2004 Acura RSX Type S A-Spec (Photo: Honda Canada)

Back in 2003, Acura launched a package for its RSX sports coupe called Factory Performance. The RSX Type S FP featured a lowered suspension with track-tuned shocks and springs, 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels and 225/45VR17 tires and cross-drilled brake rotors with performance pads. All this hardware resulted in sharper handling, minimal body roll, more grip and better braking. In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the FP included an aero spoiler kit, a huge rear wing and specially-badged interior trim.

2004 Acura RSX Type S A-Spec (Photo: Honda Canada)

Enthusiasts could now squeeze more juice out of the Type S without voiding the original warranty. Factory Performance wasn't cheap, though, carrying a sticker price of $4,800 US.

Later on, Acura renamed the Factory Performance package to A-Spec and started to offer it on various models.

As such, the A-Spec package is available on the 2006 RSX Type S in Canada for $4,779.

Visually, the RSX A-Spec looks much racier with the aerodynamic package. When painted in white, it even looks like a reincarnation of the late, great Integra Type R. Unfortunately, the only pictures Honda has available are from 2004 RSX models, but otherwise, the 2006 package should look the same.

2004 Acura TL A-Spec (Photo: Honda Canada)

The package is also available for the TL for $4,789 on automatic-equipped models and includes a lowered suspension with track-tuned shocks and springs, performance brake pads, 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod with 235/40VR18 tires, or decklid spoiler or rear wing (your choice), an aero spoiler kit and A-Spec interior trim and badging. The tab on a manual-equipped car for the same kit save the brake pads is $4,941. Go figure why it's more expensive with a clutched TL, but your local Acura dealer is bound to make up some plausible excuse.

It must be said that Acura offered an A-Spec package on the TL's predecessor, the 2003 3.2TL. It was available only on the Canadian market, not in the United States.

The spoiler kit adds to the TL's already aggressive styling. I believe a decklid spoiler will look better than a rear wing. It will be interesting to see how improved the handling is, with so much power funnelled to the front wheels.

2004 Acura TSX A-Spec (Photo: Honda Canada)

The TSX was the next up to benefit from the A-Spec package. For $4,689, you get a high-performance suspension setup with stiffer shocks and springs, lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/50VR17 tires, an aero body kit, a choice of a decklid spoiler or rear wing, and the usual A-Spec badging.

Not many pictures were published by Honda for the TSX A-Spec. Once again, if offers a racy look without overdoing it. And those alloy wheels look so perfect on this car.