2002 Acura RSX Type-S

Both pushing the car hard and sitting copilot alongside Acura race driver Peter Cunningham, we were able to put demands on every element of the car, most of which it will never see in a normal lifetime. The Type-S came out the other side without breaking a sweat (which certainly cannot be said for some of the drivers).

The Type-S 2.0-liter engine produces 200 hp?60 more than the "regular" RSX version. This twin-cammer also meets LEV-II low-emissions standards.

The RSX Type-S receives a potent 200-hp 4-cylinder engine that also produces 142 lb.-ft. of torque. For those keeping score, that's 100 horsepower per liter. The Type-S also receives a close-ratio 6-speed transmission, a welcome addition to this sporty car. We found the shifting of this 6-speed to be precise and solid, unlike a number of sports cars we've driven. A 5-speed automatic is available in the non-S RSX if shifting isn't your favorite chore. Doing our own shifting comes with the territory in sport coupes, but automatics are the rule rather than the exception in the USA. Fortunately, the RSX's automatic is equipped with SportShift manual mode, just in case the urge hits you to select your own gear.


The Type-S engine is an i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), 2.0-liter 4-banger that's at its happiest when revving above 5,000 rpm. While the Type-S doesn't have the power of Honda's S2000 roadster, this RSX lets you know when the camshaft is working its magic. As the engine reaches 5,000 rpm, your back gets nudged into the seat, as if someone were giving you a quick and sudden kick in the behind. This is a telltale sign that the engine is doing exactly what the designers meant it to.


During our drive along city streets and interstates, we quickly noticed that the front MacPherson struts and dual-wishbone independent rear suspension ably soaked up the expansion joints and potholes—just as you would expect a vehicle that wears the Acura "caliper" badge. Equally so, the RSX Type-S handled the tight twisties and the high-speed turns of Roebling Road in superior fashion. We were especially impressed with how firmly we were able to keep our right foot planted on the floor through a series of left-right-left ess turns. Even in this most unsettling time for a vehicle (the transitions from left to right and back), the Type-S held firm. Aiding handling performance is a front strut tower bar and an additional rear performance bar.


Reining the Type-S is a four-wheel disc, 3-channel anti-locking brake system. Large 11.8-inch ventilated discs sit at each front corner and 10.2-inch solid discs are in the rear.