Acura RDX

---

The market for personal sized SUVs has been greatly increasing in popularity in the last few years. Based on current economic conditions and changing consumer preference, small is big in the eyes of today’s consumers. As always, Acura offers the right product at the right time.

The Acura RDX burst on to the Sport Utility Vehicle scene in 2007. Upon its debut, the RDX 5-passenger crossover SUV generated excellent reviews and it continues to garner praise. For 2010 the turbocharged RDX arrives with a fresh new look, a new drivetrain choice, better fuel economy (2WD), numerous interior and convenience upgrades, as well as a significantly lower base price.

The original RDX concept was initiated in California and then developed in Japan. When first introduced, the RDX debuted precedent-setting engineering features for Acura, including the luxury division’s first turbocharged and intercooled engine. For 2010, even more driver relevant features (with improved integration) are now part of the package. The RDX retains Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative with the application of edge standard safety technologies that combine to generate top ratings in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests. The RDX continues to offer class-leading electronic technologies that, for 2010, get even better thanks to items such as a larger navigation screen, much improved HandsFreeLink® voice recognition and technologies such as AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ and Traffic Rerouting™.

For 2010, the big news is that for the first time ever the RDX is available in two-wheel-drive form. The 2WD design offers a vehicle weight reduction, improved fuel economy and a lower purchase price. Also for 2010, the RDX now comes standard with a rear-view camera, electronic compass, a pull handle for the rear hatch, auto-function headlights, ambient footwell lighting, a center console storage tray, better grip cupholders, USB-port connectivity such as for iPhone/iPod or USB “memory stick” use, Note function for XM Radio and revised interior colors. Externally, all 2010 RDX feature striking 18-inch diameter aluminum wheels, bold new front and rear bumper fascias, Acura’s signature front grille, revised headlights and taillights, new exhaust tips and satin trim accents. For 2010, revised braking system components deliver better feel and improved durability.

ENTRY PREMIUM SUV MARKET

The Entry Premium SUV segment is relatively new, at present populated by a small group of vehicles including the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infinity EX35, Mercedes GLK350 and Volkswagen Tiguan. This segment is expected to grow five-fold in the next few years and the RDX positions Acura strongly within it, with its host of unique and attractive features.

TARGET CUSTOMER

RDX targets young professionals who are upwardly mobile and work hard, but play hard too. The typical buyer enjoys playing a sport, lives in the city, and on the weekends often travels to the mountains, country or coast. This customer wants a stylish vehicle that offers a higher “eye-point” (driving position) and more cargo flexibility than a sedan – but with the style, handling and performance of a sports sedan. Thus, the transformable utility of the RDX, along with its engaging performance and handling, is a perfect fit.

ENGINE & POWERTRAIN

The RDX is engineered to be a technical tour de force within its segment. The engine and powertrain feature a host of new and updated technologies for Acura that deliver strong driving performance with good fuel economy and low emissions.

RDX features Acura’s first application of a forced-induction engine. The 2.3-liter aluminum engine features an advanced variable flow turbocharger designed to provide quick response at low rpm as well as strong high-rpm power. The advantage of the variable flow turbo is immediate acceleration that drivers want in the city environment, together with 240 horsepower for the passing and hill-climbing ability of a traditional 6-cylinder engine. The RDX’s turbocharged inline four produces 260 lb-ft of torque. It also returns an EPA* estimated city/highway fuel economy of 19/24 mpg (2WD) and 17/22 mpg (SH-AWD™), while meeting tough EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.

Acura’s commitment to making the RDX fun to drive continues with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission fit with racing-inspired paddle shifters. But of particular interest to many is that the RDX is its available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system. First introduced in the 2005 Acura RL and then specially adapted for the RDX, the SH-AWD™ system deters understeer by transferring power to the outside rear wheel to create a yaw moment that helps boost cornering power and steering precision. The level of handling response and driver control provided by SH-AWD™ puts the RDX in a class by itself.

*Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

BODY & CHASSIS

Befitting its concept as an urban sports vehicle for young professional singles or couples, the RDX body design is powerful and athletic with muscular bodylines that impart a sense of command and control. Key styling elements include body sides that rake upward front to rear, generous wheel arches that emphasize the large wheels and tires, a short rear overhang, and a cargo door that’s positioned flush with the bumper. For 2010, the RDX exterior has a fresh look thanks to new 18-inch diameter aluminum wheels, bold new front and rear bumper fascias, Acura’s signature front grille, revised headlights and taillights, new exhaust tips and satin trim accents.

For strength, widespread use of high-tensile steel provides the rigidity necessary for the 4-wheel independent suspension system while helping to reduce NVH. The RDX uses 39-percent (by weight) high-tensile steel to provide increased strength at a lower weight. Other engineering features include precise aerodynamic tuning that reduces drag and improves quietness inside the cabin. This aerodynamic tailoring includes a specially designed tailgate spoiler, rear wheel strakes and aerodynamic side mirrors.

The RDX rides on 4-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link design in back. The mounting points for the suspension were carefully engineered to reduce the transmission of NVH into the passenger cabin. RDX also features 18-inch diameter wheels and large diameter 4-wheel disc brakes that include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Torque-sensing power rack-and-pinion steering provides quick steering response with outstanding feel.

 —-

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 Acura 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. And for 2010, that look gets even more aggressive.

Starting with the front end, the RDX gets a new front fascia, the signature Acura grille, a hood with a new front edge design and updated HID headlights that are now controlled by a standard Auto on/off function. Looking at the side of the 2010 RDX you’ll notice new 18×7.5-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels that team with the vehicles wide track (61.9-in. front, 62.6-in. rear) to deliver excellent handling. 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. At the rear, a much more aggressive bumper fascia, rectangular exhaust finishers, revised taillights and satin finish trim give the 2010 RDX a fresh new look.

Form Follows Function

The overall size of the RDX matches the needs of today’s 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. Unique “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 redesigned front fascia features a main opening that feeds the aluminum engine radiator. A top inlet, located behind the new grille, is a separate cold-air inlet for the aluminum turbocharger intercooler that is horizontally mounted above the engine. This functional inlet takes in cool outside 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 fit with a high-volume 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 high speed), air strakes located in front of the rear tires and the streamlined “skin-mount” side mirrors.

KEY STYLING FEATURES

Redesigned high-intensity discharge (HID) low beam headlights command the front corners of the fascia and fenders. Their new design incorporates a “smoke style” chrome plating treatment and compliments the angular pattern set by the Acura grille. Fog lamps are standard, and for 2010 they are mounted within separate side grilles located at the corners of the new front fascia.

Both front and rear wheel arches are bold and broad, and new 18×7.5-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels further add to the dramatic appearance of the RDX.

Door dimensions were selected to enhance the RDX’s primary mission as a driver’s vehicle while retaining high usability for passengers in back. The front doors were specifically designed with long proportions for easy ingress and egress, while the rear doors are shorter as hauling rear seat passengers is of much lower priority.

HID HEADLIGHTS

A powerful combination of Xenon HID low-beam and halogen high-beam front headlights provides excellent lighting for the RDX. For 2010, the headlights incorporate a “smoke style” chrome plating treatment for improved looks while the inner lens of the HID unit glitters, making the headlights more distinctive. Also new for 2010 is Auto On/Off headlight functionality that comes as standard. The RDX also features Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which enhance its visibility for other drivers and can help reduce the likelihood of accidents collisions 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, help keep the ride squeak- and rattle-free as well as to 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, that are 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 body 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 that 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. 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 construction of the RDX’s 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.

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 improves aerodynamics, reduces wind noise and adds to the RDX’s clean lines. Even the windshield 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 learning about the RDX’s target audience in order to better 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 tailgate hinges that are hidden at the top rear edge of the roof. This makes the body lines smoother, while simultaneously allowing for a higher tailgate opening.

The RDX’s clean exterior look is further enhanced by the use of an electric tailgate opening switch in place of 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. New for 2010 are two lift handles that are integrated into the rear hatch, allowing for a more secure grip when opening/closing the tailgate.