Acura: RDX News
#721
Originally Posted by cheepung
No power seat on the passenger seat. That is sad for a $32K suv.
#723
Drifting
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Sunshine State
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cheepung
No power seat on the passenger seat. That is sad for a $32K suv.
#724
I'm a llama :(
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The introduction of this car is going to be so huge!!! There's no other LUX SUV like it right now! I can only see all the new Acura redesigns to be amazing with tons of features.
#725
Think the x3 is exactly like it, but outside that size of entry level vehicle there are many other suvs in this price range that will make it a competitive market for peoples cash.
#726
I'm a llama :(
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Think the x3 is exactly like it, but outside that size of entry level vehicle there are many other suvs in this price range that will make it a competitive market for peoples cash.
#727
Maybe it's because this vehicle has been abused at the other auto show, but I found the interior to be pretty disappointing. The faux metal really felt cheap and it's much more noticeable than in the TSX. The plastics on the interior door pulls had jagged edges on them. The lid for th cupholders was a different hue than the center console itself. I discovered that the center armrest lifts up towards the passenger, which is easy for the driver, but awkward for the passenger to retrieve anything.
The tailgate is missing a light so that when in the up position, you would have light shining down at night. In the BMW X3, there is a light back there. For Honda, this was quite an oversight as most other SUVs have that feature as well. At least the cargo area had lights, but then again, so did the X3. The X3's center armrest lifts upward and is hinged to stay in place even if it's not opened all the way. In the RDX, it's either all the way up, or closed. However, the seats did feel more comfortable in the RDX than in the X3, which felt relatively flat in the back.
I heard plenty of people remark about the front. Unfortunately, I agree with them. Too busy in an otherwise clean overall design.
The tailgate is missing a light so that when in the up position, you would have light shining down at night. In the BMW X3, there is a light back there. For Honda, this was quite an oversight as most other SUVs have that feature as well. At least the cargo area had lights, but then again, so did the X3. The X3's center armrest lifts upward and is hinged to stay in place even if it's not opened all the way. In the RDX, it's either all the way up, or closed. However, the seats did feel more comfortable in the RDX than in the X3, which felt relatively flat in the back.
I heard plenty of people remark about the front. Unfortunately, I agree with them. Too busy in an otherwise clean overall design.
#729
Senior Moderator
Video of it: http://www.acurardx.net/acura-rdx-movies-videos.htm
#731
The sizzle in the Steak
Exterior is
#733
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by Motohip
I think the exterior is hot! And it's even hotter with the lip kit and 19's.
#734
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Exterior is
#735
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Motohip
Well, none will have as much power, a turbo, DVD-a sound system, SH-AWD (obviously), optional back-up camera, and all the other luxury items for that price. The only other cars I can think of that are the same size are the X3 and Murano, and neither have as many options. But that reminds me...I noticed a shit load of Murano's on the road today. I wonder if the RDX will be that popular.
Might be because of the same reason why we have an 05 Murano: great lease deals. I see Muranos EVERYWHERE as well but, we still enjoy ours and it is a blast to drive.
#736
Race Director
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Illinois
Age: 45
Posts: 10,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is kinda boring, exterior just reminds me of a dressed up Toyota Highlander. Why Acura why don't you make less conservative styled vehicles and come up with something wild and outlandish for a change?
#737
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by Yumchah
Video of it: http://www.acurardx.net/acura-rdx-movies-videos.htm
#739
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Think the x3 is exactly like it, but outside that size of entry level vehicle there are many other suvs in this price range that will make it a competitive market for peoples cash.
#741
I'm a llama :(
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
I bet you like the RL and the new MDX concept too.
I hate the MDX concept.
What was your point?
#742
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by Motohip
I thought the RL concept was over the top and I didn't care too much for some of the styling.
I hate the MDX concept.
What was your point?
I hate the MDX concept.
What was your point?
...btw the MDX concept is as bad as the RDX IMHO.
#743
I'm a llama :(
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
...just thought you were an over the top Acura Fan Boy...or just a guy who has an affinity for ugly / vanilla car designs. You restored my confidence in saying that you hate the MDX concept.
...btw the MDX concept is as bad as the RDX IMHO.
...btw the MDX concept is as bad as the RDX IMHO.
#744
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by Motohip
I don't see Acura as ugly or vanilla. I'm not crazy about the RDX but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt. Generaly IMO Acura's don't photograph well and you really have to see them in person (like Mercedes). I see Toyota as ugly and vanilla...except the new Camry which I think is pretty good looking and almost what the Accord should have been.
Acura is a niche brand that plays it safe.
Acura does not lead...but rather marches to the beat of its own drummer.
Lexus, MB, BMW, Audi, Infinit, all lead and push exterior vehicle designs to new heights, Acura does not. Sure there is the NSX...good in its time, but now dated.
Acura is not a bad or ugly car company, just far from the pinnacle of lux car greatness.
#745
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: El Monte, CA
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i don't think lexus has ever been a pusher or leader in design. only recently has that changed with the new GS, IS, and now LS and ES. prior to these new models, all lexuses have been boring as hell, save the boyracer IS, which looks like a riced out civic.
i gotta edit my post again because i found it really funny to put lexus in your reply about pushing and leading design.
i gotta edit my post again because i found it really funny to put lexus in your reply about pushing and leading design.
Last edited by iNteGraz92; 04-24-2006 at 12:34 AM.
#746
Instructor
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by iNteGraz92
i don't think lexus has ever been a pusher or leader in design. only recently has that changed with the new GS, IS, and now LS and ES. prior to these new models, all lexuses have been boring as hell, save the boyracer IS, which looks like a riced out civic.
i gotta edit my post again because i found it really funny to put lexus in your reply about pushing and leading design.
i gotta edit my post again because i found it really funny to put lexus in your reply about pushing and leading design.
#747
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
I think many MB are photogenic...SLR, CLS, SL, S, SLK.....
Acura is a niche brand that plays it safe.
Acura does not lead...but rather marches to the beat of its own drummer.
Lexus, MB, BMW, Audi, Infinit, all lead and push exterior vehicle designs to new heights, Acura does not. Sure there is the NSX...good in its time, but now dated.
Acura is not a bad or ugly car company, just far from the pinnacle of lux car greatness.
Acura is a niche brand that plays it safe.
Acura does not lead...but rather marches to the beat of its own drummer.
Lexus, MB, BMW, Audi, Infinit, all lead and push exterior vehicle designs to new heights, Acura does not. Sure there is the NSX...good in its time, but now dated.
Acura is not a bad or ugly car company, just far from the pinnacle of lux car greatness.
what a tool...
Lexus pushes exterior vehicle design to new heights?
The TL is one of the best looking sport sedan's out there to date, and it's certainly more daring than other offerings such as the "photogenic" mercedes or the bangle butt bimmers.
Current MDX is still a nice looking SUV, 6 freakin years later.
TSX is just as sharp as the TL. NSX is STILL hotness.
And you say that Lexus is leading the way in design. I guess you missed that whole part where the ES was designed to win snooze competitions, and the GS looking like a Maxima/Hunchback hybrid.
But in all fareness, if anyone can be said to be "leading" car design and defining its own direction - its BMW. I might not like their designs but they sure are different. I'm just not sure that different = better.
#748
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by RWalker2
The previous IS isn't even a "Lexus" design.
#749
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by vishnus11
what a tool...
Lexus pushes exterior vehicle design to new heights?
The TL is one of the best looking sport sedan's out there to date, and it's certainly more daring than other offerings such as the "photogenic" mercedes or the bangle butt bimmers.
Current MDX is still a nice looking SUV, 6 freakin years later.
TSX is just as sharp as the TL. NSX is STILL hotness.
And you say that Lexus is leading the way in design. I guess you missed that whole part where the ES was designed to win snooze competitions, and the GS looking like a Maxima/Hunchback hybrid.
But in all fareness, if anyone can be said to be "leading" car design and defining its own direction - its BMW. I might not like their designs but they sure are different. I'm just not sure that different = better.
You need to understand the Bangle is being copied by everyone. You may not like his "bangle butt" designs, but the auto industry sure does...and his influence is noticeable in tons of vehicle designs other than BMW.
The MDX concept hardly evolves the MDX to new heights. It's not bad, but conservative. It will do better than the RL (another poorly executed vehicle), but I doubt it will have the sales figures to match the Lexus RX.
As for Lexus..they hit the nail on the head. The new ES will have huge sales. Whether you care for it or not, they designed it for the market they intended to sell it to, and it will do very well.
#750
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by iNteGraz92
i don't think lexus has ever been a pusher or leader in design. only recently has that changed with the new GS, IS, and now LS and ES. prior to these new models, all lexuses have been boring as hell, save the boyracer IS, which looks like a riced out civic.
i gotta edit my post again because i found it really funny to put lexus in your reply about pushing and leading design.
i gotta edit my post again because i found it really funny to put lexus in your reply about pushing and leading design.
#752
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by SeCsTaC
Who is copying the RX?
#754
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by Teh Jatt
Mini owners :shakehead
I'm just joking Moog...
I'm just joking Moog...
#756
I'm a llama :(
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
See the RX....its been around for almost 10 years and its design is still being copied today.
#757
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: El Monte, CA
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Mazda CX7, Nissan Murano, Kia Sorento..
you're reaching. i'll give you the sorento, but the rest look nothing like the rx300 or rx330/350
#758
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Champaign, Illinois
Age: 42
Posts: 7,309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, so maybe the RDX isn't as ugly as we thought. Still, if Acura pulls the RSX, they will be a sedans-and-SUVs [CUVs] shop ... just like every other 'upscale' automaker.
#759
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by M TYPE X
Yeah, so maybe the RDX isn't as ugly as we thought. Still, if Acura pulls the RSX, they will be a sedans-and-SUVs [CUVs] shop ... just like every other 'upscale' automaker.
#760
Moderator Alumnus
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Preview Review: 2007 Acura RDX - - BY TONY SWAN - - Source: caranddriver.com
Having pored over the socioeconomic star charts, interpreted tea leaves, studied chicken entrails, and otherwise peered into the future, Acura’s marketing soothsayers foresaw a new and growing portal in the sales cosmos for a vehicle class they identify as “entry premium CUV” (Crossover Utility Vehicle). Fortified by this wisdom, the Acura product-development team created this vehicle to exploit the potential seam in the automotive firmament: the RDX, a “CUV” conceived to have plenty of “valet cachet” and also sufficient cargo space for the accouterments of 30-something professionals — Acura refers to them as “high-energy urbanites” living a “24/7 lifestyle.” Acura’s portrayal of a 24/7 urban lifestyle includes kayaks, mountain bikes, scuba gear, snowboards, and other bulky items. No problem. The rear seats fold flat — without removing the headrests — creating a 61-cubic-foot cargo hold.
As for the valet-cachet part, we have trouble seeing much of it here. Aside from its Acuraesque front end, the RDX looks pretty much like a lot of other SUVs scampering around out there — same arched roofline, same sloping liftgate. It’s not a look that’s likely to show up among the Ferraris in the valet front row at Mario Batali’s new joint, Del Posto.
Speaking of looks, what the Acura RDX resembles a lot, particularly from the B-pillar forward, is its big brother, the MDX. However, that resemblance is familial rather than structural. Or dimensional. The RDX rides on a shorter (by 2.0 inches) 104.3-inch wheelbase, and at 180.7 inches long, 73.6 inches wide, and 65.2 inches tall, it is 8.0, 3.4, and 3.5 inches smaller, respectively, than the MDX. At just about 4000 pounds it’s roughly 500 pounds lighter, it seats five rather than seven, and towing capacity tops out at 1500 pounds rather than 3500, on the theory that high-energy urbanites aren’t likely to be fooling around with trailers.
What all this adds up to is a dedicated platform that shares nothing with the MDX. The platform is 95-percent all-new, according to Acura, destined to be shared with the Honda CR-V that’s due this fall. What won’t be shared is the RDX’s engine, a 2.3-liter i-VTEC (intake side only) DOHC 16-valve four force-fed by a turbocharger inhaling through a top-mounted air-to-air intercooler. Acura says all-new about this, too, but aside from its smaller (by 1mm) bore and reduced compression (8.8:1 versus 10.5:1), this is strongly reminiscent of the 2.4-liter four that powers the Acura TSX.
Still, a turbo Honda is something new in the U.S. market. The rationale is simple. The product planners wanted V-6 performance and four-cylinder fuel economy. Nothing new about that, but as we’ve come to expect, Honda has put its own spin on the details. The turbo, developed jointly by Honda and Aisin, features variable flow capability, achieved via a valve in the exhaust manifold. At engine speeds below 2000 rpm, the valve slightly closes, which increases the velocity of the exhaust gas and makes the turbo spool up quicker. It’s the same idea as putting a thumb over the end of a garden hose to rinse your car. At about 2000 rpm, the valve starts to open and is fully open by 2500 rpm.
The result is quick spool-up, and with or without using the paddle shifters, the RDX’s five-speed automatic is equally ready to rock. With the turbo blowing at max boost (13.5 psi) and the engine generating max output (240 horsepower at 6000 rpm), the RDX should be capable of 0-to-60-mph times under eight seconds, comparable with the BMW X3. More on that in a minute.
The suspension setup entails struts up front, and the multilink rear embraces a simplified version of the SH-AWD system employed on the RL sedan. In normal operation, 90 percent of the power goes to the front wheels, but this can vary up to 70 percent to the rear. At the rear axle, the SH-AWD can send as much as 100 percent of available torque to one wheel, which Acura says improves handling by overdriving the outside rear wheel in a corner.
Delivered by a set of 235/55 all-season performance tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, grip seems plentiful, and the speed-sensitive variable-power-assist rack-and-pinion steering is quick (2.8 turns lock-to-lock) and reasonably informative. Acura lists weight distribution as 52 front/48 rear, but with its front-biased power delivery, the RDX behaves like a front-drive vehicle and understeer is its defining characteristic.
Although there’s enough roll stiffness to encourage some back-road friskiness, the RDX’s suspension tuning is a little more compliant than the X3’s, which adds up to friendlier all-around ride quality. Friendlier also applies to the cabin, which feels posh compared with the stern interior of the X3. And of course there’s a load of standard stuff baked into the RDX’s base price: terrific heated leather front seats, a power sunroof, premium audio with XM-satellite-radio capability, a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel, stability control, ABS, curtain airbags, tire-pressure monitoring — which only skims the top.
You’ve noticed we keep men-tioning the X3. That’s because the X3 is Acura’s marketing target. With a base price of $37,495, it probably represents an easy target, too. Acura was typically close-mouthed about pricing, saying the RDX would be “between $30,000 and $37,000” when it goes on sale this month. We’re guessing a base price at the lower end of that range — say about $32,000. That would give the RDX a useful edge over its Bavarian target. But we wonder how it will fare against less-expensive and similarly powered newcomers, such as the Mazda CX-7. We’ll have to wait and see.
Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
Estimated base price: $32,000
Engine type: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 140 cu in, 2300cc
Power (SAE net): 240 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 260 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length/width/height: 180.7/73.6/65.2 in
Curb weight: 4000 lb
Performance ratings (C/D est):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.7 sec
Projected fuel economy (mfr’s est):
EPA city driving: 19 mpg
EPA highway driving: 24 mpg
As for the valet-cachet part, we have trouble seeing much of it here. Aside from its Acuraesque front end, the RDX looks pretty much like a lot of other SUVs scampering around out there — same arched roofline, same sloping liftgate. It’s not a look that’s likely to show up among the Ferraris in the valet front row at Mario Batali’s new joint, Del Posto.
Speaking of looks, what the Acura RDX resembles a lot, particularly from the B-pillar forward, is its big brother, the MDX. However, that resemblance is familial rather than structural. Or dimensional. The RDX rides on a shorter (by 2.0 inches) 104.3-inch wheelbase, and at 180.7 inches long, 73.6 inches wide, and 65.2 inches tall, it is 8.0, 3.4, and 3.5 inches smaller, respectively, than the MDX. At just about 4000 pounds it’s roughly 500 pounds lighter, it seats five rather than seven, and towing capacity tops out at 1500 pounds rather than 3500, on the theory that high-energy urbanites aren’t likely to be fooling around with trailers.
What all this adds up to is a dedicated platform that shares nothing with the MDX. The platform is 95-percent all-new, according to Acura, destined to be shared with the Honda CR-V that’s due this fall. What won’t be shared is the RDX’s engine, a 2.3-liter i-VTEC (intake side only) DOHC 16-valve four force-fed by a turbocharger inhaling through a top-mounted air-to-air intercooler. Acura says all-new about this, too, but aside from its smaller (by 1mm) bore and reduced compression (8.8:1 versus 10.5:1), this is strongly reminiscent of the 2.4-liter four that powers the Acura TSX.
Still, a turbo Honda is something new in the U.S. market. The rationale is simple. The product planners wanted V-6 performance and four-cylinder fuel economy. Nothing new about that, but as we’ve come to expect, Honda has put its own spin on the details. The turbo, developed jointly by Honda and Aisin, features variable flow capability, achieved via a valve in the exhaust manifold. At engine speeds below 2000 rpm, the valve slightly closes, which increases the velocity of the exhaust gas and makes the turbo spool up quicker. It’s the same idea as putting a thumb over the end of a garden hose to rinse your car. At about 2000 rpm, the valve starts to open and is fully open by 2500 rpm.
The result is quick spool-up, and with or without using the paddle shifters, the RDX’s five-speed automatic is equally ready to rock. With the turbo blowing at max boost (13.5 psi) and the engine generating max output (240 horsepower at 6000 rpm), the RDX should be capable of 0-to-60-mph times under eight seconds, comparable with the BMW X3. More on that in a minute.
The suspension setup entails struts up front, and the multilink rear embraces a simplified version of the SH-AWD system employed on the RL sedan. In normal operation, 90 percent of the power goes to the front wheels, but this can vary up to 70 percent to the rear. At the rear axle, the SH-AWD can send as much as 100 percent of available torque to one wheel, which Acura says improves handling by overdriving the outside rear wheel in a corner.
Delivered by a set of 235/55 all-season performance tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, grip seems plentiful, and the speed-sensitive variable-power-assist rack-and-pinion steering is quick (2.8 turns lock-to-lock) and reasonably informative. Acura lists weight distribution as 52 front/48 rear, but with its front-biased power delivery, the RDX behaves like a front-drive vehicle and understeer is its defining characteristic.
Although there’s enough roll stiffness to encourage some back-road friskiness, the RDX’s suspension tuning is a little more compliant than the X3’s, which adds up to friendlier all-around ride quality. Friendlier also applies to the cabin, which feels posh compared with the stern interior of the X3. And of course there’s a load of standard stuff baked into the RDX’s base price: terrific heated leather front seats, a power sunroof, premium audio with XM-satellite-radio capability, a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel, stability control, ABS, curtain airbags, tire-pressure monitoring — which only skims the top.
You’ve noticed we keep men-tioning the X3. That’s because the X3 is Acura’s marketing target. With a base price of $37,495, it probably represents an easy target, too. Acura was typically close-mouthed about pricing, saying the RDX would be “between $30,000 and $37,000” when it goes on sale this month. We’re guessing a base price at the lower end of that range — say about $32,000. That would give the RDX a useful edge over its Bavarian target. But we wonder how it will fare against less-expensive and similarly powered newcomers, such as the Mazda CX-7. We’ll have to wait and see.
Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
Estimated base price: $32,000
Engine type: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 140 cu in, 2300cc
Power (SAE net): 240 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 260 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length/width/height: 180.7/73.6/65.2 in
Curb weight: 4000 lb
Performance ratings (C/D est):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.7 sec
Projected fuel economy (mfr’s est):
EPA city driving: 19 mpg
EPA highway driving: 24 mpg