TSX69

https://cheddar.com/videos/inside-th...dx-prototype-2

Inside the Design Behind Acura's 2019 RDX Prototype

January 22, 2018Acura unveiled its 2018 RDX prototype recently at the Detroit Auto Show. Cheddar's Alyssa Julya Smith speaks with Acura North America President Jon Ikeda about the technology behind this new vehicle, and the company's partnership with the Sundance Film Festival."

It's the 1st in a generation of cars we've been working towards," explains Ikeda. "It has all the bells and whistles and we are excited to share all of its innovations."

Ikeda says innovation is about risk-taking. "That's the energy we like to bring to the table at Acura, and it's kind of defined who we are," said Ikeda. Acura has been a partner at Sundance Film Festival for 8 years.

TSX69

TSX69

TSX69

TSX69

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/a...touchpad-tech/

Acura RDX brings bold styling, touchpad tech to Detroit

Fresh-faced and bursting with new tech for 2019, Acura's popular RDX SUV points the way for the future of the brand.

• by
• Chris Paukert

January 15, 2018 8:20 AM PST

Acura

Despite record sales the last 3 years, as a brand, Acura has largely struggled to find the momentum and brand recognition of its rivals. Crossover SUVs have been the brand's saving grace, though, and this all-new 2019 RDX looks poised to kick things into another gear for Honda's luxury division.

Actually, "another gear" might not be giving this new RDX enough credit. While the outgoing generation had a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2019 model ups the cog count by 4, for a full 10 speeds. That theme -- doing more than expected -- is carried throughout the vehicle. New styling language, new platform, new engine, new all-wheel-drive tech, new infotainment, new attitude. In other words, the prototype seen here isn't just a new-generation RDX, it's a beacon of where the brand is going.

This is the 1st new Acura to fully embrace the styling language set forth by the Precision Concept show car that debuted at last year's Detroit Auto Show. The new design direction finally sounds the death knell for the various iterations of Acura's widely panned shield grille nose, substituting Acura's new "diamond pentagon" face instead. That look was also previewed on the recently updated 2018 RLX sedan, but the RDX embraces the new language much more fully, as evidenced in its more purposefully sculpted sheetmetal and light clusters.

66
2019 Acura RDX debuting in Detroit with sharp new looks, tech

Having spent a couple of hours pawing around this prototype at a studio ahead of its Detroit reveal, I can say that I much prefer the RDX's new look to its predecessor. While I would stop short of calling it "beautiful," it looks taut, athletic, and is filled with expensive-looking details.

The RDX's interior represents no less a radical rethink, with a completely new floating center stack and infotainment system. The control array is dominated by a large silver Dynamic Mode selector knob, which affords access to the vehicle's Sport, Sport+, Comfort and Snow settings. The dial itself is unusually prominent, both in its size and location. This area of the dashboard is considered beachfront real estate by car designers, and it's space that's normally reserved for key functions like audio, HVAC and infotainment.

It's no coincidence that the only other Acura with this type of control setup is the NSX -- the company is clearly looking to telegraph that this RDX is sporty. While I appreciate the gesture and love dynamic driving experiences, I suspect owners would've been better served had Acura designers used that space for a more frequently-used control. At the end of the day, the RDX is a family-oriented luxury crossover, not a sports car.

Enlarge Image

The 2019 RDX's cabin is all-new, including infotainment.

Acura Speaking of new controls, the RDX is the first car to feature Acura's new True Touchpad interface. Sitting on the transmission tunnel ahead of the pushbutton gear selector, its claim to fame is "absolute positioning" -- the touchpad and the main screen have a 1-to-1relationship, so if you touch the pad in the upper right corner, it'll be the upper right corner on the screen, and so on. Unlike some competing systems, there should be minimal need for swiping to-and-fro (although the touchpad does support pinch and zoom and multitouch functionality).

In my limited in-studio exploration of the system, it seemed to be significantly more intuitive than Lexus' Remote Touch equivalent, but still perhaps less so than a conventional touchscreen (it is a shorter reach, admittedly). The real test will be how easy it is to use the touchpad while driving.

Of course, if you never warm to the True Touchpad, you may just want to speak your commands instead: Acura says the RDX's voice recognition system is much improved, allowing for more casual speech.

Enlarge Image

The True Touchpad interface will be the new RDX's make-or-break feature.

Acura Overall, the cabin appears significantly more modern and luxurious than today's RDX, with nicer switchgear and authentic materials (what feels like metal is actual metal, what feels like wood is actual wood, etc.). There's even some particularly nice design work, including curved matte-finish veneer panels on the door reminiscent of similar pieces on the outgoing Audi A7. Acura isn't disclosing interior and cargo dimensions just yet, but promises that cabin room is improved.

I did have the chance to test out the new Panasonic-developed 6-channel, 710-watt Acura ELS Studio 3D stereo system in the static, non-running vehicle, and found its clarity and imaging to be excellent, with vocals delivered nicely at ear level in part because of four novel in-ceiling speakers that sit astride the standard panoramic moonroof. Let's hope the company's engineers have done their homework on keeping the cabin quiet so that it's possible to enjoy the system's high fidelity.

Enlarge Image

The new RDX's rear end looks much sportier and more dynamic than its predecessor.

Acura On the powertrain front, Acura has nixed its 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 in favor of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four backed by the aforementioned 10-speed automatic. Acura isn't disclosing output or efficiency metrics yet, but I've driven and liked this powertrain combination before in the new Accord, and expect similarly refined operation here.

Front-wheel drive will be standard, with optional foul-weather security coming courtesy of a next-generation version of Acura's torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. The system features a redesigned rear differential that allows for it to handle 150 percent more torque. Coupled with an engine that should have more of that torque located down low in the rev range, I'm anticipating 0-60 times in around 6 seconds flat.

Naturally, a full slate of active safety features will be on offer -- collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist will all be standard (previously they were part of an options bundle). Other features, including a birds-eye 360-degree camera system will be optional.

The new-generation RDX will continue to be built in Acura's East Liberty, Ohio plant. No word on pricing yet, but the model is expected in showrooms midyear.

TSX69

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs...a-rdx-preview/

All-New 2019 Acura RDX Gains Advanced Safety Systems, Turbo Power
Luxury compact SUV is roomier and laden with advanced tech but also gets Acura’s unintuitive shifter

By Jon Linkov

January 15, 2018

The RDX, Acura’s most reliable new model in Consumer Reports’ reliability survey—and the only Acura that CR currently recommends—is undergoing a full redesign for the 2019 model year. Acura unveiled a near-production-ready prototype of the 2019 Acura RDX at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, highlighting the new two-row SUV’s updated styling, roomier interior, and advanced technology, both inside and out.

Acura has given the 2019 RDX an all-new powertrain: a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower and fuel-economy figures were not announced during the RDX’s introduction. Acura did say that this new four-cylinder turbo will deliver more power—40 percent more low-end torque—than the 3.5-liter V6 engine generates in the current RDX.

Check out CR's complete coverage of the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.

Unfortunately, the RDX is the latest model to get Acura’s push-button gear selector. In our tests of other Acuras, we’ve found the push-button shifter to be cumbersome and unintuitive to use. However, Acura has built in comprehensive safeguards to prevent the vehicle from an accidental rollaway if drivers fail to put it in Park or if they open the door while in gear.

The RDX will be available with Acura’s Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system, which splits power between the front and rear wheels as well as from side to side. We haven’t seen any significant handling differences or improvements during testing of other Acuras with SH-AWD. Front-wheel drive is likely to be standard on the new RDX.

An active suspension will be available, giving the driver the ability to choose among four driving modes: Sport, Sport+, Comfort, and Snow.

All 2019 Acura RDX’s will come with the AcuraWatch safety system as standard equipment, a move that we applaud. The AcuraWatch suite includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, among other technologies. Unfortunately, blind-spot warning is an optional feature.

This 3rd-generation RDX has a wheelbase that is 2.5 inches longer than its predecessor’s. Acura says this translates into a larger cabin with “class-leading cabin space, rear legroom, and rear cargo space.” In our tests of the current RDX we found the front seats to be supportive and well-shaped, and the rear seat was ample for adults. The 16-way power-adjustable sport seats, which are both heated and cooled, will be available for the driver and passenger.

1 of the 1st things you notice about the 2019 Acura RDX cabin is the 10.2-inch display touch screen mounted above the center console. Users can access the infotainment system by using the touch screen or the Acura True Touchpad Interface in the console between the driver and passenger seats. Acura claims its touchpad does not operate like a mouse; rather, it is “mapped precisely—1-to-1—with the corresponding action on the center display.” This sounds as if Acura is saying its system is easier to use than the one in Lexus models, which can be challenging to operate.The all-new 2019 Acura RDX goes on sale in summer 2018, and pricing is expected to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

TSX69

TSX69

http://www.autonews.com/article/2018...-among-dealers

New Acura RDX crossover creates buzz among dealers

March 24, 2018 @ 9:41 am

Vince Bond Jr.

0

Shares
PHOTO GALLERY: 2019 Acura RDX

PHOTO GALLERY >>

Jon Ikeda, Acura's general manager, said there's a lot of buzz around the RDX

Send us a Letter

Have an opinion about this story? Click here to submit a Letter to the Editor, and we may publish it in print.

LAS VEGAS -- Acura's Jon Ikeda hopes to see a "big transition" in how consumers think and feel about the brand in 2018.



The brand's completely reworked 2019 RDX crossover will be a huge driver of that potential shift.Ikeda, Acura's general manager, said there's a lot of buzz around the RDX, which will hit the market as the 1st Acura fully developed under an edgier design direction 1st relayed with the Precision concept that was shown at the 2016 Detroit auto show. Acura and its dealers, he said, are excited about what the RDX can do for the brand.

Speaking after Acura's make meeting, Ikeda described the dealer mood in Las Vegas as optimistic. He said the brand discussed how it wants to work with dealers to increase profitability.

Ikeda thinks the marketing around the critical RDX will need an emotional touch.

"This car has so many best-in-class features. Panoramic sunroof, 16-way adjustable seats. We told dealers when we market this thing, you're going to see all of these features come through," Ikeda told Automotive News. "This is the 1st new car in a while. We don't have to just talk about value and deals.We can sell this from an emotional perspective."

While Acura looks ahead to the RDX, its sedan lineup is showing encouraging signs. ILX sales increased 22 percent in February from the year-earlier period, and are up 9 percent through 2 months. The Acura TLX saw a 16 percent spike last month. TLX sales are trending 15 percent higher through February compared to the year-earlier period.

"Sedans, we know the weak spots. The numbers we need to be at, we're there right now. While the segment's all down, we're picking up share with all three models: RLX, TLX and ILX," Ikeda said. "If we can get momentum on our RDX and MDX, we think, especially with the new RDX coming, we're going to have a strong lineup going into the summer."

He added later: "We have a common understanding where we all want to take the brand. We have to do it in the right way. We had discussions around that. We've got a brand new product [with the RDX]. We're going to be very careful with what we do with this car. It's the right car for the right segment at the right time."

Dealer Jim Smail of Smail Auto Group in Greensburg, Pa., is confident in the brand's direction.

"I think the brand is going to be a true premium brand to contend with. The introduction of the RDX at the New York auto show is going to be a game changer for the segment and Acura particularly," Smail said after the make meeting. "As that moves forward, it's going to show the direction of Acura and where we're going. Acura has some pretty firm goals, but they're going to make them."

Tony Pac

Today 12PM!!!!

Tony Pac

Any link to watch the live reveal at 12 PM EST?

Thanks in advance!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

youtube.com
Honda/Acura channel.

TSX69

Second Look: 2019 Acura RDX - NY Daily News

2nd Look: Going back to the future, Acura makes the present look better with the 2019 RDX

This could be a very interesting game changer.

At the very least, the 2019 Acura RDX is one heck of a redesign for an already-popular but aging luxury crossover, one that has been a strong seller right up to the end of the 2018 model year. It also could successfully usher in a new era for Acura, 1 built on their Precision Concept design language, and featuring a deep reservoir of performance and technology innovations.

But that’s all marketing chit-chat. The real story here is the RDX.

The completely redesigned and improved 2019 RDX hopes to attract more crossover luxury sales to the Acura brand.

(WES ALLISON)

The fact is most of us already like the SUV enough to put it on “maybe” lists and take it for a serious test drive. Since the 2019 version is all-new makes it all-the-more-enticing.

Designed, developed and produced in America, Acura’s 5-passenger SUV is completely reinvented. By flexing Honda’s muscle in terms of power, technology, and design, it has gone back to the future, bringing with it the next-gen Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, and more.

From the perspective of the 2018 New York Auto Show, it’s a combination that looks like a sure winner, one that will attract even more luxury buyers to the Acura brand.

“Most Acura extensive redesign in a decade”

The 2019 Acura RDX introduces a new design language to the brand.

(WES ALLISON)

All things being equal, the above claim by Acura PR is pretty spot-on: the 2019 Acura RDX must be one of the most complete redesigns brought by the automaker in quite some time.

And thanks to a red-hot crossover market, it makes perfect sense: Apply that new design language to the RDX and leave those old sedans on the vine to rot a little longer.

That’s okay. According to recent meetings at the National Automobile Dealers Association conference in Las Vegas, sales of Acura sedans have ticked up, and it was clear that dealers were excited about the RDX.

And well they should be. As shown with a prototype version that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the production RDX seen here is the first Acura to extensively leverage design cues from the Precision Concept debuted in 2016.

Take note of the wider stance, low posture with standard 19-inch alloy wheels, and Jewel Eye headlights – now with seven LED elements per light. Perhaps best of all, however, is the new grille: The pointy bird beak is long gone, replaced by what Acura calls a Diamond Pentagon Grille – we’re confident you’ll call it a big improvement.

Additional design highlights include wider air intakes, hood bulges to show off the turbo’s performance intent, sharper character lines and a redesigned taillight area. But look yourself, and drink in this impressively mature, aggressive and handsome SUV.

Refined interior comfort, design and expanded space

The 2019 Acura RDX features the brand’s True Touchpad Interface, a standard feature that combines a visual display with remote touchpad.

(WES ALLISON)

Acura has always attempted to identify itself as a forward looking, tech-savvy brand, and on that score the interior of the 2019 Acura doesn’t disappoint.

Up front, new sport seats have been installed to improve the posterior experience with what Acura says is increased adjustability, support, and comfort. Of note are real honest-to-goodness materials such as Olive Ash wood trim, brushed aluminum, and Milano leather.

Control-wise, the RDX features what they call a “floating center console” with a Dynamics System control knob that allows drivers to click through the five drive modes: Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.

The Acura RDX also includes the first use of the brand’s True Touchpad Interface. A standard feature, the remote touchpad, located in the center console, controls an Android-based, dual-zone 10.2-inch display mounted at the top of the dashboard, conveniently located in the driver’s line of vision.

Acura claims drivers will appreciate what they call “absolute positioning,” in that the touchpad exactly represents the display screen. The two zones allow for easy swapping between primary and secondary functions.

The power of turbo, with the control of SH-AWD

The 2019 Acura RDX features the Honda Accord’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo, with 10-speed automatic transmission.

(WES ALLISON)

There’s only one powertrain available on the 2019 Acura RDX, but it’s a doozy: the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine and 10-speed automatic. This same powertrain can be found under the hood of the 2018 Honda Accord. That replaces the current model’s V6 and improves performance: the 2019 Acura RDX delivers 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.

That’s more torque for a longer period, which is sort of like having a birthday week, as opposed to just a plain old birthday.

All this fun is controlled by Honda’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Based on driving the Accord, it’s safe to say that the RDX will feature smooth shifts and a delightful progression through the gears.

Perhaps the best mechanical news of all is the return of the newly improved SH-AWD. Acura claims that this second-gen version of their all-wheel-drive system is better because up to 70% of the delivered torque can now be distributed to the rear wheels, and 100% can be routed to either right or left rear wheel.

If you’re wondering what torque vectoring is, here’s how it (basically) works: Your car’s differential delivers engine torque to the wheels, and vectoring technology enables the differential to vary the amount of torque to each wheel.

Next-gen Acura RDX: faster, brighter, better looking

On sale this summer, the 2019 Acura RDX will likely boost this best seller’s popularity even more.

(WES ALLISON)

Safety-wise, Acura equips the 2019 RDX with a Fort Knox-level arsenal.

They call it AcuraWatch, but really it’s a collection of awesome passive and active safety systems meant to save lives and protect your property. Standard across the line, AcuraWatch includes collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and lane keeping assist.

Alongside the RDX also comes the A-Spec sport appearance package, with upgrades such as 20-inch Shark Grey alloy wheels, a unique lower front fascia, and blackened accents for the front grille.

Interior touches include exclusive sport seats, and real aluminum trim on the center console, doors, and instrumental panel. There’s also a cool driver's gauge cluster, with red-illuminated nighttime readouts.

It’s never easy to revise a successful vehicle – and especially the very core of something that works well in the market, such as the RDX.

Yet if you don’t, like anything in life eventually all that success and critical acclaim fades into the past. For the 2019 Acura RDX, going back to the future offers no such risk: instead, it brings new life to a strong compact luxury SUV, and a strong start to a luxury brand looking for a way to kick off the next era of design and technology.

First Pictures: 2019 Acura RDX

TSX69

ostrich

I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tony Pac

I want a white A-SPEC RDX NOW!! lol

I cannot get over it. Super nice SUV! I don't buy new cars so I have to wait at least a year to get one of these ones. Summer 2019! A-SPEC RDX for me

Carbon2008RDX

This car/suv is practically perfect. Cannot think of one improvement right now. It's so awesome and beautiful inside and out almost brings a tear to my eye. Good going Acura! The brand is turning itself around.

TSX69

BLEXV6

I like the A spec too. My 2017 is up in mid 2019 and will look at that then. Not the red interior though.

TSX69

EE4Life

NYIAS 2019 Acura RDX Walkaround
http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/ext...ty8/embed/auto

quantum7

ostrich

This red one must be the Advance trim, as it has the open pore wood etc inside. I really like the rims too! I wonder if these will be the standard rims for the Advance model? I hope so! In fact, I think that these look even nicer than the rims on the RDX Prototype.

mapleloaf

I think both the Aspec and Advance versions are great looking vehicles inside and out. I sincerely hope that they have ironed out bugs with the new technology as there are a a lot of folks who want to pounce on any hiccups Acura may have. I will seriously consider making this my first SUV in about a year or so.

quantum7

Alex On Autos take on the new RDX

mapleloaf

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs...a-rdx-preview/

So much "faint praise" in this article, Despite some rare positive comments, for CR, I find it a little irritating and in places, factually questionable. To illustrate:

"The RDX finally gets integrated into the current Acura styling look and feel, which means handsome, if unadventurous styling". SO, is the front end of a Lexus "adventurous styling"? Is a tried and tested BMW "adventurous styling? Every other review seems to think this is one fine looking vehicle, but, I apparently it needs to be more adventurous, whatever that means

"The RDX will be available with Acura’s Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system, which splits power between the front and rear wheels as well as from side to side. We haven’t seen any significant handling differences or improvements during testing of other Acuras with SH-AWD". CR "seems" to be in a large minority in terms of what they can't see!

"Our concerns revolve around Acura’s latest so-so reliability record" - Fair enough, and certainly room for improvement. However, speaking as a happy 2.4 owner, many of these concerns have revolved around earlier applications of the 9 speed transmission.

"The new touchpad interface for the infotainment system has the potential to be a distraction. In our brief time using it at the auto show, we found that it has a learning curve, but it was easier to use than other touch-style systems, such as the Lexus Remote Touch". Not having the opportunity to try this system, I will rely on the comments of many the half dozen or so reviews I read where people picked it up almost immediately. I think that if this system was deployed by Audi or BMW, CR would be fawning all over it like a fat kid on a smartie. In terms of distraction, how would that compare, for instance, to using a touch screen stuck on top of the dash, that other manufacturers and testers have found more distracting and have deployed systems like the BMW's iDrive system. To be fair, they have made similar comments about the Q5's controls, but the touchpad and the toggle switches on the console do indeed have a learning curve, although I'm sure happy Audi owners have adapted just fine, as many of us have to dual screens

"And the addition of the push-button gear selector complicates the RDX’s controls" - Perhaps, but, pending my own trial, the forward placing of the gear selectors seems like an ergonomic improvement to me. Personally, I found nothing complicated about my 2015 3.5 gear selectors. Rather, it just took some time to get used to it, which I did.

"What it looks like: A baby MDX" - I saved this for last. I think the MDX is a fine looking larger SUV, so this is not, on the surface at least, a negative comment. But the new RDX is substantially different than the 2018 MDX, in terms of body shape and lines. It's a incorrect statement, that I believe is intended as another mildly sarcastic put down of Acura and the new RDX.

In my humble opinion, CR has an ingrained bias against ACURA, some of it merited, but some of it over the top.

ostrich

I totally agree with you! CR should stick with what they do the best, reviewing washing machines, refrigerators and dishwashers etc.....

WheelMcCoy

Consumer Reports Test Track in Connecticut
I think they took a washing machine on their skid pad.

EE4Life

2019 RDX: The Top 5 True Touchpad Interface Questions

Watch and share new video about the 2019 RDX’s True Touchpad Interface™. Gather your staff and watch Acura Product Planner Jonathon Rivers answer the top five questions about the True Touchpad Interface™, which allows intuitive and easy to use access to music, navigation, and more – designed around the driving environment.

5 Questions about True Touchpad Interface in 2019 RDX Production Model
http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/ext...uyu/embed/auto

RDX-Rick

On US models the driver was able to input a navigation destination verbally, such as 123 Main Street. In Canada we never had the ability to enter a destination verbally. We could only spell it one letter at a time which took 5-10 seconds for each letter.

The video in the link says that letters can be drawn on the touch pad to enter a destination. I wonder if that means the voice input feature is going to be removed. Will drawing on the touch pad be disabled while the vehicle is moving as the current touch screen is?.

The inability to enter my destinations by voice is my single biggest complaint of my 2016 Elite navigation system.

ostrich

I hear you! This is my biggest complaint too, on my Acura TLX. It's totally dumb, isn't it, to have to input that letter by letter? Supposedly it's due to our bilingual system here in Canada... it does not make sense to me at all, but supposedly that was the "answer".
On the other hand, the voice recognition system with my Android Auto is so good that I rarely use my Acura navigation system now. So let's see how this works on the new RDX... :-)

r1ckster

On all cars with CarPlay, the native voice recognition software can be overrun by holding down and it will automatically go to Siri. So it will likely never be necessary to manually input letters into the system when voice recognition is so good.

Additionally, I noticed in the above video (thx for linking) that you can add Apple CarPlay to the Head-Up Display, likely meaning that you can have Apple Maps navigation directions in your HUD. This is great news as it is not commonly seen in vehicles with HUD. Can't wait!

ultramart

NO!!! NOT ANOTHER EXPLANATION OF THE TRUE TOUCHPAD INTERFACE!!!

LOL!!! I'm just kidding.

Seriously, I don't understand why they put so much emphasis on that feature. I would have been impressed in the 80's. Maybe.

That being said I can't wait to wait to see how it drives. My Q5 lease ends in December. The timing is good!

TSX69

Acura Engineers Pull Back RDX Skin Technology content from WardsAutoAcura Engineers Pull Back RDX Skin

2018 SAE World Congress Experience

Apr 12, 2018 Bob Gritzinger WardsAuto
Acura engineers built a “tree trunk” subframe into the rear of the all-new RDX and employed hot-stamped inner and outer door rings to assure chassis rigidity.


‘Tree trunk’ rear structure (blue) ties to door ring (red) to create rigid body.

Related Media

Acura RDX Prototype Revealed

• Steel Supplier Opens Michigan Plant
• Acura Touchpad Aims to Cut Confusion, Distraction

DETROIT – A massive, high-strength steel frame member ringing the rear cargo hatch of the all-new ’19 Acura RDX is the 1st building block engineers employed to improve chassis stiffness and upgrade handling dynamics in the 3rd-generation CUV.

“We call it the ‘tree trunk’ of the structure,” says Joe Riggsby, body development leader, during an under-the-skin engineering review of the RDX here at the SAE World Congress Experience.

“The magic comes from what we were able to do in the rear,” adds Jed Aston, RDX vehicle dynamics leader.

Aston attached an all-new 5-link rear suspension to the rigid structure, replacing the current model’s trailing-arm setup, allowing for significant improvements in handling without sacrificing ride comfort. Shock uppers bolt directly to the ring to tie the entire rear suspension together. The result is a 125% improvement in rear suspension lateral rigidity.

Body engineers settled on the rear-door ring along with a 2nd structural ring to compensate for losses expected when product planners decided to equip every new RDX with a standard panoramic roof. The roof opening, combined with the already large rear cargo door, would have hurt body stiffness if not for the offsetting rigidity of the strong double-ring rear frame members.

Moving forward, the RDX benefits from Acura’s use of an ArcelorMittal-supplied hot-stamped door ring like the structure introduced on the ’14 MDX. The latest iteration, however, is a world’s-1st combined inner and outer hot-stamped door ring.

The entire body structure is welded and further tied together with 121 ft. (37 m) of high-performance adhesive that adds stiffness without adding weight. Use of the adhesive saves about 20 lbs. (9 kg). The RDX body-in-white uses 56% high-strength steel and overall is 42 lbs. (19 kg) lighter than its predecessor, while being engineered to meet all crash standards.

To make the RDX sleeker and more proportionally balanced, the body is stretched and widened while the dash-to-front-axle distance increases.

Dual-pinion rack improves steering control.

Steering also gets upgraded to a variable-gear-ratio dual-pinion system in which the steering column is tied directly to the steering rack while a separate electrically driven pinion provides power assistance to the rack. The current RDX is a single-pinion system.For ’19, the RDX gets a turbocharged 2.0L inline 4-cyl. in place of the current model’s 3.5L V-6, and a 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the older 6-speed automatic. The 2.0L produces 272 hp and 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) of torque.

Upgrades in the 4th generation of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive make the RDX more responsive, able to handle higher torque and more capable of quickly shifting torque to the wheel with traction, says Aaron Alexander, senior engineer-SH-AWD.

acuraada

Car maker needs to realize that native navigation is no longer necessary and a must have for a lot of consumers. Stop wasting R&D dollars, make native navigation as an independent option like wheel locks... :-)

acuraada

This means that the exterior design is a copy (integrated) of current line up such as MDX/TLX so it is handsome but not adventurous since it did not take any risks on a total redesign language. I think this is a fair statement and certainly not a ding. Most of the reviews compared the 2019 RDX with out going model which is a positive thing. At NY autoshow where MDX A-Spec was demoed, both looked very similar from the front end.


I think you are not aware of CR's general view of Acura. RDX is the only Acura vehicle to receive a recommendation due to reliabilty issue with others in the line up. If you watched the CR video at NY Auto Show, they explained why: RDX's underlying design is the currently the oldest one prior to this refresh.


Not sure how you think 2019 RDX is much difference from 2018 MDX. Granted, engine, interior, body lines might be different (it is a different car afterall) but you can certainly see the resemblance. This is the new design concept from Acura, very much like BMW, you can spot one miles away with the kidney bean grille, regardless of the model.

I don't think there is a need to take CR review personally (or any reviews for the matter of fact, design and looks are totally subjective, just think Lexus!)

Here is a MDX vs RDX,

Madd Dog

acuraada

The voice recognition system in the 2019 RDX looks pretty good as you can see from this video but nothing beats Android Auto! (not even Carplay)

SK1124

Review on the touchpad interface: 2019 Acura RDX Intuitive True Touchpad Interface Infotainment Review: Major Points for Forward Progress - The Drive

RDL1

Nice review !

birdonamission

The one weird part about this review is the guy saying the '19 will come out in the Fall (!)...