Turbocharged Acura RDX Prototype Debuts at North American International Auto Show

[Daniel]

Turbocharged Acura RDX Prototype Debuts at North American International Auto Show Detroit, MI - January 9, 2006 -- The highly anticipated Acura RDX Prototype SUV debuted today at the North American International Auto Show. Combining sport utility with sports sedan handling and performance, RDX features an innovative 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)), and is designed to redefine the entry premium SUV segment. This near-production prototype provides an advance preview of the all-new RDX that will go on sale this summer. "The RDX Prototype represents the forward thinking that will be seen in the next generation of Acura light trucks," said John Mendel, senior vice president, Auto Operations. "It is loaded with leading edge technology and it exemplifies what we call intelligent performance: a sporty, luxurious and functional SUV that has outstanding performance yet is also fuel efficient." RDX features an all-new 2.3-liter i-VTEC(R) four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 240 horsepower and 260 lbs-ft of torque. This is the first application of forced induction technology in Acura history. The revolutionary i-VTEC Turbo technology uses a variable flow turbocharger, which is exclusive to the RDX, and provides dramatic performance benefits while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. To complement the all-aluminum high-performance engine, the RDX utilizes Acura's steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to manually operate the 5-speed sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission. Acura's Super Handling-AWD system is tuned specifically for the new RDX platform. SH-AWD's sophisticated electronic controls automatically distribute torque fore and aft, as well as splitting the rear torque left to right. The result is dramatically enhanced handling, traction and stability during sporty driving as well as in inclement weather. A sophisticated chassis with fully independent front and rear suspension complement the SH-AWD. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)) combines with large disc brakes and ABS to enhance control. The RDX is built on an all-new global light truck platform. Reflecting Acura's commitment to safety through innovation, the RDX is equipped with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure and additional state-of-the-art safety features. The ACE structure helps to disperse collision forces over a larger frontal area. The system also helps to provide enhanced protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time increasing compatibility with other vehicles in a frontal collision. Front, side and side curtain airbags, in addition to rollover sensors add an extra measure of safety. The chiseled exterior styling combines with a generous greenhouse to provide excellent visibility for driving in city traffic or on twisty mountain roads. RDX employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, sporty wheel flares and a substantial hood that flows down from the windshield to an aggressive Acura signature five-sided grill. Custom 19-inch alloy wheels give the RDX Prototype an aggressive stance. Dual exhaust tips, HID headlights, and a rear spoiler add to the sporty appearance of the vehicle. Inside, the RDX combines richly appointed materials with a sporty, driver-oriented cockpit. The center console features an innovative storage system, which allows for hidden and lockable storage of a briefcase or laptop computer. The prototype's interior features an assortment of leading-edge technologies, such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system with real time traffic and HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface. A premium Acura/ELS(TM) DVD-Audio system is tuned to deliver rich surround sound to the cabin. The RDX offers seating for five and a versatile rear cargo hatch allows for easy load-in and storage. The second row seats split and fold flat into the floor, providing ample cargo space for an active, on-the-go lifestyle. The RDX will be assembled at Honda of America Manufacturing in Marysville, Ohio and will go on-sale in the summer of 2006. Pricing has not been determined.

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[Ochdx]

does it have a vtec?

and wasn't there a turbo legend years back?

[AcuraFanatic]

Originally Posted by Ochdx

does it have a vtec?

and wasn't there a turbo legend years back?

Yes, i-VTEC and yes, but it wasn't sold in North America.

I personally love the RDX, and let me the first to say it's freakin WEIRD seeing a top mount IC on a Honda engine.

[Ochdx]

[rb6teg]

Damn! Nice! I'm assuming that the images at the bottom are pretty close to production, yes?

[Ochdx]

Looks tsxishly-mdxish to me. Not bad.

[dubcac]

Looks kinda cool, but I think a larger displacement NA motor is better suited for SUV duty. Throw that motor into the RSX/TSX and sell it.

[M Type X]

Whatever, everyone in the world "has to have" a small CUV in their lineup.

[VTEC02VLAD]

Finally... Honda makes a turbo'd production car....

but wow... one weak turbo... so what would it be... like a K23???
doesnt seem right.. .why wouldnt they have just used the K24 thats already in production... is there a 2.3 liter honda engine in production now?

[Doc Gyneco]

high resolution pictures

[mayonaise]

although the new version still looks good, the original concept looks a lot sharper. they shouldn't have messed with the headlights and taillights...

[stickyshifter]

WTH is wrong with the trunk, is it used to trap your enemies and kill them with the speakers?

[mayonaise]

Originally Posted by stickyshifter

WTH is wrong with the trunk, is it used to trap your enemies and kill them with the speakers?

huh?

[AcuraFanatic]

Originally Posted by VTEC02VLAD

Finally... Honda makes a turbo'd production car....

but wow... one weak turbo... so what would it be... like a K23???
doesnt seem right.. .why wouldnt they have just used the K24 thats already in production... is there a 2.3 liter honda engine in production now?

Probably for packaging reasons.

[ItsaHonda]

Going by the pic, it does look like a K-series engine...

[M Type X]

Originally Posted by stickyshifter

WTH is wrong with the trunk, is it used to trap your enemies and kill them with the speakers?

I saw and took photos at NAIAS today. RDX is a great way to insult your eyeballs as it tries to sever them from their sockets ... and also, fill the "5th car" slot Acura will have after they kill the RSX prior to the 2007 model year.

<= still hates Element and accuses it of conspiracy to kill the Prelude

[Ochdx]

Well I can't say that I don't like this concept, its pretty cool, but i'd much rather have an integra

[lostJR]

I guess I am the only person in NA that a) wears bifocals and b) drives on both sides of the border.

I HATE dual scale speedos. I can't read the small numbers. Even the lowly Chev Impala has a speedo where you just push a button to change between mph/kmph.

[sherwood]

Originally Posted by lostJR

I guess I am the only person in NA that a) wears bifocals and b) drives on both sides of the border.

I HATE dual scale speedos. I can't read the small numbers. Even the lowly Chev Impala has a speedo where you just push a button to change between mph/kmph.

sorry, but the kmph lettering is so small you would never be able to confuse it.

and also if you cant tell the difference when you're doing 60kmph from 60mph you need to get your head checked.

on the rdx:

the most likely used an underbored k24 or something, i'd believe i'd have omething to do with the thicness of the cylinder walls

[s22k]

"and also if you cant tell the difference when you're doing 60kmph from 60mph you need to get your head checked."


he didnt say he could not tell the difference between mph vs kph. his point was that when he drives in Canada, the small kilometer scale is too small for him.

[jaje]

Originally Posted by dubcac

Looks kinda cool, but I think a larger displacement NA motor is better suited for SUV duty. Throw that motor into the RSX/TSX and sell it.

i'd say the motor and the awd system in the next TSX (built as the sports 4 concept) and we may not get an s4 or m3 as our TSX replacement

[sherwood]

i understand now what he was saying about the dual scale.

and i just hope that they properly cool the transmission

[ED9man]

How about the turbo K23 and SH-AWD in an RSX? Stupid waste on an SUV.

[M Type X]

Originally Posted by ED9man

How about the turbo K23 and SH-AWD in an RSX? Stupid waste on an SUV.

Put turbo in the TSX.

Derive a coupe from the RL and give it SH-AWD and a turbo V6.

Roxors.

Repeat as necessary.