2009 Acura RDX

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The evolution of the luxury performance SUV took a significant leap forward with the arrival of the Acura RDX turbocharged crossover vehicle. The immediate response of power from Acura’s first-ever turbocharged engine, combined with the breakthrough technology of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™), delivers adrenaline pumping performance in an efficient SUV package. In its first full year of sales, the RDX captured 38-percent of the Entry Premium SUV segment, proving that its unique blend of performance and superior handling hit home with buyers looking for more than just the status quo from an SUV.

For 2009, the RDX now comes standard with a 4-way adjustable power-activated passenger front seat along with four new exterior colors: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic. In addition, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic system includes coverage for yet another major metropolitan area—bringing the total to 77 areas.

“The RDX continues to gain momentum with customers in the Entry Premium SUV segment,” said Dick Colliver, vice president sales, “It is a critical addition to our lineup and it is an engaging vehicle from the standpoint of driving dynamics and technology.”

The RDX was designed as the ideal vehicle for drivers with energetic lifestyles who are in need of a compact, sporty and responsive weekday ride, and a weekend getaway vehicle with the versatility to match their diverse and active recreational lifestyles.

True to Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced technology, the RDX incorporates a class-leading array of features that keep passengers informed, entertained and in control. In addition to its sophisticated powertrain, the RDX is available with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ along with AUX jack connectivity for MP3 external music players.

The RDX also incorporates leading safety technologies based on the fundamentals of Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative including advanced front, side and side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist ™ (VSA™), ABS with Brake Assist and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure.

Powertrain

The RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line four-cylinder engine incorporating computer-controlled i-VTEC™ “intelligent” intake/exhaust valve actuation system that delivers enhanced performance across a broad powerband while still delivering superior fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions. The heart of the RDX’s performance is its Variable Flow Turbo (VFT) that delivers an unusually broad powerband with virtually no lag in throttle response. The Variable Flow Turbo works in concert with i-VTEC to deliver outstanding acceleration while driving at a variety of speeds.

Rated output for the RDX engine is 240 horsepower at 6000 rpm with 260 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The RDX has an EPA fuel economy rating of 17/22 mpg* (city/highway) and meets the U.S. EPA’s stringent TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV-2 ULEV exhaust emissions standards.

A performance-minded 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift is standard on the RDX. An electronically-controlled Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system works with the transmission to execute exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The Sequential SportShift transmission can function as a conventional automatic transmission or, at the driver’s option, can be controlled manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Chassis

Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system is standard on the RDX, helping it to maximize available traction while improving handling balance and responsiveness. SH-AWD™ distributes optimum torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels while also being able to overdrive the rear wheels. The system’s direct yaw control utilizes torque vectoring to help reduce understeer thus enhancing steering accuracy and adding to total cornering ability.

Precise and responsive handling is further aided by fully independent front and rear suspension. A MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension system is tuned for compliant control, and the suspension is assisted by large-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars for flatter cornering. Standard to the RDX is Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control to further enhance vehicle controllability and grip.

Exterior/Interior

RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the SUV’s sporty athleticism. Standard 18-inch wheels and tires, large wheel arches, aggressively raked body sides, steeply raked windscreen, and a short rear overhang generate an RDX with a taut and muscular presence. A unique rear hatch, finished with a replaceable panel to reduce the cost of accident repair, allows for a smooth transition of the body to the rear bumper. Such bodywork transition delivers a more custom look as well as eases loading and unloading of cargo. Available for 2009 are new exterior colors including: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic.

Inside the RDX, the front seats feature a high outward visibility “eye point” that provides a confident field of view. For 2009, a 4-way adjustable power front seat is standard for the front passenger. The 3-passenger rear seat has a 60/40 split-folding capability and, when folded flat, significantly expands the load area and increases the total cargo volume to 60.6 cubic feet.

Multiple interior storage compartments are positioned throughout the interior, including a lockable dual-level center console (that is large enough to accommodate a briefcase) located conveniently between the front seats.

The RDX features an array of electronic features that set it apart from the competition. Standard features include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a Multi-Information Display (MID), LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ mobile telephone connectivity. 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 AUX input jack for the easy connection of MP3 audio devices such as an iPod®.

Just one option package—the Technology Package—is offered on the 2009 RDX. The Technology Package heightens the RDX’s appeal with tech-savvy customers through a range of advanced features. The centerpiece is a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium Sound System designed by 6-time Grammy® award winning sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. When playing DVD-Audio discs (DVD-A is 500 times clearer than traditional CD), this advanced 410-watt system delivers eight discreet audio channels (up from the usual two channels) to create an exceptionally accurate listening experience. With its multi-format 6-disc DVD-Audio changer, AM/FM tuner and XM® Satellite Radio, along with AUX jack connectivity, the Acura/ELS Surround™ system is exceptionally versatile and powerful.

The Technology Package also incorporates numerous information and communications features including Acura Navigation System and AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System with Real-time traffic. Furthermore, AcuraLink® allows for 2-way communication between Acura and the vehicle, thus providing customers with the latest information and service requirements specific to their vehicle.

The Real-time traffic feature of the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ can display up-to-the-minute traffic information including flow, accident and construction on freeways in 77 metropolitan areas—an increase of an additional market for 2008. When the transmission is placed in reverse, the Navigation screen displays a video image from a rearview camera to make parking easier.

Safety

The RDX’s technology leadership also extends to safety, where a long list of advanced safety technologies, including an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure make the RDX one of only two luxury SUVs in its class to achieve both the U.S. government’s top 5-star rating for both frontal and side impact crash tests, along with a “TOP SAFETY PICK” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The ACE™ body employs a network of interconnected front frame structures that work to absorb and redirect collision forces away from the passenger cabin while helping improve crash compatibility with vehicles of different sizes in a frontal collision. A special frame member located below the front bumper is designed to engage the front bumper of a lower vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more efficiently.

In addition, a specially engineered hood, collapsible hood hinges, breakaway wiper pivots and other features help reduce the chance 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 along with side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants. The passenger’s side airbag features an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag deployment if a child or small-stature adult leans into the deployment path. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat mounting systems allow the quick and secure installation of a child seats.

Like all Acura models, the 2009 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.

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Body

The RDX is a fusion of SUV functionality and sports sedan handling. Together in one package, these qualities create Acura’s first urban adventure crossover vehicle – the perfect compliment to a fast-paced urban lifestyle.

The RDX’s crossover body styling simultaneously supports several agendas. First, its lines have a taut, muscular presence that promises energetic driving performance. But this performance edge doesn’t come at the cost of functionality, as evidenced by the versatile 5-door exterior format and generous interior storage space. Overall, the RDX has an urban-friendly size that’s both maneuverable and personal. Finally, while satisfying stylistic goals, the RDX is designed to provide a high level of crash safety performance.

DESIGN CONCEPT

To suit the dynamic (and sometimes hectic) urban setting, the RDX wears what its designers call “athletic armor,” a design approach that suggests the powerful image of a football running back, outfitted in protective gear. The look is muscular, taut, and poised for acceleration and agile split-second maneuvering.

Starting with the front end, the signature Acura grille has an aggressive flair with a sharply creased leading edge. This first theme in the body form decisively sets the tone for the rest of the design, which follows with a long 104.3-inch wheelbase and wide track (61.9-in. front, 62.6-in. rear). Elegant and decisive style lines run the length of the body, with muscular wheel arches and short overhangs further adding to a poised, powerful look.

Form Follows Function

The overall size of the RDX matches the needs of the urban commuter. Key functional points for the RDX include a low hood line that improves forward visibility. A high eye point for the driver and front passenger further improve outward visibility and add to a sense of confidence and control. New “skin-mount” exterior mirrors have specially designed compact housings that improve the A-pillar area visibility, providing good outward visibility for urban intersections. And finally, excellent approach and departure angles pay dividends when approaching or leaving steep driveways or parking garages.

AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY

The RDX marries aggressive styling with function. The windswept front fascia features a main opening that feeds the aluminum engine radiator. The top inlet, located above the bright Acura badge, is a separate cold-air inlet for the large aluminum turbocharger intercooler, which is horizontally mounted above the engine. This fully functional inlet takes in ambient-temperature air as the RDX moves forward, routing it through a duct in the hood and then down through the intercooler. A separate cool-air intake leads to a large-volume intake airbox and high-volume cartridge air filter.

Additional details that contribute to the RDX’s aerodynamic efficiency include a spoiler above the tailgate (which helps air separate cleanly off the body at speed), strakes located in front of the rear tires, and the streamlined “skin-mount” mirrors.

KEY STYLING FEATURES

High-intensity discharge (HID) low beam headlights command the front corners of the fascia and fenders. Their design compliments the angular and elegant pattern set by the trademark Acura grille. Fog lamps are standard as well.

Both front and rear wheel arches are bold and broad, further adding to the dramatic appearance of the standard 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the first application for an Acura. The RDX’s beltline rises visibly from the sharply raked A-pillar back to the substantial C- and D-pillars.

Door dimensions were selected to enhance the RDX’s primary mission as a driver’s vehicle while retaining high usability for children or adult passengers in back. The front doors have long proportions for easy ingress and egress, while the rear doors are shorter.

TAILGATE TRIM

In styling the rear portion of the RDX body, Acura designers introduced a unique new design element. Instead of a conventional rear tailgate panel positioned above a large protruding bumper, the RDX tailgate panel drops cleanly downward and terminates smoothly at the trailing edge of the body. This creates a custom look for the rear of the body.

For accident repairs, the rear tailgate uses a replaceable resin lower panel that has a far lower replacement cost than an entire conventional metal tailgate. Without a thick bumper to reach over, loading and unloading cargo in the RDX is also easier. The tailgate design is another way the RDX creatively balances style, safety and convenience.

HID HEADLIGHTS

A powerful combination of Xenon HID low-beam and halogen high-beam front headlights provides excellent lighting firepower for the RDX. Contained within aerodynamic headlight units, the inner lens of the HID unit glitters, making the headlights more distinctive. The RDX also features Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which enhance its visibility to other drivers and can help reduce accidents during daytime driving.

BODY PROTECTION

Designed for arduous driving conditions, the lower door panels of the RDX incorporate a wide molding to help protect the lower body sides from chipping. This molding extends down past the body side sills, ensuring that the sills stay clean to avoid soiling clothing when passengers enter and exit the vehicle.

CONSTRUCTION

A rigid structure enables designers to maintain tight body-panel fit tolerances, tune the suspension for precise ride and handling, keep the ride squeak- and rattle-free, and provide long-term durability and high levels of crash protection for the occupants. The widespread use of high-tensile steel enables the RDX to meet all of these challenges.

Polygonal-shaped frame members, which are computer designed to disperse and absorb forces in a collision, are located behind the front bumper beam. These high-strength steel frame members send collision forces upward and rearward where they can be absorbed by the main structure. In the event of a rear collision, polygonal-shaped high-tensile steel frame members direct the loads forward and outward. These rear frame members also use a “wave shape” design, which provides high strength, yet deforms controllably in a collision. In a side impact, large longitudinal high-tensile steel side sills extending front to rear underneath the vehicle, along with lateral high tensile steel cross members, absorb energy (see the Safety section for more information). For greater steering precision and handling stability, RDX designers paid particular attention to improving body rigidity around the front and rear suspension. These reinforcements are comprised of side-to-side bracing behind and above the firewall and inside the tailgate area.

HIGH-TENSILE STEEL

The use of varying grades of steel in the unit body is key to its stiffness, performance in a collision, and light weight. HSS780 grade steel is used in the “box” section of the front, side, and rear frame members at the bottom of the body. Additional high tensile steel (HSS780 and 590) is used in other areas under the floor, and in the A- and B-pillars and roof rails. By utilizing high strength steel (39-percent by weight) the RDX exceeds the BMW X3’s torsional rigidity while keeping vehicle weight under control.

EXTERIOR DETAIL

Specially designed windshield wiper arms with flat blades ensure that the driver cannot see the stowed wipers from inside the vehicle. The hidden design also reduces wind noise and adds to the RDX’s clean lines. Even the washer nozzles are located underneath the trailing edge of the hood, improving both their performance at high speeds and the exterior look of the vehicle. Elimination of rear quarter glass panels in the doors gives RDX a cleaner appearance, with large 1-piece side windows that provide a more wide-open feeling.

TAILGATE

Designers spent a significant amount of time with the RDX’s target audience in order to understand how they use their vehicles. One of the messages designers heard was that a high degree of functionality is essential. As a result, the RDX’s thoughtful design is evident even in small details, like the tailgate hinges that are hidden at the top rear edge of the roof. This makes the body lines smoother, while allowing for a higher tailgate opening.

The RDX’s clean exterior look is further enhanced by the use of an electronic tailgate switch, which replaces a traditional outside handle. Touching the switch releases the tailgate, which can then be easily lifted open thanks to the counterbalancing effect of the gas-filled struts, tuned to suit the forward hinge positioning.

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)

The city is a challenging environment and a great test of a vehicle’s NVH. Varied street surfaces, potholes and other navigational hazards mean the body structure (together with tire and suspension tuning) must address a wide range of NVH issues.

Engineering rigid front and rear suspension mounting points was key to achieve a low NHV character in the RDX. The low road noise allows easy conversation between the driver and all seats. Internal Acura tests measured the RDX at 71 decibels during city driving speeds, similar to other luxury vehicles.

POWER DOOR LOCKS AND REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

For owner convenience, the RDX has standard power door locks and remote keyless entry. A retractable ignition key is built into the transmitter fob, and can be folded for easier carrying.

POWER WINDOWS

Front power windows with auto-reverse are standard. The RDX’s front power windows also incorporate a 1-touch auto up/down feature for convenience. Window operation is retained for 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off or until the front doors are opened. Tinted door glass reduces eyestrain and the sun load on the inside of the vehicle.

POWER MOONROOF

A large power moonroof with auto-reverse can be opened or closed with one touch of the ceiling-mounted switch. A timer allows it to be operated for 10 minutes after the ignition is shut off or until the doors are opened. The flush-fitting glass panel of the moonroof reduces air turbulence and wind noise, and an inside sliding shade is provided to block the sun.

EXTERIOR MIRRORS

A sleek mirror design that maximizes the mirror area while minimizing the size of the mirror housing provides good outward visibility in the A-pillar area. Both the driver and passenger-side mirrors are heated, and the passenger-side mirror has a reverse auto-tilt feature.

PAINT COLORS

For 2009 the RDX is available with four new exterior paint colors: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic. The 2009 Acura RDX is available in a choice of four pearl and three metallic colors. All are topped with durable clear-coat finishes that resist scratching and urban pollutants.