Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUVs
Detroit Auto Show: Honda unveils Acura RDX prototype
The Acura RDX prototype SUV debuted today at the Detroit auto show. Taking a leaf from the Hyundai Talus concept playbook, the RDX is intended to combine sport utility with sports sedan performance, albeit in a more conventional package.
Featuring Acura's first turbocharged engine, a 2.3-liter four putting out 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and Acura's "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" (SH-AWD), Acura hopes that the production version of the car, due out this summer, will redefine the entry premium SUV segment.
More pictures, and the official press release follow the jump.
Official Press Release:
Turbocharged Acura RDX Prototype Debuts at North American International Auto Show
Sporty SUV features Acura's First-Ever Turbocharged Engine and Super Handling-AWD
DETROIT 01/09/2006 -- The highly anticipated Acura RDX Prototype SUV debuted today at the North American International Auto Show. Combining sport utility with sports sedan handling and performance, RDX features an innovative 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)), and is designed to redefine the entry premium SUV segment. This near-production prototype provides an advance preview of the all-new RDX that will go on sale this summer.
Related Videos
"The RDX Prototype represents the forward thinking that will be seen in the next generation of Acura light trucks," said John Mendel, senior vice president, Auto Operations. "It is loaded with leading edge technology and it exemplifies what we call intelligent performance: a sporty, luxurious and functional SUV that has outstanding performance yet is also fuel efficient."
RDX features an all-new 2.3-liter i-VTEC(R) four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 240 horsepower and 260 lbs-ft of torque. This is the first application of forced induction technology in Acura history. The revolutionary i-VTEC Turbo technology uses a variable flow turbocharger, which is exclusive to the RDX, and provides dramatic performance benefits while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. To complement the all-aluminum high-performance engine, the RDX utilizes Acura's steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to manually operate the 5-speed sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission.
Acura's Super Handling-AWD system is tuned specifically for the new RDX platform. SH-AWD's sophisticated electronic controls automatically distribute torque fore and aft, as well as splitting the rear torque left to right. The result is dramatically enhanced handling, traction and stability during sporty driving as well as in inclement weather. A sophisticated chassis with fully independent front and rear suspension complement the SH-AWD. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)) combines with large disc brakes and ABS to enhance control.
The RDX is built on an all-new global light truck platform. Reflecting Acura's commitment to safety through innovation, the RDX is equipped with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure and additional state-of-the-art safety features. The ACE structure helps to disperse collision forces over a larger frontal area. The system also helps to provide enhanced protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time increasing compatibility with other vehicles in a frontal collision. Front, side and side curtain airbags, in addition to rollover sensors add an extra measure of safety.
The chiseled exterior styling combines with a generous greenhouse to provide excellent visibility for driving in city traffic or on twisty mountain roads. RDX employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, sporty wheel flares and a substantial hood that flows down from the windshield to an aggressive Acura signature five-sided grill. Custom 19-inch alloy wheels give the RDX Prototype an aggressive stance. Dual exhaust tips, HID headlights, and a rear spoiler add to the sporty appearance of the vehicle.
Inside, the RDX combines richly appointed materials with a sporty, driver-oriented cockpit. The center console features an innovative storage system, which allows for hidden and lockable storage of a briefcase or laptop computer. The prototype's interior features an assortment of leading-edge technologies, such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system with real time traffic and HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface. A premium Acura/ELS(TM) DVD-Audio system is tuned to deliver rich surround sound to the cabin.
The RDX offers seating for five and a versatile rear cargo hatch allows for easy load-in and storage. The second row seats split and fold flat into the floor, providing ample cargo space for an active, on-the-go lifestyle.
The RDX will be assembled at Honda of America Manufacturing in Marysville, Ohio and will go on-sale in the summer of 2006. Pricing has not been determined.
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tintin 7:45PM (1/09/2006)
This car is gorgeous!!
i cannot wait to see it on the showroom and to know what the official price is!
Reply
wyatt 8:00PM (1/09/2006)
looks a whole lot like the bmw x3, especially in the rear-right side view
Reply
Joel A 8:01PM (1/09/2006)
Oh, just great. Now I've got ANOTHER SUV to consider for my future vehicle. (So far I have the Nissan Murano, the Mazda CX-7, Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, Lexus RX, Buick Enclave....)
Reply
TL 8:24PM (1/09/2006)
WOW a An Acura without copious amounts of plastic in the engine bay
Reply
ebm14 8:34PM (1/09/2006)
This car will also lay the foundation for the next Honda Cr-V. It will also be built in Ohio along side the RDX with less features knowing that Honda caters to a lower social-economic group of buyers. I just hope the new Cr-V offers the same type of dash set up as seen in the new Civic.
Acura also has to keep the price of this new SUV under the current MDX sticker, so expect somewhere between $ 24-33K, but this is just my guess.
Reply
Za 8:36PM (1/09/2006)
I'd get it over an RX.
Reply
Joel 8:49PM (1/09/2006)
Is a stick too much to ask? (I'm talking to you too, Mazda) :-)
Reply
Joel 8:51PM (1/09/2006)
Oops, that should have been a :-(
Reply
Sid Ghosh 8:55PM (1/09/2006)
Agreed, Joel.
Reply
Ernie Kelly 8:56PM (1/09/2006)
Looks like a Subaru B9 Tribeca on steroids. Not that it's a bad look, but it isn't original. I'd bet it'll be more reliable than the Subie, though.
Reply
bert 11:39PM (1/09/2006)
How wonderfully bland, uninspiring, unoriginal, and not unique. Definately Honda.... oh wait, ACURA. Sorry, I forgot how much more wonderful Acura is than Honda, you know like somehow its not the same company. But at least its supposedly reliable and after all, thats the important thing. A good, reliable, me-too blender to use till you get tired of it... which I don't think would take long for obvious reasons.
Reply
RT 12:21AM (1/10/2006)
Well, I'm just about sold. I'm probably going to put down a deposit at my local Acura dealer in the next week. (so long as it's refundable, of course).
I still want to see what the mileage is, how much cargo room it has, and what the price is, of course, but this has just leapt to the top of the heap for me, along with the A4 avant.
I'm guessing 19's won't be standard on the production version. That's fine; 18's will be plenty big
The interior is nice.
Four non-major disappointments for me:
The nav isn't a touch screen like the MDX has. I guess Acura is going to put the RL's knob throughout their line.
It would have been nice if they put in a 6-speed auto.
I been a fan of the TL's gauges, and these don't seem to be much better.
Paddles are nice, but I actually prefer the dedicated fake-manual gate.
Three nice touches:
The audio system has an aux in. You can see it in one of the interior shots at acura.com
The steering wheel looks quite grip-able.
The metal-look trim looks nice and reminds me of that in the Infiniti M.
Reply
Dan 1:14AM (1/10/2006)
I'm torn beween the Audi A3 3.2 and the RDX. My wife wants us to get me a small SUV to complement her MDX. I think the A3 is a hoot to drive with the DSG transmission but the RDX is at the top of the list of other possibles. Is anyone else considering the A3 too?
The RDX has all the goodies, butt warmers in the seats, HID lights, SH-AWD. Does anyone think Acura might break up all these features into pakages?
I wish they could have got the power up to 275hp.
Reply
iamhoff 3:55AM (1/10/2006)
Sweet. When will it be in showrooms and how much do I write the check for? It looks great, inside and out, and it lacks one design feature that so many manufacturers are going for...the "tilted" rear quarter window on an SUV/CUV/sportwagon. I think the first one I saw was on the Pontiac Vibe. The biggest seller currently is the Murano. And the new Rav4 and Mitsu Outlander are also doing it. Has anybody tried backing out of a parking spot next to a larger wagon, SUV, minivan, etc.? With that stupid window tilt, it is a half-step off of impossible to see oncoming traffic. I had a Murano as a service loaner and really liked the way it looked and drove, up to that point. I will not consider a car with that design element for just that reason.
Reply
hans 6:19AM (1/10/2006)
first off there is no way this sells for 24k. try 32k.
at 24k , it would be a honda, not to mention this car probably costs more to make than a tsx which already costs 28k.
all ic an say is i want that engine and drive train in my tsx. if they have that in the next tsx i am buying it.
Reply
jmac 10:12AM (1/10/2006)
I put a deposit down last week, sight unseen. The contract shows I will pay MSRP plus Destination. Duh...Picked color of White as a placeholder. Told me May delivery.
Reply
jmac 11:06AM (1/10/2006)
P.S. - My Dealer told me I was number 12 on the list of depositors.
Reply
scalz 3:33PM (1/10/2006)
Would it kill Honda to add an option for Sirius instead of XM... Toyota does it.
Reply
Doug Grattan 6:58PM (1/10/2006)
That thing is awesome ! I am going to be the first one in the neighborhood with one ! I will get mine at Clair Acura !
Reply
BBR 10:00PM (1/10/2006)
And look - they borrowed the rear end from the Tribeca!
Reply