Acura RSX Prototype Debuts Honda Asimo EV Platform

Acura RSX previews Honda’s push into software-defined EVs

Acura has brought back the RSX as a bold, all-wheel-drive electric crossover prototype that doubles as a milestone for Honda’s EV strategy.

The RSX will be the first production vehicle to use Honda’s new global EV platform and the debut host for Asimo, Honda’s proprietary in-house operating system announced earlier this year.

Asimo will control core vehicle functions, receive over-the-air updates, and underpin future Honda Zero models — signaling a move away from reliance on third-party EV platforms.

Acura is showing the RSX prototype at Monterey Car Week, and Honda plans to assemble it at its Ohio EV Hub alongside the Integra starting in the second half of 2026.

Design cues nod to past performance models — a full-width rear light, assertive front fascia, and a coupe-like fastback silhouette hinting at performance intent — but Acura is holding back on specs like range, battery size, and price.

One notable capability: bidirectional charging. The RSX prototype can act as a mobile energy unit to power appliances or a home, a feature automakers and utilities are increasingly building into EV roadmaps.

Why this matters: moving to an in-house OS and a unified platform turns vehicles into software platforms that evolve after purchase. That creates new opportunities — and new risks — around OTA updates, cybersecurity, supplier roles, and lifecycle revenue.

For suppliers, the shift means rethinking components as updatable modules. For dealers and OEM production teams, it changes validation and service processes. For fleet operators and utilities, bidirectional charging opens vehicle-to-grid and resilience use cases.

The RSX prototype is a clear signal: Honda intends to own more of the software stack and its future revenue streams. Expect more models on the platform, including the Honda Zero series and future 'NSX-type' EVs.

Key takeaways and next steps for industry players:

• Plan OTA and software lifecycle architecture early — updates will define product longevity and customer experience.
• Reassess cybersecurity across supply chains as vehicles become centralized OS platforms.
• Evaluate energy and grid integration opportunities for bidirectional charging and resilience services.
• Align manufacturing and validation processes to support continuous software updates and modular hardware.

Acura’s RSX prototype is a statement more than a spec sheet. It tells us how Honda plans to compete: by owning the software experience, enabling new services like home backup power, and building a production footprint ready for the next generation of EVs.

For companies facing this software-first automotive era, the priorities are clear: build robust OTA systems, secure the stack end-to-end, and design hardware with updateability in mind. Those who move first will shape customer expectations and aftermarket revenue streams.

QuarkyByte’s analysis approach pairs technical assessment with operational planning — from cybersecurity and OTA governance to energy-integration business cases — helping organizations turn prototype signals into executable programs.