And just as when Jensen squeezes the brake pedal in his Formula 1 BAR Honda, the RSX Type S will pull to a halt with

The powerful front and rear, antilock disc brakes will pull the RSX Type S to a halt with near surreal rapidity. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

near surreal rapidity. The powerful front and rear, antilock disc brakes require minimal effort for most applications. In fact at slow speeds they felt a little on the sensitive side for my liking. Perhaps I just lack sensitivity, but I want to feel the pedal beneath my size 10s. When needed though, the binders come on instantly and predictably, producing safe, stable emergency stops - clearly in accordance with the ideals described by Hyato Mori. The ideal of "safety" has only been partially met, mind you. As standard equipment, both the RSX and RSX Type S receive dual-stage, driver and front passenger airbags, along with driver and front passenger side airbags, combined with a front occupant protection system. All four seating positions are equipped with 3-point seatbelts and the front seatbelts go

For a car touted as a sports coupe, it is surprising that traction and stability control are not unavailable. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

a step further by adding load limiting and pretensioning technology. All of this crash protection is admirable, but unfortunately the RSX shortchanges when it comes to crash avoidance. Traction and stability control are unavailable; given that Acura hypes this car as a sports coupe featuring racecar performance, the absence of such technology is disappointing to say the least and not in keeping with the noted ideal. It's understandable that such technology wouldn't be wanted on the racetrack, or at least anything less than F1, but in the real world, where the RSX will be driven, such driver aids save lives.