2007 Acura RDX Preview
BMWs X3 Has Competition!
The premium SUV market is hardly something Acura is new to. With their MDX being one of the first entries in the segment, theyve had plenty of time to figure out exactly what the premium SUV buyer wants. Their conclusion? Everything a large sports sedan offers, albeit in a larger, more capable package. And even though gas prices have been on the rise for years, recent surveys suggest that more consumers are purchasing bigger cars than ever before, so is now not the perfect time to launch an all-new premium SUV?
But that said, Acuras never been one to innovate. More or less taking cues from BMW, Hondas upscale brand has allowed the Bavarians to set the bar for years, being content to simply emulate and improve upon the foundation laid out by the Germans. The TL, for example, is a premium luxury sports sedan comparable to the BMW 5-series, except for the drivetrain configuration, while the TSX was built with the incredibly popular BMW 3-series as its benchmark. The aforementioned MDX, although an early entry in the premium sporty SUV market, still came to fruition a year after BMWs class-defining X5 hit showrooms. And now, following BMWs lead with the SUV equivalent of their 3-series, the X3, Acura is releasing the SUV equivalent of their TSX, the RDX.
But that doesnt mean Acura is incapable of doing their own thing, on the contrary, they are quite capable of producing vehicles that are comparable to their Bavarian pacesetters while still bringing something unique to the table, and the RDX promises to follow such a pattern.
Beginning with the motor, the RDX has been designed as a very economical alternative to the Bimmer, and as such is motivated by a fuel-sipping, albeit powerful 2.3L four-cylinder that is based on the TSXs 2.4L. The companys first turbocharged and intercooled engine, it provides 240 horsepower, besting the X3s larger 3.0L inline six by a surprising 15 horsepower… well, at least until BMWs 272-hp 2007 X3 arrives. Next year it will have the honor of besting the 218-hp entry-level X3, which is impressive enough. A testament to modern turbocharging technology, the small engine creates all that power while still maintaining a fuel economy rating of 29 mpg under city driving conditions and an even better 24 mpg out on the highway, and yes, that is once again better than the current Bimmers.
All these great performance figures come by way of a very innovative variable flow turbo (not to be confused with variable geometry turbos like those found on the Porsche 911) that uses a movable restrictor valve in to turbine housing to close off portions of the turbine inlet; hereby increasing exhaust gas velocity into the turbine. This essentially allows the turbocharger to act like both a large and small turbo depending on engine load, helping to eliminate the turbo lag that accompanies a large turbo while still giving the high horsepower figure indicative of such a device. Add to that the benefit provided by an air-to-air intercooler, and Acuras first attempt at forced-induction is pretty darn impressive.
Also fitted with the almost-obligatory i-VTEC valvetrain brain, the little 2.3L more than makes up for its smaller displacement and, to be blunt, absolutely creams the entry-level Bavarians. But of course, thats only half the battle. Getting all the turbocharged power to the ground is equally important, and Acura does a pretty good job of that too; fitting the RDX with Hondas stupidly named but very impressive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that is capable of splitting torque distribution both front and rear as well as left and right. Combining forces with a yaw control system, SH-AWD is capable of correcting understeer when its detected by spinning the outside rear axle faster than the front outside axle, essentially using power to yaw the vehicle around the turn. That relieves some of the pressure on the front tires, allowing them to regain grip and pull the vehicle through the turn.
Finally, sandwiched between this advanced all-wheel drive setup and the equally advanced motor is Acuras relatively simple 5-speed automatic transmission fitted with SportShifts signature steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gearchange control.
But in this day in age, discerning consumers expect more than just power; they want luxury too. And even an entry-level premium SUV is expected to have an almost unreasonable amount of luxury options to satiate the most demanding customer. As such, Acura has fitted the RDX with an amalgamation of options sure to please. With such simplicities as perforated leather seats all the way up to an optional GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone climate control system, the RDX should compare favorably with the competition.
Unfortunately though, the standard features list is rather short, including very few actual luxury amenities that are more or less limited to a power moonroof, leather interior, dual-zone climate control and 7-speaker premium sound system. Such a short list could hurt sales amongst those looking for value, although it could help Acura attract those looking for the cheapest way to put an off-road capable Acura in their driveway. Otherwise, a fully optioned out RDX should be an exceedingly comfortable ride, and Acura boasts that a loaded RDX will be a class leader in amenities. With Acuras nifty voice-recognition system, a rearview camera, the aforementioned GPS climate control system, Acuras communications system (complete with traffic reports) and a DVD audio- and XM-enabled 10-speaker Acura Surround Premium Sound System among the available options, we expect theyre right.
The styling of the RDX is predictable MDX-like. With the inspiration being an “urban running back” with “athletic armor,” its distinctly different from the X3s flame surfaced body - which happens to be getting a mid-cycle upgrade for 2007 to smooth out the chunky edges. Compact enough for inner-city maneuvering and tight parking garages while still offering a very high point of view (one of the key features Acura found buyers looking for), the RDX is unmistakably urban-oriented. Replacing the approach and departure angles found in most SUV press releases are quips surrounding the RDXs aerodynamic tuning and rear spoiler.
Underpinning the high-tensile steel body is a fully independent suspension system employing MacPherson struts out front and a multi-link design in the rear. Both front and rear suspension mounting points were selected as much for their performance potential as for their ability to minimize NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels. Finished off with the first set of 18-inch wheels ever found standard on an Acura, the stance is sporting and planted. Safety levels are obviously up to par, with the RDX being designed to take hits from both pedestrians and smaller cars, thanks to a front end that prevents submarining in the event of a head-on collision and a hood designed to cushion a pedestrian blow.
The RDX will be Acuras first SUV to be built in Hondas Ohio plant, and the construction facility echoes the entire philosophy; Japanese production procedures for the best quality product. While no performance data has yet to be released, we expect the TSXs SUV brother to be fast, agile, and above all very well behaved. And with an extensive list of Acura-approved accessories, the RDX should find a rather large and welcoming market looking for something that is just as at home commuting to and from the office as it is taking the kids out for a weekend in the mountains. And while it doesnt necessarily bring anything new to the table, it certainly continues the game of one-upsmanship between the upscale Japanese brand and its European counterpart. And now with Audi also releasing a full-size premium SUV, plus rumors about a smaller one on the way, Volvo having already announced its upcoming XC50 compact SUV, plus the American Big 3 setting up to release all-new and redesigned premium SUVs, and not to forget Land Rovers most recently announced Freelander replacement, the LR2, the RDX will have its work cut out or it.
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As Acura describes it, the RDX is the SUV brother to the TSX. (Photo: Acura)
Not exactly a new idea, Acura is preceded by both BMW and Land Rovers Freelander (soon to be LR2) in the small premium SUV market. (Photo: Acura)
With more power from a smaller engine and better fuel economy, the RDX could potentially dethrone the entry-level X3. (Photo: Acura)
The first Acura to use forced induction, the RDXs 2.3L shows what Acura can do when it flexes its muscles. (Photo: Acura)
With a Subaru-style top-mounted air-to-air intercooler, the RDXs motor is loosely based on the TSXs 2.4L. (Photo: Acura)
A five speed SportShift-equipped automatic is the sole transmission choice, while the drivetrain is further fortified with Hondas SH-AWD system. (Photo: Acura)
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