For 2007, a completely new Sport Utility Vehicle joins the growing Acura product line. The RDX is an advanced 5-passenger Entry Premium SUV with handling and performance that positions it as the SUV soul mate of the Acura TSX sports sedan.
The RDX concept was initiated in California and then developed in Japan. It features precedent-setting engineering features for Acura, including the luxury division's first turbocharged and intercooled engine, the first adaptation of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)) system to an SUV, and Acura's first standard 18-inch wheels and tires. Likewise, the RDX continues Acura's “Safety Through Innovation” with the application of cutting edge standard safety technologies. True to form for Acura, the RDX also offers a class-leading array of sophisticated electronic technologies that are seamlessly integrated to keep its passengers informed, in touch and entertained.
Entry Premium Suv Market
The Entry Premium SUV segment is relatively new, at present populated by only a few vehicles including the Acura RDX and BMW X3. This segment is expected to grow five-fold in the next few years and the RDX positions Acura strongly within it, with a host of unique and attractive features.
Target Customer
RDX targets young professionals that are upwardly mobile, work hard and 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 an emotional and 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 great sports sedan. Thus, the transformable utility of the RDX – along with its engaging performance and handling – is a perfect fit.
Powertrain Features
Turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC(R) inline-four engine
240 horsepower at 6000 rpm SAE net *
260 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm SAE net *
i-VTEC – Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control
Dual balance shafts
5-speed automatic transmission with F1(R)-style Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM))
Drive-by-Wire Throttle System(TM)
Estimated mileage of 19/24** mpg (City/Highway)
CARB-certified LEV II ULEV and EPA-certified Tier-2 Bin-5 emissions
*All horsepower and torque specifications reflect revised SAE J1349 net calculations
**Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Acura. Final EPA mileage estimates were not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage may vary.
Body & Chassis Features
Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) unit body structure with extensive use of high-tensile steel
Independent MacPherson strut front suspension
Independent multi-link rear suspension
Torque-sensing, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering
18 x 7-1/2 JJ aluminum-alloy wheels
P235/55R18 99V M+S high-performance all-season tires
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)) with traction control
1,500-pound tow rating
Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) low-beam headlights
Heated outside mirrors with passenger reverse gear tilt-down and integrated directional signals
Interior Features
Luxurious cockpit designed for performance driving
Perforated leather-trimmed seats
LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with fingertip controls and F1(R)-style paddle shifters
Multi-Information Display
Power moonroof with tilt, auto-open/close, auto-reverse and key-off operation
Dual-mode cargo system
Supportive sport-type front seating
Dual-zone automatic climate control system with air filtration
Briefcase-sized, locking center front console with dual-level storage
60/40 split-folding flat-folding rear seating
7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc changer, AM/FM tuner, and XM(R) Satellite Radio receiver
Driver's 8-way power seat with power-adjustable lumbar support
Manual tilt and telescoping steering column
HomeLink(R)
Heated front seats
MP3/auxiliary input jack
Optional Technology Package
Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM)
Rearview camera
AcuraLink(TM) Satellite Communication System with real-time traffic
10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround(R) Premium Sound System with multi-format DVD-A 6-disc changer, AM/FM tuner, and XM(R) Satellite Radio
HandsFreeLink(R) wireless telephone interface compatible with many Bluetooth mobile phones
Multi-Information Display (MID) with steering wheel controls
GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, automatic climate control system
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with pressure readout
Safety Features
Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure
Side impact door beams
Impact-absorbing crumple zones (front/rear)
Driver's and front passenger's dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag Supplementary Restraint System (SRS)
Driver's and front passenger's side airbags with front passenger position and height sensors
Side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seats with rollover sensor
Active front head restraints
3-point adjustable-height front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
3-point seat belts at all three rear seating positions
Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractors (ALR/ELR) (excluding driver)
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child-seat mounting system
Engine & Powertrain
The RDX was engineered to be a technical tour de force within the emerging Entry Premium SUV segment. Its engine and powertrain feature a host of new and updated technologies for Acura that deliver strong driving performance together with good fuel economy and low emissions.
RDX features Acura's first application of a forced-induction engine. The all-new 2.3-liter aluminum engine features an advanced variable flow turbo designed to provide quick response at low rpm as well as strong high-rpm power. The advantage is immediate acceleration that drivers want in the city environment, together with 240 horsepower for the passing and hill-climbing ability of a 6-cylinder. The RDX's turbocharged inline four produces 260 lbs.-ft. of torque, the most of any engine in the Acura line. It also returns an estimated 19 mpg* in the city and 24 mpg* on the highway, while meeting tough CARB LEV II ULEV and EPA Tier-2 Bin-5 emissions standards.
Acura's commitment to making the RDX fun to drive continues with a 5-speed automatic transmission with F1(R)-style Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters. But perhaps the most breathtaking feature of the RDX is its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)). First introduced in the 2005 Acura RL and then specially adapted for the RDX, the system shifts power to the outside rear wheel to help boost cornering power and steering precision. The level of handling response and driver control provided by SH-AWD(TM) puts the RDX in a class by itself.
*Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Acura. Final EPA mileage estimates were not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage may vary.
Body & Chassis
Befitting its agenda 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. The exterior styling theme was an “urban running back” fitted with “athletic armor.” Key styling elements include body sides that rake upward front to rear, large wheel arches that emphasize the big 18-inch wheels and tires, a short rear overhang, and a cargo door that's positioned flush with the bumper. Target RDX demographics include active younger buyers, and the RDX design matches them point for point.
Highlights include:
Compact size that is well proportioned for maneuvering through city traffic and parking structures
A high eye-point that allows an excellent field of view
Rigid unit body structure and independent suspension enhances steering precision and ride quality
Low Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels befitting a luxury SUV
Widespread use of high-tensile steel in the ACE(TM) body structure provides the rigidity necessary for the 4-wheel independent suspension system to work optimally while helping to reduce NVH. The RDX uses 39% (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 tailoring includes a tailgate spoiler, rear wheel strakes, and aerodynamic side mirrors.
The RDX rides on 4-wheel independent suspension – specially tuned 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 noise, vibration and harshness into the passenger cabin. Standard 18-inch tires and wheels are a first for Acura, and the 4-wheel disc brakes include a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and brake assist. Torque-sensing power assist rack-and-pinion steering provides quick steering response with outstanding feel.
Interior
A finely appointed urban loft apartment is the feel that Acura designers sought when crafting the RDX interior. The contemporary styling and high-quality materials are confident, functional and upscale. The driver-oriented cockpit includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination and a Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions. Among the advanced electronic technologies in the RDX is a standard 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, AM/FM tuner and XM(R) Satellite Radio. A convenient MP3/auxiliary input jack makes it easy to connect an iPod(R) or other similar devices to the audio system.
The RDX seats five and caters to the driver and front passenger first and foremost. The RDX has an elevated eye-point that enhances the outward view. Its standard leather seating surfaces and ergonomically designed seat contours are designed to provide sedan-like comfort. The power driver's seat is 8-way adjustable with power adjustable lumbar support for a custom fit.
Besides exemplary comfort, interior roominess and cargo carrying were high priorities for RDX designers. The rear seats are highly versatile and permit a wide range of storage capabilities. With the 60/40 split-folding rear seats folded flat, the rear cargo area offers up to 60.6 cubic feet of storage. Numerous interior storage compartments include a large lockable dual-level center console between the front seats. For greater passenger comfort, a dual-zone automatic climate control system is standard.
Optional Technology Package
The RDX is so well equipped that only one option package is available. Appealing to audiophile and computer-savvy customers, the Technology Package makes the RDX truly “wired.” The available Technology Package includes a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround(R) Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc DVD-A changer, AM/FM tuner, and XM(R) Satellite Radio. The Technology Package also includes HandsFreeLink(R) wireless telephone interface, AcuraLink(TM) Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic, the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), rearview camera and a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, automatic climate control system. In total, these technologies put the RDX at the cutting edge of the Entry Premium SUV segment.
Saftey
The 2007 RDX breaks ground in a number of important safety areas. Its ACE(TM) body structure is a product of the latest engineering efforts to provide “Safety Through Innovation.” The RDX is also more compatible with smaller vehicles if a car-to-car frontal collision should occur, and it has a specially engineered hood and other components to reduce the chance of injury in the event of a collision with a pedestrian.
Passive safety features include the latest dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag technology for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors for all outboard occupants. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), a child-seat mounting system, makes it easy to quickly secure a child seat in the rear seats (see Safety Tab for more details).
Engineering & Manufacturing
The RDX is the first Acura light truck to be assembled in Honda of America Manufacturing's facility in Marysville, Ohio, the same factory that produces the Acura TL. As a result, it now brings light-truck production capacity and even greater versatility to the Marysville, Ohio plant. In addition, RDX represents the first time that an American engineer has headed a Japanese development team in creating a new Acura vehicle.
Producing both an SUV and a sedan on the same assembly line requires additional flexibility because of dimensional differences (in particular the height and size of the RDX rear section). The assembly process in Marysville was optimized for workers installing the overhead rear hatch, to minimize overhead lifting and reaching. In addition, the assembly plant was modified to accommodate the installation of the RDX's SH-AWD(TM) system. This was necessary due to the additional components such as the transfer case, rear propeller shaft and rear differential.
Accessories
A host of attractive Genuine Acura Accessories were developed simultaneously with the RDX. Like all Genuine Acura Accessories, they are covered by the RDX's 4-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty when purchased with the vehicle or 12 months 12,000 miles when purchased separate from the vehicle. Available accessories include:
Exterior
19-inch aluminum alloy wheels
Front spoiler
Rear diffuser
Sport Running boards
Full nose mask
Splash guards
Hood air deflector
Roof rack
Body side moldings
Class 1 towing package
Sunroof visor
Back-up sensors
Rear bumper applique
Gold emblems
Wheel locks
Interior
Cargo tray
All-season mats
Cargo organizer
Leather wrapped shift knob
Wood patterned trim panels
Ashtray
Interior center console cooler bag
Cargo liner
Auto dimming mirror with compass
Acura Music Link
Cargo net
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