<p><a href="/assets/articles/292540/acura_rdx_front-hi.jpg"><img src="/assets/articles/292540/acura_rdx_front.jpg" alt="Acura RDX Front Fascia" border="0" style="float:left; margin:5px 5px 0 0;" /></a>Acura took the wraps off the new RDX concept at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The RDX is a SUV crossover that should directly compete against vehicles like the Infiniti FX35 and BMW X3. While still a &ldquo;concept&rdquo;, the RDX should no doubt find it&rsquo;s way into the Acura lineup in the near future looking very similar to the concept that was just unveiled in Detroit. The RDX will be slotted beneath the popular MDX and help Acura to compete better in the luxury SUV segment. Incorporating numerous technological advancements and with Acura&rsquo;s well known reputation for world-class performance and reliability we should see the RDX rocket to the top of the sales charts once it goes on sale in early 2006. The RDX will be an exciting addition to the ever-expanding Acura lineup and should help to continue the recent trend of record sales for the Acura division. </p>
<p>The RDX should be one of the best handling SUV&rsquo;s in the segment thanks to the integration of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) which first saw it&rsquo;s introduction on the flagship RL last year and has already won several prestigious awards. SH-AWD is a state-of-the-art AWD system that not only improves traction, but it also helps to steer the vehicle. The RDX has a fully independent front and rear suspension that should also contribute to its excellent road manners.</p>
<p><a href="/assets/articles/292540/acura_rdx_windshield-hi.jpg"><img src="/assets/articles/292540/acura_rdx_windshield.jpg" alt="Acura RDX `Wiper-less` Windshield Washing System" border="0" style="float:right; margin:5px 0 0 5px;" /></a>The RDX concept lacks windshield wipers and side mirrors. Instead of windshield wipers the RDX employs jets of air to keep the windshield clear and uses two cameras tied directly to the 8&rdquo; navigation screen in place of the side mirrors. It will also include F1 inspired steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that are integrated into the tachometer and temperature gauges for constant driver awareness of their current gear selection. The RDX incorporates the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. ACE improves protection of occupants during a frontal collision and also makes the RDX safer to other vehicles.</p>
<p>The RDX also features the next-generation version of the AcuraLink satellite communication system. This system provides real time traffic information and also allows for instant communication between the RDX driver and Acura customer service. This advanced system will also allow the driver to access the Internet, read movie reviews, and download music. A hard-drive, integrated into the center console, allows storage of an entire digital music library, which can be accessed at any time. The RDX also has a 9-speaker DVD-A audio system that delivers surround sound to all seating positions.</p>
<p><a href="/assets/articles/292540/acura_rdx_cargo-hi.jpg"><img src="/assets/articles/292540/acura_rdx_cargo.jpg" alt="Acura RDX Cargo Area" border="0" style="float:left; margin:5px 5px 0 0;" /></a>With an aggressive appearance and spacious cargo area, the RDX should appeal to those searching for the utility of a SUV but also desire the performance of a sports sedan. The RDX has 19&rdquo; wheels, Brembo brakes, dual exhaust tips, and wrap-around LED headlights and taillights.</p>
<p>Although many of the features found in the RDX concept will be toned down or disappear when the production model hits the streets we can see the RDX will have a drivers oriented cockpit and excellent ergonomics. The RDX concept&rsquo;s instrument panel and door inserts are trimmed with a combination of ivory leather and ivory suede. There are also dual front bucket seats, trimmed in tangerine-colored, crocodile-embossed leather with ivory-colored wool headrests are positioned close together rally-style to facilitate easy communication between the driver and the front passenger. The entire headliner and rear cargo bay are trimmed with an off-white suede material.</p>
<p><a href="/assets/articles/292540/acura_rdx_steering-hi.jpg"><img src="/assets/articles/292540/acura_rdx_steering.jpg" alt="Acura RDX Crocodile Leather Steering Wheel" border="0" style="float:right; margin:5px 0 0 5px;" /></a>A power plant has yet to be officially announced but either a 2.4L I4 or a 3.0L V6 are the most likely engines to find their way into the RDX, either of which should easily make 200+ HP. The RDX will be assembled at the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in Marysville, Ohio. Check back soon for more updates on this exciting addition to the Acura lineup.</p>

 

Damn, that interior is sick!! If that's the future of Acura, count me in. . .

 

i want crocidile leather and air jets instead of windshielf wipers pls... place me on the waiting list, im a believer already...

 

it doesn't look bad, looks pretty good, but I ain't feeling the interior or those frameless windows.

 

May be trading in the old TSX for one in 06...

 

i like it. hope they drop the v6 in there.

 

I like it. It may be the next vehicle for me.

 

I like it. I'm curious to see how the concept translates into the actual production car. If it's good, I may consider it for my next car since it has SH-AWD, which I would really love on my next car (unless of course the TSX also gets this along with a fairly decent horsepower gain).

 

What's funny is how the RDX is attracting the TSX ... to me that is a perfect score for Acura

P.S. Take this discussion to the new https://acurazine.com/

 

Us TSX'ers are hoping that for about the same price range, we can get a larger, more technically advanced car. People in the TL and RL price range will go for the MDX (providing it gets things like S-AWH)

 

The RL's interior is hot as hell. The RDX is looking good also... perfect addition to the lineup.

 

pretty nice.... i wish i could see the entire body...

 

 

I hope its only an exercise cuz this thing sux!

 

I think they'll make most of this truck for production. Acura is on a roll right now. They're leading in styling at the moment.

 

You know what they say opinions are like...



Personally, my asshole thinks this thing looks great! Bang up job Acura!

 

My only criticism would be that there needs be a little more Acura pentagram in the grill work. The grill needs to be sharper...

It looks too rounded... like the grill from the focus.

Sharpening it up might give it a more aggresive look... which it could beenfit from.


I could definately see myself in one of these

 

Im guessing the production model will have door handles and mirrors?

Looks like this might be the wifey's car in 06...

 

Ugly. Where is the TL styling?

 

I like it...however I would never buy one.

 

id look at it if it came with a v6, wich i highly doubt it will

 

Looks promising I guess.

But I don't like the rear lights, they should model it more like the lights on the TSX. The grill is also quite odd, but I like the interior.

Meh.

 

they need to face-lift MDX as well....my CL is getting old RDX is too small for my taste

 

Awesome addition, think it might look real nice if they fix its front end. I think thats really the only prob with it. I currently have a 03 MDx and as much as i love it, i hate the 600 buks a month i pay for it. I would love a 450=500 a month payment since ill be upgrading homes next year, and asmuch room as the mDx has, i dont really need all the room it has, but still want the SUV feel. I guess I will just have to see what the 06 or 07 MDX looks like in order to really tell if i want to move down a size. ANyone have any pics of the next MDX CONCEPT.
wg

 

Other than the styling, it should be okay. The steering wheel is bizzare, and don't expect the air jets and cameras...never make it into production for lots of years.

 

That air jet idea is the best thing i have heard of in a while. Its such a better idea then windshield wipers, but how you gonna clean off bugs and poop?

 

Have they hinted at a release date as of yet?

 

It looks ok, futuristic

 

The wife and I are looking at a replacement vehicle for her.. she currently has a '99 EX-L. It's been an okay car--nothing exciting, but okay.

Anyhow, this looks like the CR-V model with Acura branding. Which strikes me as funny since Acura used to be (and *should* be) leading with the new models, not following. Honda itself is behind the curve with this market segment (smaller SUV), imo. I really liked the CR-V and we'd consider purchasing one, but the turnoffs were that it seems Honda cheaped out when making this car. We were looking at the "top of the line" model; leather, etc. But they didn't have silly things like heated mirrors, homelink, etc. Plus it's not available in a V6? We were like WTF?! Why would they make the interior any different than the Accord EX??

But this is where I think Acura should be--if Honda is going for a lower price point. Acura should be right there at a point above that, with the same platform, just better options. Pretty standard stuff. But amazingly they are not. This thing is just another concept car.

Anyhow, we're going to check out the RAV4 today.. I call it the "Raver car". But it's got more features, plus a V6. Let you know how it goes. I'm tired of waiting for Honda/Acura..

 

I like it, But I think the air jet windshield wipers are only a item for the concept, that also how I feel about the side view mirror camera...

I think both ideas are really awesome ones, But I dont think theres a chance they will make it to production....

 

The concept looks so much better than the 2009 RDX

 

Maybe one day Acura will make it look like that.

 

Glad this thread is back. I was worried it would be dead forever!

Has any car looked as good as the concept upon which it was based?

 

too bad the trunk looks NOTHING like this

 

Holy crap, trev0006 made an actual post! so he isn't a robot!

 

 

meh

 

sick interior, not so hot on the color scheme though