STIFF COMPETITION
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Tue, Mar 31, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
STIFF COMPETITION
When you drive the new 2009 Acura RDX SH-AWD crossover, you are not only
piloting a versatile sport utility, you are also driving a high-performing
sedan.
The evolution of the luxury performance SUV crossover took a significant leap
forward with the arrival of the Acura RDX turbocharged crossover vehicle. The
immediate response of power from Acura's first-ever turbocharged engine,
combined with the breakthrough technology of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD),
delivers adrenaline-pumping performance in an efficient SUV package. It is a
unique blend of performance and superior handling for buyers looking for more
than just the status quo from a SUV. The RDX was conceived as the ideal vehicle
for drivers with active lifestyles who are in search of a compact, sporty and
responsive weekday ride, and a weekend getaway vehicle with the versatility to
match their active recreational lifestyles.
The RDX comes with a turbocharged 2.3 liter DOHC 16-valve in-line four-cylinder
engine incorporating computer-controlled i-VTEC 'intelligent intake/exhaust
valve actuation system that delivers enhanced performance across a broad
powerband while still delivering superior fuel mileage and reduced exhaust
emissions. The heart of the RDX's performance is its Variable Flow Turbo (VFT)
that delivers an unusually broad powerband with virtually no lag in throttle
response. The VFT works in concert with
i-VTEC to deliver outstanding acceleration, 0-60mph in just 7sec., and while
driving at a variety of speeds.
The rated output of the RDX engine is 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260
pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. This sporty compact crossover gets a
respectable EPA-rated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. It also
meets the stringent EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV-2 ULEV exhaust emissions
standards.
The potent four-banger engine is mated to a performance-minded five-speed
automatic transmission with sequential sport shift. An electronically-controlled
Drive-by-Wire throttle system works with the transmission to execute
exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The transmission can be used as a
conventional automatic or, at your pleasure, be controlled manually via
steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Also adding to the exciting ride is Acura's exclusive Super Handling AWD system
(SH-AWD) that is standard on all RDX's, and helps to maximize available traction
while improving handling balance and responsiveness. SH-AWD distributes optimum
torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and
right rear wheels while also being able to overdrive the rear wheels. The
system's direct yaw control utilizes torque vectoring to help reduce understeer
thus enhancing steering accuracy and adding to total cornering ability.
Helping to further increase the fun and excitement behind the wheel with precise
and responsive handling is the fully independent front and rear suspension
systems. Up front are MacPherson struts, twin-tube gas-charged shock absorbers,
coil springs and a 21 mm stabilizer bar, with a multi-link rear that includes
twin-tube gas-charged shocks, coil springs and a 19 mm stabilizer bar in the
rear. This sport-tuned suspension is stiff but never harsh. Adding to the
controllability and grip of the RDX are standard Vehicle Stability Assist with
traction control, and standard 18X8 alloy wheels wrapped with 235/55R18
high-performance all-season radial tires. On the curves, you feel as if you are
riding on rails, just like a sport sedan.
The torque-sensing, variable effort power-assisted rack & pinion steering adds
quick and pin-point accuracy where you want the RDX to go. It has great feel for
the road and boosted just right at low speeds with a heavier feel at
high-speeds. Quickly slowing the RDX down from speed are four-wheel disc brakes,
11.7in. vented discs up front clamped with dual-piston calipers, and 12in. solid
discs clamped with single-piston calipers in the rear. These brakes are enhanced
with standard ABS, EBD and BA.
When you are behind the wheel of the RDX you feel the same power and performance
of top high-performance compact sport sedans from Subaru or Mitsubishi. It is
that much fun and exciting to drive.
The exterior styling only adds to the sportiness of the RDX. Standard 18-inch
wheels and tires, large wheel arches, aggressively raked body side moldings,
steeply raked windshield A-pillars, and a short rear overhang generate a RDX
with a taut and muscular presence. The front fascia is highlighted with an
aggressive grille that channels air directly into the turbocharger air-intake, a
center air-intake to cool the engine and a lower opening that helps with front
downforce. Standard HID headlamps are cut into the sides with round foglamps at
each side of the lower bumper.
The unique rear hatch, finished with a replaceable panel to reduce the cost of
accident repair, allows for a smooth transition of the body to the rear bumper,
as well as a custom look, and ease of loading or unloading of cargo. The rear
also features wraparound lamps clusters and dual exhaust tips to add to the
sporty styling.
Inside is sporty and comfortable with very supportive front bucket seats that
feature high outward visibility 'eye point' that provides a confident field of
view. The three-passenger rear seat features a fold-down armrest with dual
cupholders and a 60/40 split-folding capability that when folded flat expands
the load area to 60.6cu.ft. of space.
The instrument cluster is easy to see and understand with three large gauges
including a 160 mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tachometer, fuel gauge and turbo
boost gauge. The center stack is easy to reach for using the climate controls,
audio system, etc. Some may say that it is too many buttons and switches but I
say that it is better than using a large dial to make changes then having to
take your eyes off the road to confirm you changes like in BMWs, M-Bs and Audis.
The RDX comes standard with an array of electronic features that set it apart
from the competition and include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a
multi-information display, LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination and
Bluetooth hands free link mobile telephone connectivity, an impressive 360-watt,
7-speaker premium sound system with a multi-format 6-disc changer, AM-FM tuner,
XM satellite radio, and the convenience of an AUX input jack for the easy
connection of MP3 audio devices such as an iPod. Also coming standard are power
windows/door locks, self-dimming rearview mirror, two-person memory, cargo
cover, door entry guards, power-remote/heated sideview mirrors, power adjustable
front sport seats with perforated leather trim, leather wrapped/tilting steering
wheel with audio/cruise control/Bluetooth buttons, leather shift knob, thick-cut
pile carpeting, floor mats, grab handles above each door, dual map lamps,
sunglass holder, HomeLink system, power moonroof, variable intermittent
wipers/washers, rear wiper/washer and trip computer. Multiple storage
compartments are positioned throughout the interior, including a lockable
dual-level center console that is large enough to accommodate a briefcase, and
dual cupholders.
Just one option package - the Technology Package - is offered on the 2009 RDX.
The Tech Package heightens the RDX's appeal with tech-savvy customers through a
range of advanced features. The centerpiece is a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround
Sound Premium Audio System designed by six-time Grammy award-winning sound
engineer Elliot Scheiner. When playing DVD-Audio discs (DVD-A is 500 times
clearer than traditional CD), this advanced 410-watt system delivers eight
discreet audio channels (up from the usual two channels) to create an
exceptionally accurate listening experience. With its multi-format six-disc
DVD-Audio Changer, AM-FM tuner and XM satellite radio, along with AUX jack
connectivity, the Acura/ELS Surround system is exceptionally versatile and
powerful.
The Technology Package also incorporates numerous information and communications
features including Acura Navigation System and AcuraLink Satellite Communication
System with Real-time traffic. Furthermore, AcuraLink allows for 2-way
communication between Acura and the vehicle, thus providing customers with the
latest information and service requirements specific to their vehicle. The
Real-Time traffic feature of the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
can display up-to-the-minute traffic information including flow, accident and
construction on freeways in 77 metropolitan areas. When the transmission is
placed in reverse, the Navigation screen displays a video image from the
rearview camera to make parking easier and safer.
Speaking of safety, the RDX comes with a full compliment of safety features
including
Driver & front passenger dual-stage airbags, drive & front passenger side
airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, three-point seat belts,
active front head restraints, side impact door beams, ACE body structure with
front/rear crush zones, remote entry with security system, tire pressure
monitoring system, immobilizer theft-deterrent system and LATCH system for child
seats.
The new Acura RDX SH-AWD compact sport utility crossover is not for everyone. On
the other hand, if you're looking for the versatility of a sport utility vehicle
but want a crossover with more excitement and fun behind the wheel and don't
mind a stiffer than normal suspension, the RDX may be just what the doctor
ordered.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
The crossover SUV for The Fast and the Furious.
For more information about Acura products, go to
www.acura.comÂ
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at
www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
2009 Acura RDX SH-AWD Technology Package
Price:
$37,955.00, as tested
EPA mileage:
17mpg/city, 22mpg/highway
Engine type:
2.3 liter, DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower:
240 at 6,000 rpm
Torque:
260 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm
Drive configuration:
Front engine/all-wheel-drive
Transmission:
5-speed automatic with sequential paddle shifters
Front suspension:
Independent, MacPherson struts, twin-tube gas-charged shocks, coil springs, 21mm
stabilizer bar
Rear suspension:
Independent, multi-link with twin-tube gas-charged shocks, coil springs, 19mm
stabilizer bar
Wheels/tires:
18X8 alloy wheels/235/55R18 all-season tires
Brakes:
Front: 11.7in. vented discs with dual-piston calipers
Rear: 12in. solid discs with single-piston calipers
ABS, EBD, BA
Total length:
180.7 in.
Total width:
73.6 in.
Total height:
65.2 in.
Curb weight:
3,942 lbs as tested