LEAKED: Is this the 2010 Acura RDX?
2010 Acura RDX leaked images - Click above for gallery
The first shots of what is allegedly Acura's pending 2010 RDX have hit the web, and unsurprisingly, the small performance crossover appears to have received the Japanese automaker's controversial corporate shield-shaped grille. Other changes to the restyled nose include dramatically reshaped fog lights, restyled bumper air inlets with matte black surround, and so on.
Out back, from what we can see from the limited photographs shown here, hexagonal exhaust outlets have taken up residence (the old pipes were round), and there appears to be an aggressive new rear bumper fascia with a more stylized surround to the exhausts and a mesh insert.
In addition to the tweaked front end, website SatoAuto reports that the upcoming RDX will also mark the availability of a new two-wheel drive version (front-drive, presumably) to give buyers a less costly, more fuel-efficient alternative to the current Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) model. The website says the new package features revised gearing and is expected to weigh about 200 pounds less than the grips-at-all-paws version – good news considering that package only manages 17 miles-per-gallon city and 22 on the highway in the 2009 model.
Inside, new available features on the sporty crossover include USB iPod integration, Bluetooth audio, a revised backup camera with guide lines, ambient lighting, and so on. For buyers who don't opt for the navigation system, there's apparently a new stand-alone option for a reverse camera that displays what's behind the vehicle through the rearview mirror. Finally, those who do plump for the navigation system will get AcuraLink Real-Time weather, dynamic traffic routing, and an enhanced XM satellite radio.
The rest of the 2010 RDX's drivetrain figures to be unchanged, SatoAuto says, so count on the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder returning with 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque as before. Check out the not-so-high-res gallery and then click on the link.
Gallery: 2010 Acura RDX Leaked Images
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[Source: SatoAuto]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
VW GTi 5:01PM (7/14/2009)
I sure hope not. Acura front ends have become ugly. I like the rest of the cars, though. You just can't look at the front end.
Reply
merlot066 5:22PM (7/14/2009)
It's a shame, the TL is a sick looking car from the side, but the front and rear just ruin the whole thing. I guess they haven't had a problem selling them if they would continue to spread the ugly shield to other models (although Toyota doesn't have a problem selling Camrys... so I guess ugly is the new black?)
James 6:43PM (7/14/2009)
Acura has really lost it.
Taglane 5:03PM (7/14/2009)
Hell yes it is the RDX, and hell yes this is the official end of Acuras ever regaining respect.
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dwightB 6:26PM (7/14/2009)
No RWD, no V8, and they launched three years before Lexus AND Infiniti. So no, they don't deserve any respect, lol.
thomas 8:42PM (7/14/2009)
because what we need right now are RWD sedans.
i have to admit, the shied is slowly growing on me.
the trick is, you have to stand back and look at the whole car. if you're too close you stare at the shield like a bug at a bug light.
The ZDX and (if it really is) the RDX pull it off best i think. the TL could use a tweak though.
at the very least its distinctive...
thomas 8:42PM (7/14/2009)
because what we need right now are RWD V8 powered sedans.
i have to admit, the shied is slowly growing on me.
the trick is, you have to stand back and look at the whole car. if you're too close you stare at the shield like a bug at a bug light.
The ZDX and (if it really is) the RDX pull it off best i think. the TL could use a tweak though.
at the very least its distinctive...
dwightB 8:50PM (7/14/2009)
thomas, Lexus and Infiniti have been giving us V8 powered, RWD sedans (and later coupes) since 1989! Don't try to excuse Honda's lack of ambition with gas mileage expectations that came TWO DECADES later.
Now, please remove your foot from your mouth and go about being an idiot elsewhere...
Taglane 9:10PM (7/14/2009)
dwightB: lmaoooooooo
Thomas: I know what you mean, but the car is still much better when you don't see it. On another note, I saw a Maroon TL with a Color Keyed nose and it looked pretty decent.
But it wasn't elegant as say- a CTS or A4..even a CC. Honda needs to step up their game.. style-wise, because they have a whole field of ugly designers just waiting for their abominations to be put into production. Styling intrigues me first, and Honda's has me scared for the children. Maybe RWD will change my mind, eh? *hint hint*
Rob 1:36AM (7/15/2009)
Hard to argue with Dwight - but no need for name calling!
jinsei888 5:05PM (7/14/2009)
the new Acura X5 RAV4 Edition? Yes.
Reply
David 8:32AM (7/15/2009)
My thoughts exactly: first-gen Rav4, and that's not compliment to anyone!
Rick 5:08PM (7/14/2009)
So they've officially screwed every car they make now? That was the last one not dishonored with that metal shield crap?
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petee209 6:58PM (7/14/2009)
the funny part is the metal shield is made out of plastic.
Jon 5:10PM (7/14/2009)
I did not think it was possible for the RDX to get any fuglier.
I was dead wrong...
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ASEVENSEE4 7:12PM (7/14/2009)
Seriously. The previous RDX was no looker, but this is just plain worse.
JDM Life 9:23PM (7/14/2009)
LMAO !!!
dead wrong...
Other Man 5:10PM (7/14/2009)
Do I even have to call them ugly anymore? You just know ....
Excellent cars, but I can't get past styling gaffes like that.
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audi_arena 6:24PM (7/14/2009)
I've actually been hearing from a lot of past Acura owners that the new products have taken a step backward. I've had several customers tell me that they loved thier TL/MDX but when they went to drive the new one they hated it.
futurama 8:31PM (7/14/2009)
i believe the new ones at least driver much better, not to mention hugely improved interior. what not to like? unless you really dislike the new exterior styling.