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'07 RDX - The RDX Concept made its debut at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. The production version should be appearing in showrooms sometime early in 2006, and it wouldn't surprise us if Acura debuts the production version at one of the domestic autoshows (Detroit, Chicago, or New York) next year. The folks at Motor Trend swear on a stack of bibles that it will be powered by a 2.2L turbocharged motor producing around 260hp. I'm personally a little skeptical about that information, but the rumor just won't go away and MT's sources are supposedly "airtight". I'm not a huge fan of current turbos, but a move like this would definitely provide a bit of a spark for the Acura lineup. There's been a lot of talk in the industry over the past few years of next generation turbocharged petrol motors utilizing variable geometry turbines and high pressure direct injection systems similar to the advanced technology found in modern turbodiesel motors. Thanks to the opposing forces of the ever surging cost of oil and the seemingly insatiable appetites of car buyers for power, the industry has been working hard to overcome some of the obstacles (higher exhaust gas temperatures, operating speeds) involved in applying this technology to petrol engines. The combination of variable geometry turbines, direct injection systems, and advanced fuel management strategies results in superb power, torque, economy, and emissions characteristics. Considering all of this, and the fact that Honda's own common-rail turbodiesel effort has been very well received, it could be reasoned that Honda would seek to recover some of their R&D investment on the turbodiesel by applying some of the knowledge gained from that development effort towards petrol motors that they can sell in their largest marketplace. Having said all that, if the RDX doesn't end up with a turbocharger, expect to see a 3.0 or 3.2L V6 under the hood.


News on other Honda/Acura Models

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=346150

corey415

Update!

RDX will come with v6, not a turbo 4.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=355470

mg7726

^^ Woohoo!

AcuraFan

Well, let's hope it's the 3.2 from the TL then...270hp in a small SUV? That'd be sweet. I would SO hit that!

This would also leave room for the next generation MDX to inherit the RL's 3.5 for 300 hp.

jaobrien6

I'm expecting the 3.0 to keep from getting my hopes up, but man, that 3.2 would be great. That would definitely send a message that Honda isn't content to sit back and watch the HP wars, in any vehicle segment. *crosses fingers*

AcuraFan

With the 3.2, it could compete with the FX35. I like that.

98AccordEx

I think with either the 3.0 or 3.2 it will offer a bit of both worlds, a kind of inbetween option for those who like the FX35 styling and the better utility and roominess of the X3.

Can't wait for more details.

gundamZZ

damnnn....so i guess the TSX won't get the turbo now that the RDX isn't getting one that really sux

AcuraFan

It sounds like a turbo is still in development. It's just not going to be ready in time for the RDX. We may see it in a future TSX...or we may not see it at all...it's too early to tell.

What I can tell you is, they need to do something...I have a feeling the TSX will get a slight boost in power in the next year or two (10 or so hp), and some bigger power as an option (240-250hp). But that's just a guess.

crisco

my bet is the 3.0 from the accord - but who knows?
- could the CRV also get this as an optional upgrade?

AcuraFan

Well, here's a though...considering the CRV is rumored to get a V6 soon...it will get the 3.0 from the Accord. And to differentiate the RDX a little more as a luxury vehicle, it will get the 3.2 from the TL.

Not that having the 3.0 in the RDX would be bad either. I hear it's going to get a boost in power soon to 250hp anyway...and that wouldn't be too shabby for a small lux suv. (though it wouldn't be considered competition for the FX as I'd hoped)

Here's another thought, maybe the 3.0 is getting a boost to position itself as an optional engine in the TSX to help it compete with the new 330i. Just a thought.

98AccordEx

I like the way you think. You really wouldn't have to do much to the Accord V6 to compete with the 3.0 high-tuned I6 in the BMW 3-series. BMW touts it as the highest rated 3 liter six but it only has a 15 HP advantage over the Accord and uses premium gas. I would love it if Honda stroked a little more out of the Accord V6 to again raise the bar.

As for the CRV and RDX the engine choices matching the Accord and TL respectively sounds perfectly logical. Everyone is expecting a TL with SH-AWD anyway, why not use the same powertrain for the RDX?

crisco

...you could be right about the Accord / TL differentiation in engines, But - remember that the Pilot and MDX share the same 3.5 L engine - just tuned differently to favor the MDX (265 hp vs 255 hp; 253 lb/ft vs 250 lb/ft). Based upon this, I wouldn't be surprised if the CRV / RDX share the same base engine (3.0 L???) but tuned to favor a more 'sporting' demeanor for the RDX.

AcuraFan

Well, the new 3.0 I6 from BMW is supposed to have around 255hp with premium vs Honda's 3.0 V6 has around 240hp with regular gass. I hear rumors that burning premium in it really boosts the hp though. Also, there are rumors going around that Honda's boosting their 2006 Accord to 250hp. So, I can see the TSX and RDX both getting this engine.

AcuraFan

You're right. The RDX will probably get a variation of whatever V6 the CRV is going to get. (which will hopefully move over to the TSX as well)

98AccordEx

I would hope Honda changes the intake and programming as they did with the current CRV's 4cyl so as to produce more torque or at least lower in the rev range. Doing this to the Accord V6 would be fantastic in either the CRV or RDX.

vicpai

......SWEEEET .....and for all those posters that wanted a POS 4 banger BOOOOOOOOO

vicpai

.......and here's what they have to say:

"We've very recently heard that the plans for the turbo 2.2 or 2.4 have been scrapped for the time being. Apparently there were some quality concerns about the available turbochargers and possibly some NVH issues as well. The J-series V6 is a virtual lock for the RDX now."

......and please read carefully the reasons why Honda went the V6 route!!!.....JUST WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG!!! right from the HORSES MOUTH ...... NVH and durability concerns were the reasons for going the V6 route!!

AcuraFan

All I was saying is, don't be surprised if it's a i4...and that the RDX will rock even with just 4 cylinders.

lamster

I don't know if it'd rock with just 4 cylinders. It'd sell with 4 cylinders, but to really "rock" it'd definitely need a 6-cylinder engine.

98AccordEx

Agreed, I think the success of the 05 CRV SE has proven there is a market for a 4cyl small SUV with a touch of luxury. The RDX will provide even more luxury and would sell with a 4cyl (especially with gas so high) but the 3.0 V6 combined with SHAWD will make it rock!!!