American collaboration on the Acura RDX
Autoweek has an enlightening article on the development process that took place during the design and testing of the Acura's RDX CUV. Specifically, how the turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, a first for Acura in the U.S., came to fruition.
As the lone American engineer on the team, Gary Evert, explains why the turbocharger is having a renaissance within the halls Honda/Acura, how he battled fervently for a specific kind of power delivery for the cute 'ute and why the aesthetics of a hood scoop had to be shot down before they took flight.
The highlight of the interview has to be when Evert disclosed the late night testing procedures him and his colleagues used to enjoy while prowling the streets of Southern California. The turbocharged mill was stuffed into a grey Accord wagon for drivability evaluations, but the large bulge in the hood proved to be too conspicuous and many a late night drags took place.
An interesting read that's well worth the effort it takes to click "Read."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul 1:13PM (8/10/2006)
not lone engineer, it should read token.
there is no reason for Honda to need an american on the team except for PR purposes.
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risingsun 1:25PM (8/10/2006)
Then why was the Ridgeline designed almost exclusively by American engineers, Paul?
Mr. Evert was the CHIEF engineer on the RDX, if you bothered to read the article. He wasn't some token brought in. If you read the article, you will see that he has credentials:
"Evert, who has spent five of his 18 years with Honda working in Japan, considers his leadership role on the RDX a career highlight.
Evert earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington in Seattle. He recalls graduating on a Friday and joining Honda the next Monday.
He has worked in Honda's chassis group in Japan; was body project leader for the Acura CL car in Ohio; was manager of the body group in Ohio; and was assistant project leader for the Element SUV in Ohio."
Your comment was totally off base and had nothing to do with the article.
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Drewboy 1:33PM (8/10/2006)
I really liked reading the story. If what he said was true, I'm glad he had his input into the vehicle. I would not like it if it had a hoodscoop, or if it had the turbo the Japanese wanted in it, according to him.
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robino 1:34PM (8/10/2006)
If he was a token American on the team, they would not have implemented his advice. If he dissuaded them from adding a hood scoop and convinced them to smooth out the turbo, then he made some real contributions. My experience with the Japanese is that they are excellent listeners who value the input of others. My problem with Japanese bashing is that it is unfair to a people who in general like and admire Americans. Disagreements over what we like and don't like about cars and their manufacturers is one thing, but we shouldn't forget that in the international arena, Japan has been a good friend and ally.
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aliasfox 1:52PM (8/10/2006)
robino - Being able to forgive past and future transgressions (on all sides) is a virtue we should all espouse, especially if the guilty party learns from their mistakes. However, I would generally consider all sides foolish if they were to forget said transgressions. Japan may be a good friend and ally, but they haven't always been.
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robino 2:15PM (8/10/2006)
aliasfox - I agree completely. I think the relationship with Japan has evolved to the point where mutual respect should be the norm. Japan bashing is as distatseful as American bashing. BTW I am a Canadian.
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jjaxon 2:16PM (8/10/2006)
#1 Paul.. what a moron you are... why do you dislike americans? go back to iraq or some where where you fit in....
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jjaxon 2:18PM (8/10/2006)
#2 risingsun... well the ridgeline is nothing to be proud of thats for sure... a sissy looking half car half station wagon...
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KT 3:36PM (8/10/2006)
That's probably the only Acura I think is ugly. I've heard about it but first time I've seen it. It seems I read somewhere that this is supposed to base in the low-mid 30k range. That's pricey for this Subaru-ish Acura.
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jimbo 8:27PM (8/10/2006)
One American Engineer at Honda? From all of their commercials it sounds like there are more like 1000. Where do all of these American's work at Honda anyway? What kind of jobs are they doing? Is Honda touting tens of thousands of jobs that are just factory workers. Are they all sweeping the factory floors or what? What about the good paying careers? Are you saving them for the Japanese only?
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_spike 2:57PM (8/11/2006)
To #1 and #7, both of you are idiots so please shut the hell up!
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