Not sure I agree. Mechanically speaking, going RWD "merely" means a different transmission setup, a driveshaft and a (rear) differential. None of this stuff is new-tech, and it's all readily available from several suppliers if Honda didn't want to fab it themselves. And given that Acura is a low-volume division, they could source some trannies from Jatco or Aisin or ZF or whatever, and diff's readily available from a number of suppliers.

Thing is, Honda is driven by the founder's vision of small, light, economical cars, and Acura itself is a painful exercise for them. They felt forced to create the division for competitive reasons, but then they essentially told it to fend for itself. Internally, Acura is a left-handed stepchild, and it has to beg for scraps at the dinner table.

Funny thing is, since Honda doesn't promote and support Acura like it should, sales are punk, so they are less inclined to throw money at it ... which keeps sales punk ... which ... oh well, you get it. Unless and until Honda gives Acura full support, it will continue to be a closet brand that has to crib parts and design and engineering from its big brother. That being the case, we'll continue to see embarrassing economy among the flashes of brilliance at Acura.