Well, I think this was a very productive session. When we come back next week, we can work on some different topics that cause us stress in our everyday lives.

A brief scan of pertinent common language dictionaries has failed to produce a hit on "Sport+", but according to Acura it is a "dynamic mode" setting we may select with that REALLY BIG KNOB on the dashboard. Some might argue that knob could be better used for selecting transmission modes, but this is the kind of thing that happens when artists ( excuse me, automotive designers ) get to call the shots.

Anyway, as I think you know, the "dynamic modes" alter steering assist and throttle response as well as some transmission shift parameters ( and suspension tuning in the Advance trim with the electrically adjustable shock absorbers ).

The "S" mode on the transmission, which you can access by pushing the D/S button on the transmission button pad, has a more profound effect on shifting behavior. And as you know, once you are in "S mode" ( which I prefer to call "Sport mode" ), yanking a paddle shifter will enable full manual control of the transmission. This is referred to as "manual sequential" mode because that's how it behaves. One pull of a paddle shifts the transmission up or down one gear. It doesn't skip gears. Usually. For advanced study, describe a situation where the thing WILL skip gears in that mode.

I just want to know who thought it was a good idea to have the cutsie little graphics animations for the "dynamic modes" on the infotainment system display. And the "start-up" fanfare on the MID. Even my teenage son thinks it's lame. There. I feel much better now that I got that off my chest. Thanks for listening.

 

 

But since we have trended onto the topic of effective communication, what information is conveyed by those graphics that is not more effectively, and perhaps less distractingly, conveyed by a single word of text?

But really, the "dynamic mode" setting graphics just strike me as a little bit silly. The "startup fanfare" is downright annoying. There outta be a setting to turn it OFF!

 

If they didn’t add graphics there would be one less thing for people to complain about.

 

Or maybe they could focus their attention on things that actually add value.

 

 

TRue, I want to quickly go to Sport+ but i have to wait until it stops in Sport mode first. If I need the Sport+ now it is too long.

 

 

 

^^^ This is the likely reason.

 

 

Yes, leather stretches.
That's why designers/engineers assure correct dye cuts, stitching, internal support, supportive padding, etc. to accommodate for potential leather instability. This dimpling in photo is not acceptable in a new luxury/near luxury automobile. My guess is this will be corrected by Acura.....probable cause is cut on center panel of seat is slightly large, resulting in insufficient tension, or whatever. This might be acceptable to many. Knowing I would see it every time I sat down, it would not be acceptable to me.

 

 

Dude, my kids are (pre-)millennials. My iPhone blows the doors off of Cray supercomputers I used to dial into "back in the day".

But Moore's law doesn't account for the cheap bas$tard in accounting who will under-spec the primary CPU in a $50,000 device just to save $0.50.

 

I happen to really like the various graphics lol. Better then a blank screen IMO.

 

 

 

Yep..Acura’s target audience for this vehicle are the 30-40 yr olds, they wanted it to appeal to a younger audience.. That is what the president said at the unveiling. Have you checked out the marketing shots? Anyone over 40 in 'um? (Hum...maybe that's Gen X )

 

 

 

 

True. The Gen 2 Cadillac SRX fell into that category and was the best selling model ever. New management took over and decided they wanted to make the nameplate a 'real' luxury brand when the SRX was replaced by the XT5 which ended up about $8K more for a comparably equipped vehicle. Bad move IMO.

 

 

 

 

Homerun!

 

 

I hate change. It weighs down my pockets and I never have enough when I actually need it.

I don't make the mistake of confusing change with progress. Progress is an infinitesimally small subset of change. Those who worship change simply for the sake of change never go anywhere. Of course sometimes that's the point. Witness planned obsolescence.

 

Well the oldest Millenial is 37 for what that's worth

 

I miss the "dial" of the old cars that allowed the NAVI to be zoomed in or out (and stay that way) of course, but I do like the 3D view and the fact that it moves back and forth between 1/4 mile and 3/8 mile views depending on where you are with regard to density. The thing I find the most annoying is the cabin storage space. There is far less room than my previous RDX's (14/17) and getting things in and out of the main storage unit is a real stretch, and hard (and dangerous) to try and do while driving. The bottle storage in the door is now at a 45 degree angle as opposed to the old vertical storage in the older cars, but that gives the speakers more room so I can live with that.

On the whole, I really don't have too much to complain about the car. The lack of things like spare tire, folding mirrors, remote key fob and stuff like that are annoying but I understand they wanted to keep the car under $50K.
But so far, this is the most fun I've had with a new RDX, and this is my 4th, so that's pretty good.

 

Have any of you been able to tell if the Acura hitch interferes with the operability of the "foot kick" rear hatch opener on the Advance model? Is a kit needed to relocate the foot sensor?

 

I believe that they move the kick sensor to the left as part of the trailer hitch installation.

 

Thats what I read elsewhere as well.

Has anyone found a place that does a Class II / 2" hitch in stall for this car?

 

 

The Hands Free Access sensor must be replaced and relocated when the OEM hitch is installed. I debated the merits of this, but I decided to go all-in and keep everything functional. But it's not an inexpensive solution.

I'm not aware of any aftermarket options at this time, with either 1.25 or 2.0 inch receivers. OEM is class I 1.25 inch. I have verified compatibility of a Curt 1.25-2.0 inch adapter for a bike rack.

Required OEM hitch parts for 2019 Acura RDX Advance:

08L91-TJB-200 Harness, Trailer Hitch

08L91-TJB-200B Sensor, Tailgate

08L92-TJB-200B Panel, Trailer Hitch Cover

08L92-TJB-200 Trailer Hitch

 

Messing with the mechanism of the gas pedal would be a Very Bad Idea. Look up "unintended acceleration" if you want to know why. Try adjusting your seat position so your leg and ankle are well positioned to operate the pedal.

The pedal response is changed with the different "dynamic modes", so experiment to see what you like. You will quickly adapt to the pedal feel as you drive the car.