Built to Drive Harder This Acura TSX Wagon Gets a Serious Refresh

Meet the Build: Eric’s Slammed 2012 Acura TSX Wagon

Eric, R1 Concepts’ very own video specialist, recently brought in his 2012 Acura TSX Wagon for a much-needed brake upgrade. While it’s not an ambassador car or a customer ride, this slammed wagon is fully equipped with Advan wheels, Yokohama tires, a Yakima roof box, and sits low on TEIN coilovers. With a road trip to Lake Tahoe on the horizon—800+ miles round trip—brake performance was non-negotiable.

The R1 Concepts Brake Setup

To handle both the long highway stretches and twisty canyon roads en route to Lake Tahoe, Eric and Rex (from R1 Concepts) chose a reliable yet performance-focused setup:

• R1 eLINE Silver Series Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors
  These rotors are engineered for everyday use but built with performance in mind. The slotted design improves brake bite and dissipates heat more efficiently than factory rotors, while the zinc coating helps prevent rust and corrosion.
• R1 OPTIMUM OEp Series Brake Pads
  Designed as a direct OEM replacement with performance enhancements, these pads deliver clean, quiet stops without sacrificing durability. Perfect for daily drivers that need dependable stopping power in all driving conditions.

Pro Tip: If your car’s brake pedal feels soft or your stopping distance has increased, it’s time to consider an upgrade—especially before a road trip!

Road-Tested and Approved in Tahoe

After over 800 miles of mixed driving (freeway, urban, and canyon), the verdict was clear:

“The eLINE slotted rotors and OEp pads did amazing for daily driving. The brake pedal felt firm, the response was on point, and I had no issues at all.” – Eric, R1 Concepts

This setup delivered confidence, safety, and comfort, even with a fully loaded vehicle and elevation changes.

Shop the Setup

Thinking about upgrading your own daily? Here’s what Eric used:

• R1 eLINE Silver Series Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors
• R1 OPTIMUM OEp Series Brake Pads

Both are ideal for commuters, road trippers, and anyone looking to enhance brake feel without going full race-spec.

Final Thoughts

At R1 Concepts, we’re about more than just high-performance brakes—we’re about building confidence behind the wheel. Whether you’re driving a slammed TSX wagon or a family SUV, we’ve got a solution tailored for your ride.