The Acura RSX Type-S is an exceptional car with a difficult job – to fill the shoes of the respected Integra which it replaced in July 2001. Upon its release, after-market suppliers began the frantic development and production of parts and accessories to allow owners to customise their vehicles. Whilst modifications can increase both style and fun, this can often be at the expense of the manufacturer’s warranty, as well as mechanical reliability.
Having realised that 40% of their RSX sales were for the Type-S, Acura took the decision, in 2002, to introduce their own range of factory-fitted performance modifications. Following the example set by Honda, the idea was to offer owners the chance to take the performance of their Type-S to the next level without encountering the pitfalls outlined above. In 2004, Acura introduced the name ‘A-Spec’ to signify its performance upgrade package, helping to feed enthusiasts’ demand for top class sporting machines.
The A-Spec package
The RSX Type-S is capable of 200 bhp, and features a smooth six-speed gearbox. For the real petrolhead, the ‘A-Spec’ package builds upon this already impressive performance, enhancing the fun and performance of the Type-S. The package includes stiffer springs and shocks, lowering the car by around and inch. Also included are upgraded 17 x 7 ˝ inch multi-spoke alloys, featuring higher performance rubber tyres.
The sport-tuned suspension offers improved cornering ability, although the understeer, which was a prominent feature of the unmodified Type-S, is still present. However, the A-Spec version allows for oversteer on quick switchbacks, unlike its standard sibling. The A-Spec version has a more stable, road-hugging feel than the normal Type-S, yet this is achieved without too much sacrifice of ride quality.
No upgrade package would be complete without customisable elements, and this is true of the A-Spec. To help make each model as distinctive as possible, Acura offer a colour-matched front air dam and trim kit, as well as an optional rear wing. Inside, a metal gear knob is offered, as well as several different badging combinations. the overall result is an aesthetically pleasing vehicle which, whilst lowered, manages to avoid the usual pitfalls of underbelly damage. Nevertheless, owners should be careful in car parks and over speed humps, as scraping can still be an issue.
The RSX Type-S A-Spec package is available at an additional cost of around $4,000-$5,000, not inclusive of dealer installation charges. The bonus is that, for those who cannot afford the upgrade at the time of purchase, it is available as an after-market option. In the higher price bracket, Acura also offer the A-Spec package for the TL. Either way, the result is an Acura which is edgier, features improved handling, and still has its warranty intact.
Having realised that 40% of their RSX sales were for the Type-S, Acura took the decision, in 2002, to introduce their own range of factory-fitted performance modifications. Following the example set by Honda, the idea was to offer owners the chance to take the performance of their Type-S to the next level without encountering the pitfalls outlined above. In 2004, Acura introduced the name ‘A-Spec’ to signify its performance upgrade package, helping to feed enthusiasts’ demand for top class sporting machines.
The A-Spec package
The RSX Type-S is capable of 200 bhp, and features a smooth six-speed gearbox. For the real petrolhead, the ‘A-Spec’ package builds upon this already impressive performance, enhancing the fun and performance of the Type-S. The package includes stiffer springs and shocks, lowering the car by around and inch. Also included are upgraded 17 x 7 ˝ inch multi-spoke alloys, featuring higher performance rubber tyres.
The sport-tuned suspension offers improved cornering ability, although the understeer, which was a prominent feature of the unmodified Type-S, is still present. However, the A-Spec version allows for oversteer on quick switchbacks, unlike its standard sibling. The A-Spec version has a more stable, road-hugging feel than the normal Type-S, yet this is achieved without too much sacrifice of ride quality.
No upgrade package would be complete without customisable elements, and this is true of the A-Spec. To help make each model as distinctive as possible, Acura offer a colour-matched front air dam and trim kit, as well as an optional rear wing. Inside, a metal gear knob is offered, as well as several different badging combinations. the overall result is an aesthetically pleasing vehicle which, whilst lowered, manages to avoid the usual pitfalls of underbelly damage. Nevertheless, owners should be careful in car parks and over speed humps, as scraping can still be an issue.
The RSX Type-S A-Spec package is available at an additional cost of around $4,000-$5,000, not inclusive of dealer installation charges. The bonus is that, for those who cannot afford the upgrade at the time of purchase, it is available as an after-market option. In the higher price bracket, Acura also offer the A-Spec package for the TL. Either way, the result is an Acura which is edgier, features improved handling, and still has its warranty intact.
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