Acura RDX Manufacturer: Acura Production: 2007-present Class: Compact crossover SUV Engine: 2.3 L turbocharged I4 Transmission: 5-speed automatic Wheelbase: 104.3 in Curb weight: 3968 lb Related: Acura TSX Acura MDX Similar: BMW X3 Land Rover Freelander Lexus RX Lincoln MKX The Acura RDX is Acura’s first production entry premium SUV. Originally previewed as the Acura RD-X concept, the production RDX had its debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Models available for sale are expected in late summer of 2006. Acura’s goal for the RDX is to combine the driving dynamics of their own TSX sport sedan with the utility of an SUV, as well as showcase their technology. The RDX takes over from the MDX as Acura's entry-level SUV, as the MDX continues to grow in size and price. The RDX will compete with the BMW X3 and Lexus RX, while it is also expected to compete with the new Lincoln MKX. Contents 1 Engine 2 Drivetrain 3 Interior 4 Safety 5 References Engine The RDX is powered by Acura’s first turbocharged engine. The 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine has all-aluminum construction, an i-VTEC® head, and dual balance shafts. Acura’s unique variable flow turbocharger significantly reduces turbo lag by using a valve to narrow the intake passage at low rpm, increasing the velocity of the exhaust flow and keeping the turbine spinning rapidly. At higher rpm, the valve opens to allow more exhaust flow for increased boost. The engine also features a top-mounted intercooler which receives air from the grille, channeled by ducting under the hood. The Acura RDX engine is rated at 240 bhp @ 6000 with a torque peak of 260 ft-lb. @ 4500. Also, the RDX will share its engine with the next-gen TSX. The RDX will go on sale on August 11, 2006 Drivetrain The Acura RDX comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Acura’s SportShift sequential manual shift capability, activated by paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The paddles can be used in Drive (D) to make a quick gear change with the transmission returning to automatic mode as soon as the vehicle resumes a steady-cruise state. The Sport (S) setting has higher shift points and quicker downshifts, and using a paddle in “Sport” immediately puts the transmission in full manual mode. The RDX also has a version of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD) TM, first seen on the flagship RL sedan. The system can vary the front/rear torque distribution from 90/10 to 30/70, depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating, cruising, hill climbing, taking a curve, or encountering poor road conditions. When taking a curve, a pair of magnetic flux clutches in the rear differential can transfer as much as 100% of the available rear torque to the outside wheel. That torque transfer, combined with a 1.7% rear over-rotation of the rear wheel helps rotate the RDX through a turn. Interior The Acura RDX seats five and comes standard with leather seating, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and all the expected power features. The RDX 7-speaker audio system features a 6-CD changer, MP3 player input, and XM Satellite Radio with a complimentary 3-month subscription. Much of the interior technology introduced in the Acura RL sedan will be found in the available RDX Technology Package. This package includes the latest version of Acura’s acclaimed navigation system, complete with a rear view camera, real-time traffic, and Zagat restaurant reviews. The package also features a 10-speaker Acura/ELSTM audio system featuring 5.1 channel surround sound with DTS® and Dolby Prologic® II. Almost all of the ELSTM sound system’s operations can be activated by voice command, as can most of the operations for the navigation and climate control systems. In addition, the vehicle will interact with most Bluetooth-equipped phones. The driver can initiate or receive calls through verbal command. During the call, the sound system will mute and channel the call through the speakers while caller and signal information is displayed on the instrument cluster. The tailgate opens over six-feet high and 60/40 rear seatbacks fold down for a flat cargo area. A hard cargo cover can fit flush on the floor when not needed and is reversible to carry wet or dirty cargo. The cabin includes several storage areas including a lockable center console that can hold a standard size lap-top computer. Safety The Acura RDX comes standard with six airbags, including dual front airbags, front side airbags and dual side curtain airbags. The front airbags use a dual-threshold, dual-stage technology that can adjust the timing and speed of each airbag deployment depending on the degree of impact and the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt usage. If sensors deem the front passenger too small (less than 65 lb.), the front airbag is designed not to deploy. The front passenger’s side airbag is designed to shut off if a child or small statured-adult is leaning into the airbag’s deployment path. In the event of a sufficient side impact or roll-over, the side curtain airbag deploys from above the door frames of the affected side, with coverage for both the front and rear occupants on that side. Front seats have active head restraints and their seat belts are equipped with pre-tensioners and force-limiters. Using Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™), the RDX is designed for top ratings in NHTSA and IIHS frontal tests, though the vehicle has not been tested at this time. sup> References [1] Official Acura RDX Site Acura RDX . net, web community/forum dedicated exclusively to enthusiasts of the Acura RDX Acura RDX Owners Forum Official MySpace Acura RDX Group Home for Acura RDX Enthusiasts Sketch Pad: 2007 Acura RDX, article from Motor Trend 2007 Acura RDX Compact SUV, article from Edmunds.com Acura RDX News Blog Acura — A division of Honda — road car timeline, 1986-present - edit Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Compact EL EL CSX Small Coupe Integra Integra Integra RSX Sedan TSX Mid Coupe CL CL Sedan Vigor TL TL TL Large Legend Legend RL RL Crossover RDX SUV SLX MDX Sports NSX Search Term: "Acura_RDX" Categories: Acura vehicles | Crossover SUVs | All wheel drive vehicles | 2000s automobiles