the East Liberty Auto Plant and the Anna Engine Plant, meaning Honda and Acura will be able to build EVs, hybrids and ICE cars in Ohio.

Of course, we must remember Acura has already revived the Integra name for a four-door hatch with the oily bits from a Civic Type R, but what do we think of the use of RSX?