In the first of many pre-introductions, Acura and Honda have pulled the curtains away from several concepts and production vehicles the twin brands will show at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Acura will debut its RS-X sports coupe prototype, while Honda will show a concept vehicle called "Model X."

Featuring a bold new look and advanced engine technology, the RS-X prototype provides consumers with an early glimpse of an all-new Acura production vehicle coming later in the 2001 calendar year. The new model will replace the Integra, one of Acura’s stalwarts during its history. The three-door, four-passenger concept combines aggressive styling, exceptional aerodynamics and a wide, muscular stance to communicate its serious sporting intentions. Exterior styling highlights include extremely short front and rear overhangs, slim A- and B-pillars, and a sharply-chiseled front fascia featuring Acura's signature five-sided grille flanked by large, four-lamp headlights. The production version of the RS-X will also be the first model in North America to be powered by the company's next-generation series engine with i-VTEC technology.

The Honda Model X was conceived at the inaugural X Games in San Diego in 1998 and is targeted at young male buyers. The concept was developed by Honda R&D Americas and designed at the company’s Los Angeles Center.

"Model X is all about versatility and function," said Tom Elliott, American Honda executive vice president. "It combines the best features of a pickup truck with the best features of a sports utility vehicle, and adds a college dorm for good measure. It’s designed to provide everything you need for the ultimate road trip."

Obviously then the Model X includes a good-looking date, a credit card with no spending limit and a lifetime supply of Oreo cookies.