ClutchPerformer

Well in that case, the answer will probably be

dom

Most definently no. But I would hope the CR-V, Element and now RD-X will sell well enough to warrant their own platform.

Dan Martin

Can I have a VQ for my TSX please?

dom

I know 3 married couples that have 6 VQ's between them, 1 each.

98AccordEx

I totally agree, they deserve their own platform. The CRV and Element are already so differentiated from the Civic it's odd to say they are from the same platform at this point.

I'm also hoping for the 3.0 V6 in the RDX and feel it will still be different enough from the MDX. While the HP numbers will be close enough for comparison (255 vs 240). That extra .5L gives the MDX the torque it needs for the extra weight and towing capacity of a large SUV (250 vs 212).

I think the RDX and CRV would jump over the competition if they offered the V6 as an option similar to the way the Ody leapfroged other minivans a few years ago. It would make the CRV similar to the Accord offerings and greatly boost sales by offering consumers a choice. Plus if the next generation CRV grows, as it has in the previous generations, it may will need the 240HP & 212 torque to stay ahead of upcoming competition.

dom

Its a no brainer for Honda IMO. Its pretty much a guarantee that the competition will see power/size increases. Maybe the 2.4 only for the CR-V and the option of a V6 for the RD-X ?

98AccordEx

We can only hope. Engine offerings are a fitting way to help differentiate cousin vehicles (RDX/CRV, TL/Accord). The other way is content but with the CRV SE just released the upgrade list for the RDX got a lot shorter. It comes with sunroof, leather, heated seats, heated mirrors, 6CD 6speaker with remote on steering wheel, ABS, EBD, VSA, curtain airbags, etc. That leaves the RDX with NAV, power seats, and hopefully a sportier ride as the major upgrades, huh? Hopefully it will be great looking to help explain the price difference as well. The CRV SE is 27k and the RDX is expected to be 30-35K.

phile

No hybrid SUV.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101529

ostrich

Is this old news?

http://www.difflock.com/buyersguide/...cura_RDX.shtml

If it's all true in this article, I may trade in my TSX...

phile

Very old.

biker

It looks like someone is looking at this hybrid thing logically - instead of trying to follow the me-too crowd.

98AccordEx

I still don't see the logic. Cost is a definite factor but the extra $3500 could be recouped in a SUV. How about this scenario: use the same engine-tranny combo from the Accord Hybrid in the RDX. It gives a 3600-3800 SUV the power it needs (255 HP and 232torque) and while we could expect lower MPG due to additional weight and aero drag it would still impress at say 24 city 30hwy?? (vs accord hybrid 29 city and 37 hwy). Honda has the technology why not share it across platform to distribute the development costs further? Plus since its an Acura the expected cost is higher anyway. If the RDX is based on the next CRV (base price $20k for 4cyl auto) then the $3500 hybrid and $2000 V6 cost diefference can be justified in the expected $30-35k price tag?

How about that for diffentiating the RDX from the CRV and the MDX???

dom

If a hybrid were to be available in the RDX, it should only be an option anyway. Just like it is in the Accord/Civic.

98AccordEx

We'll if they design with enough room for the V6hybrid drivetrain then they would of course have enough room for the TSX drivetrain as well but I think ti would be a dog with that setup. Remember the TSX is slippery at 0.27cd and there is no way the RDX will be anywhere close plus it will be at least ~300lbs more than the TSX??

dom

The RDX should IMO have a standard V6. The 4 banger in the CR-V is barely acceptable to most so I could not imagine a I4 in a "luxury" SUV.

provench

Even if a small V6 ... but of course who would have thoght the TSX would succeed with an I4 that only Honda could make this smooth?

jcg878

Indeed

dom

Exactly, I use to say the same thing about the TSX

I'd buy a I4 RDX with 220HP for the record, just not sure how many others would.

brutus

What you are not looking at is that if the RDX is to have a 4 cyl at about 200HP maybe a bit more, the hybrid would give the advantage of 6 cyl power, beyond the fact that it is not only a unique car for the moment, but it is less wasteful, and pollutes the air less. People seem to forget that the implications of a hybrid are not strictly better MPG... but they forget it also pollutes the air less.

Now, if they come out with an engine which gives sufficient power for an suv and is efficient, I am all for it.

BTW I love the idea of dropping the accord hybrid engine in this bad boy, now that would be awesome.

B.

98AccordEx

If using the same electric hybrid as the Accord nets you 16HP & 20lb ft torque when coupled to the TSX's I4 the combined would be approx 216hp & 186lb ft. That might ? be enough grunt to keep it under a 9.5sec 0-60 with a 5-spd auto. I think for it to have sporty pretenses just the I4 (non-hybrid) even at 220hp isn't going to do it unless the RDX & CRV lose serious weight, like 300 lbs.

donnydjr

A quick repost of the press release...

DETROIT 12/16/2004 -- The Acura RD-X Concept vehicle will make its debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This concept version of the upcoming Acura entry SUV, which will go on sale in 2006, combines the performance of a sports sedan with the versatility and utility of a premium SUV.

Aimed at active urban professionals and packed full of performance and technology, the RD-X Concept is designed to knife through traffic on crowded city streets and carve up twisty mountain roads. It features aggressive styling, a wide track, bold fender flares and a unique wood and leather interior based on the feeling of an upscale loft apartment.


I really want to believe that if the price rumors of $30k - $35k are true, and Acura is touting "performance" (quoted twice), "technology", "knife through traffic" and "carve up twisty mountain roads", that this vehicle HAS to be more than a CR-V with agressive styling, bluetooth and climate control, especially if it's going to be $7k - $10k more than a CR-V, and more than most Pilots.

Therefore, it must have SH-AWD, a V6, IMA, and/or something to set it apart and justify this price range.

Otherwise, if it's going to cost $28k - $30k max, then probably not.

Just a few more days...

mg7726

can't wait to see the RDX in Detroit...

someone take lots of pics

Fibonacci

I agree, the '05 CRV is fine for the wife, but I couldn't bear driving it as my sole personal vehicle. But you know Honda being Honda - wouldn't be surprised to essentially see a tweaked TSX engine in the RDX. It all depends on how they configure the next generation CRV since they'll be sharing the same platform and will be built in Ohio on the same line.

provench

Hopefully Justin has his top secret Acurazine camera armed to the teeth for press day (4:30 on Sunday is Acura's time if I recall)

brutus

Here is my question, where is everyone getting these 35K prices from?

It will be priced under 30K, something like 29,900. Maybe add $2k for Nav or something.

B.

provench

Ok - and to be fair ... where is your $29.9K coming from We're all guessing right?

I think based on what I am hearing .... less expensive seems most likely, but there is plenty of room under the MDX ... so who knows.

brutus

true dat, but what is more realistic... 30K or 35K?...based on a 4cyl crv -esq suv, lets see the MDX starts at msrp of 37k... so if the thought is Acura is going to price a small 4cyl suv 2K under their MDX makes weird sense.

Practically speaking, the price that makes the most sense is around 30K. Who knows, but if I was a betting man I would go the lower price.

We shall see... geeze I can't wait all this speculation is killing me... can't we get some spy thing a few days early.

B.

Fibonacci

Don't forget the RDX won't be produced and sold until '06. You're assuming that the next-gen MDX won't move further upscale with a higher price point.

PistonFan: hoping for RDX to have 3.0 V6 under $30k without navi.

Precision Crafted

I'm not sure about the price but I do see the MDX moving up market just as the TL and RL did. I'm just guessing but I see the MDX adding heated and cooling seats and a pwr rear hatch to name a few. This would allow Acura to price the RD-X close to 30k maybe even over. An RD-X with Touring package, Navi, and Rear Pass Entertainment could easily get close to 35k which would put it on the heals to the current MDX

Now if the MDX does move up market just as its fellow stable mates then I hope Acura has some things up its sleeve. Honda kept the Oddy farily close to the last gen model and just added more stuff (Touring package). Acura may see fit to not up set the apple cart too much by adding more to the MDX, updating the looks and giving it more hp (the RL's 300?)

Anyway you look at it, the RD-X will have the room to be in the Mid 30's with every factory option.

provench

I think we'll get some info ... but if the past is any test ... don't expect any pricing info until the thing is practically unloading off the trucks at the dealers. Honda/Acura are very tight to the vest with pricing info.

I am with you PistonFan, but I think that's a long shot at this point

Precision Crafted

I was typing my response just as you posted. I think we're on the same page.

Fibonacci

Great minds think alike - nice avatar

98AccordEx

The biggest revelations I expect on Sunday the 9th are:
1) the engine choice(s) (TSX-I4? : TSX-I4&IMA? : 3.0V6? : 3.0V6hybrid? : 3.5V6? : ????)
2) AWD choice(s) (optional : IMA powered : SH-AWD : Real-time4WD)
3) platform (Accord/Midsize or Civic/Compact)

I agree price will not be divulged but may be hinted since they are releasing as a concept.

biker

If this is going to be an answer to the X3 - the price has to be quite bit lower than that.

brutus

I think we all can't wait, but as regards to pricing, if we know that following information, I think we can surmise the pricing if they do not say it.

IE: V6 Hybrid will most certainly put it in the 30+K range, and so forth.

I will be completely shocked if there is a v6 in the RDX, it just does not go with Honda, they never seem to go with the bigger engine, it is like pulling teeth with them.... now if it was Nissan, it would be a better chance, since they seem to drop that 6 in everything, it is like they are getting a buy 1 get 1 free from their factory on those engines or something

B.

Please may I be completely shocked... pretty please. If they price the RDX at about 33K and drop the accord V6 Hybrid engine and don't suck on interior and exterior styling, sign me up! SLAM DUNK baby!

Precision Crafted

If it is going to be an answer to the X3 then there had better be an engine of some caliber. To that end, the 2.4 could work but it needs way more then the current 200. I liked the RD-X concept's original idea of 200hp plus 50 from IMA.

I too would be shocked if a V6 is a part of the deal. Honda just doesn't do anything too shocking. Even the annoucement of the Ridgelines's "high out put 3.5" screams 300 hp. I do not understand why Honda is so coy when it's fans can often read between the lines. But maybe I'm wrong about the V6 and I hope I am. The CR-V competition is using V6's right and left so maybe there is hope.

98AccordEx

The X3 2.5i starts at $30,300 and runs $37,600 when equipped with Acura level features (5spd auto, sunroof, leather, heated seats, cruise control - yes an option for the X3, power seats, etc.)

The X3 3.0i starts at $36,300. and runs $41,700 similarly equipped to an Acura.

I think the RDX has plenty of room between 30-35 to stay ahead. Remember the X3 has exactly gotten great reviews. Actually I don't remember reading even ONE!!!

98AccordEx

I think Acura will step up this time and give us the 3.0V6 to start the RDX off right. The platform sounds like its more likely Accord than Civic based. Honda has delivered in the past - after all the Ody could have been equipped with the 3.0 Accord V6 and would still beat most of its competition????

Precision Crafted

I've read where it rides terrible among other things. I've also heard C&D television ask why was it built since it over laps the X5 too much.

The RD-X has playing room to be sure. Acura is going to give buyers alot for their money just like the TSX, TL, and RL. Even the MDX is priced right. Them things are all over Wichita, KS. As I said yesterday, the MDX is moving up market to compete with others in it's class which I say includes Volvo. The RDX will the next gen Aviator to deal with, but I doubt that causes Acura concern. The RDX can and should be a great alternative to X3 if it looks right, has the right equipment beyond XM radio and bluetooth.

Precision Crafted

Your right there! Honda goofed with the first Ody and made up for it to be one of the Minivan leaders (I still say if a lux company were going to build a van, the Sienna would be it).

Acura saw what Lex did with the RX and did one better by being bigger thus having a 3rd row and not having options to jack up the price. I've always felt that Acura should have a small V6 offering and the 3.0 would fill the bill. Now if the next gen TSX would be made into a series to offer both a 4 bagger and a V6!

Justin, where are you!?