Acura to Revamp its Lineup Starting in 2012

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Acura along with its parent Honda have been hurt hard this year by the earthquake in Japan, but sales are slowly starting to improve since production is finally starting to return back to normal levels. In the next year or two Acura is planning on revamping its lineup, which will see the release of new models and a less polarizing design language.

We’ve heard rumors about the revival of the small RSX and it’s being reported again that Acura is going to revive the name for a new entry level model that will compete with the Lexus CT 200h, Audi A3 and BMW’s upcoming front-wheel-drive models. The RSX is expected to make a comeback in the spring of 2013 and will be built on the Honda Civic platform. It will be powered by a 210 horsepower version of the Civic Si’s 2.4L engine. An RSX sedan is expected to launch first with a coupe coming in 2015.

In addition to the new RSX, Acura is also going to revamp its crossover lineup with a new RDX coming in the summer of 2012 and a new MDX in the fall of 2012. The next RDX is expected to ditch the current turbocharged four-cylinder that will be replaced by a 2.5L four-cylinder, with a hybrid four-cylinder as an option. The next MDX is also expected to get an optional hybrid version.

Acura’s sedan lineup will see changes as well. The TSX is rumored to disappear after 2013 due to the fact that it’s already close in size to the TL. The next TL, which got a refresh for the 2012 model year will likely get a redesign in the fall of 2013. It is expected to be a little smaller to give the RL more breathing room in the lineup. There will be a new RL, which is expected to launch in late 2012.

Will the NSX return? Honda President Takanobu Ito claims that it is in the works, but don’t expect to see anything before 2014.

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