We
saw the RDX concept at the Detroit show a few months ago and here in NY Acura debuted the production version of its BMW
X3 fighter. The RDX houses underhood Acura’s first ever turbocharged engine (a 2.3L i-VTEC four-cylinder that
generates 240 hp and 260 ft-lbs. of torque) as well as the brand’s trick Super Handling All-Wheel Drive hardware.
The RDX can be had with paddle shifters for the 5-speed auto, an Acura/ELS premium sound system capable of playing
DVD-Audio discs and a nav system with real time traffic monitoring.
After the jump we’ve got TONS
more pics and Acura’s full press release.
Turbocharged Acura RDX Debuts at 2006 New York Auto Show
All-New Entry Premium SUV features Super
Handling All-Wheel Drive
NEW YORK, April 12, 2006 –The all-new 2007 Acura RDX Entry Premium SUV, made
its production debut at the New York Auto Show today. RDX combines Acura’s first-ever turbocharged engine
with the breakthrough Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™), for sports sedan-like handling in a SUV
package.
“The all-new RDX is an exciting entry to the Acura light truck lineup for 2007,”
said John Mendel, senior vice president, auto operations, “The RDX’s innovative powertrain coupled with
SH-AWD provides this SUV with excellent fuel economy and outstanding performance.”
The RDX is aimed at
high-energy urbanites that spend the work week in the confines of the city, and then decompress on the weekends by
getting away from it all. Regardless of where they go, these drivers expect the ultimate in responsiveness,
control and adaptability.
Built on a new global light truck platform, the RDX concept was first designed in
California and then developed in Japan. Besides featuring precedent-setting engineering features including
Acura’s first turbocharged and intercooled engine and the first adaptation of a SH-AWD™ system to an SUV,
the RDX also offers Acura’s first standard 18-inch wheels and tires.
True to form for Acura, the
RDX incorporates a class-leading array of sophisticated electronic technologies that are seamlessly integrated to keep
its passengers informed, entertained and in touch. The RDX also introduces new safety technologies based on the
fundamentals of Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative.
As Acura’s
first Entry Premium SUV, the RDX was the focal point of the development of a special powertrain that would blend
4-cylinder efficiency and 6-cylinder power. The ideal solution came in the form of an innovative new variable
flow turbo (VFT) that delivers an unusually broad powerband with little or no lag in throttle response. The RDX
is equipped with an all-new 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line four-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valve control that
combines Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Timing Control (VTC). With the
variable flow turbo working in concert with i-VTEC, the RDX delivers strong power and torque, excellent fuel economy
and very low emissions.
Rated output for the RDX engine is 240 horsepower SAE net* at 6000 rpm. In terms of
torque, the RDX has the highest output of any engine in the Acura lineup, with 260 lbs.-ft. of torque SAE net* at 4500
rpm. The RDX is expected to return an EPA-estimated 19/24** City/Highway mileage, while meeting strict CARB LEV-2
ULEV and EPA Tier-2 Bin-5 emissions standards.
A 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift is
standard. The electronically controlled drive-by-wire throttle and transmission work together to execute shifts,
resulting in exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The transmission can function as a conventional
automatic transmission or, at the driver’s option, can be shifted manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.
SH-AWD™ is standard in the RDX to maximize available traction while improving handling balance and
responsiveness. SH-AWD™ is Acura’s patented all-wheel drive system that distributes the optimum
amount of torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels. The
system’s direct yaw control helps reduce understeer to enhance steering accuracy and add to total cornering
power.
Responsive handling is further aided by fully independent front and rear suspensions. The MacPherson
strut front and trailing arm-type multilink rear systems are tuned for compliant control, and assisted with front and
rear anti-roll bars for flatter cornering.
Standard Vehicle
Stability Assist (VSA®) with traction control further enhances controllability and grip.
The RDX
exterior styling further emphasizes the SUV’s sporty athleticism. It has a taut, muscular presence with
standard 18-inch wheels and tires that work together with large wheel arches, aggressively raked body sides, a steeply
raked windscreen and a short rear overhang. A unique rear hatch, finished with a replaceable panel to reduce the
cost of accident repair, allows the rear of the body to smoothly transition to the rear bumper. This permits a
more custom look and also eases the act of loading and unloading cargo.
Inside the RDX, the front-seats
feature a high “eye point” that provides a confident field of view. The 3-passenger rear seat has a
60/40 split-folding capability and, when folded flat, significantly expands the load area and increases the cargo
volume to 60.6 cubic feet of storage. There are multiple interior storage compartments positioned throughout the
interior, including a large (and lockable) dual-level center console located conveniently between the front seats that
can securely accommodate a briefcase.
The RDX features an array of electronic features that set it apart
from the competition. These include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a Multi-Information Display
(MID), and LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination. Also standard is an impressive 360-watt 7-speaker
Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, and the
convenience of an MP3/auxiliary input jack for easily connecting audio devices such as an iPod.
Just one
optional package is offered on the RDX. The Technology Package heightens the RDX’s appeal to
technology-savvy customers with a range of advanced features. The centerpiece is a 10-speaker Acura/ELS
Surround™ Premium Sound System designed by legendary recording engineer Elliott Scheiner. When playing
DVD-Audio discs (DVD-A), this advanced 410-watt system delivers eight discreet audio channels (instead of the usual
two) to create an uncannily accurate listening experience. With its multi-format 6-disc DVD-A changer, AM/FM
tuner and XM® Satellite Radio, the system is as versatile as it is powerful.
The Technology Package
also includes several information and communications such as HandsFreeLink™ and the Acura Navigation
system. HandFreeLink is a wireless telephone interface that is designed to work with many Bluetooth-enabled
mobile phones (sold separately).
In addition, the AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication
System with Real Time Traffic allows for 2-way communication between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers with
the latest information specific to their vehicle.
The Acura Navigation System with Voice
Recognition™ can display up-to-the-minute traffic information including flow, accidents, construction and weather
conditions on freeways in 31 major metro areas (where available). When the transmission is placed in reverse, the
Navigation screen displays the image from a rearview camera to make parking easier. In addition, the
AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic allows for 2-way communication between Acura and
the vehicle, providing customers with the latest information specific to their vehicle.
Technological
leadership also extends to safety engineering. The RDX’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™
(ACE™) body structure substantially contributes to passenger safety. ACE™ distributes collision loads
through the body structure, leaving the passenger cabin more intact for improved occupant protection. Specially
designed frame members make the RDX more compatible with smaller vehicles in the event of a vehicle-to-vehicle frontal
collision. Likewise, a specially engineered hood and other components help reduce the chances of pedestrian
injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle.
Inside the RDX is a full complement of passive safety
features. Key technologies include the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and
front passenger, plus side airbags for the driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor
for all outboard occupants. Child-seat mounting systems, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), allow
the quick and secure installation of a child seats.
The RDX will be assembled in Marysville, Ohio, on the
same line as the Acura TL sedan. It is the first Acura light truck to come from the facility.
Like all Acura models, the 2007 RDX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited
warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total
Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.