RDX Features an All-New 2.3Liter Turbocharged Engine for Outstanding Performance
TORRANCE, Calif. - Aug 31
The sport-luxury SUV marketplace is in an exciting
state of evolution. With the arrival of Acura's new RDX 5-passenger Entry
Premium SUV, this emerging market segment gets a decidedly "connected" spin.
Not only does this all-new SUV combine the immediate response of Acura's
first-ever turbocharged engine and the agile control of Super Handling All-Wheel
Drive™ (SH-AWD™), the RDX puts state-of-the-art communications,
navigation and audio entertainment at the driver's fingertips. And the
RDX delivers it all in keeping with Acura's long-established tradition
of respect for crisp, contemporary styling and simple, intuitive operation
that adds to the driving experience.
"The all-new RDX is an exciting entry to the Acura light truck lineup
for 2007",
said Dick Colliver, vice president sales, "The RDX's innovative
powertrain coupled with SH-AWD provides this SUV with outstanding performance."
The
RDX is aimed at high-energy urbanites that spend the workweek 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. In the RDX, they get it.
Built on a new global light
truck platform, the RDX concept was initiated 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 the 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 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 certified 19/23** 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 multi-link rear suspension 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 M`P3/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
features such as HandsFreeLink™ and Acura Navigation system. HandsFreeLink
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, accident, 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 in frontal collisions. 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 at Honda of America manufacturing plant in Marysville, Ohio, on
the same assembly 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.
For more information about Acura vehicles, please
visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.
*All
horsepower and torque specifications reflect revised SAE J1349 net calculations.
**Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage may vary.