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SUVs Acura RDX Acura RDX
2722 messages, Last post on Sep 25, 2009 at 12:58 PM
You are in the Acura RDX Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Take a look at the RD-X concept and all other concepts from Acura and you can get a better idea of what will make the production model. For example, when the MD-X concept was shown back in 2000 it had hardwood flooring. The MDX concept also had a fairly futuristic interior, it was about 7/8s scale, and had more edgy styling. When we look at the production version we don't see any hardwood flooring, the interior is very close to the TL of the time, it grew a few inches and included a 3rd row of seats, and the styling was tamed a bit. Now take a look at the RD-X concept. Notice the hardwood floors? Notice the futuristic interior and edgy styling? Now ask yourself how much of the concept will make production. When you look at the TL concept, you see more similarities. The bits and pieces Acura deletes from concept to production are pretty consistent. It's still a guessing game, but there are lots of clues.
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Replying to: varmint (Jan 10, 2005 11:18 am) The RD-X is designed to be powered by a unique 250 horsepower, 4-wheel drive, hybrid powertrain that combines a high-output i-VTEC(TM) engine with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Under the hood is a high performance 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine coupled to 6-speed, close-ratio clutchless manual transmission, which drives the front wheels, while the advanced IMA system powers the rear wheels. Inspired by Honda's Formula One race cars, the RD-X's clutchless manual transmission uses computer controls to operate the clutch for smooth engagement. Shifting is accomplished with a paddle shifter conveniently mounted close at hand on the center console while the close-ratio design of the gearbox helps the driver extract maximum performance from the engine. |
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Sorry Dewey, That last post wasn't meant to be a reply to you, specifically. I was just spouting off after reading lots of stuff in several forums. For a while, I was hoping for a 2.4L IMA production version. (Though, I never expected all the other gizmos from earlier concepts.) For the past year, I had all but given up on that. 1. Honda's hybrid program didn't seem to be moving quite fast enough, and not in the same direction. 2. When the RL got an ICE without IMA, I kinda put the idea to rest. I wasn't going to say "never", but I no longer held hopes. 3. Perhaps you missed it, but Honda's head honcho recently stated that a hybrid SUV was not in their 3 year plan. That pretty much nailed the coffin shut. |
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I'm a little behind the ball on reactions to the RD-X concept, but, now that I've read through 100 posts in various forums, here is what I think. Sorry about the rambling... Styling Great, overall. It combines the best of Acura's clean-sided, slightly edgy lines in a decent body shape. It's aggressive, but not over-sexed. Over-sexed designs like the Nissan Titan turn me off. Can you say, "trying too hard?" The roof looks nice, but I don't expect it to make production. The lights up front and in back also look pretty good. While I don't expect them to make production as shown, I wouldn't be surprised to see production lights that are "similar" in form. The grill is an interesting interpretation of what we've been seeing since the TSX. The brushed aluminum surround could be toned down a bit, but I like it. On the whole, I find this concept's externals to be appealing, and realistic. I suspect this is to the production version as the concept TL was to the '04 TL: Somewhat bolder, but very close. Interior Very little of this is going to make production. Too radical. I'm expecting a TSX-like level of content and similar styling. It will probably be an evolutionary step from the current TSX, but not a radical departure. So, the only important thing to take from that concept is that Acura has not finalized the interior. Mechanicals There are only two things we can bank on, SH-AWD and the ACE body structure. But those are great things to have in the bank! Estimates for the weight of the SH-AWD unit all range north of 220 lbs. That's about double what RT4WD weighs for anyone trying to the RDX with the next CR-V in mind. (We can probably expect VTM-4 for Honda's while Acura gets SH-AWD.) The ACE structure means good crash protection, but I suspect that this also means a bit more weight. The Ody got a bit more portly without a big upgrade in exterior size. The RL kept itself "relatively" trim using aluminum subframes. That would be a rather expensive solution for a vehicle in the RDX's pay grade. I think 3,800 lbs is a respectable estimate. If you were expecting a CR-V based vehicle, forget it. And expect this to be a bit chunkier than the current CR-V and Element. The Elysion seems to be about the same size as a RDX, it uses the ACE structure, and can be had with either the 2.4L or 3.0L engines. Despite the fact that Acura's spokesman described this as a "new" platform, I'm still thinking the RDX is a first cousin to the Elysion. That brings us to the... Powertrain There are two things we can rule out safety: IMA and Diesel. IMA is not part of the 3-year plan. Whatever plans might be in effect for the future of diesel in this country, Acura execs would have to be on some really good drugs to launch a brand new sport vehicle with a diesel engine. Besides, Acura doesn't have enough diesel production capacity to meet UK demands. Where are they going to get those engines for the US? Our only clue is "200 plus horsepower". Acura estimates HP the same way they estimate pricing. Remember "well under $50,000" for the new RL? But when you add the destination charge, the real price was only a few hundred below that mark. Which probably means something like 210 or 220 hp for the RDX. Several folks have cited the Accord's 240 hp output as evidence that the RDX probably is not getting a V6. I don't see it that way. The RDX could very easily get a V6 tuned to produce more torque in the bottom end at the expense of some hp in the upper range. Witness the 2.4L Robertsmx and I were discussing earlier. The CR-V produces peak torque (162) at 3,600 rpms, while the Accord (and Element) version of the same block hits its peak (161) at 4,500 rpms. They may have done something similar with the V6 for the RDX. FWIW, I am hoping for the V6, but not counting on it. The extra pounds and sporting intentions warrant more torque than even the mighty 2.4L can command. But don't write off the 2.4L block, yet. I've read many posts from people comparing the X3 and FX35 to the RDX. Common insights include, "the BMW has a V6, so the RDX must have one, too." I don't buy that either. I mean, the TSX is "supposed" to compete with the 3 series and A4. It does so with a four banger, rather than a V6 or turbo I4. The success of the TSX and warm reception for the V6 RL may have proven to Acura/Honda that displacement and cylinder count really don't matter as much as enthusiasts like to say. In theory, we could see a more powerful next generation K24, producing just enough power to get the job done. Something like 220 hp with 175 ft-lbs might be Acura's starting point. Then IMA could show up for the mid-model refresh. I'm willing to bet that an I4 will end up being the base for the CR-V if it is based on this vehicle. |
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So, you don't think it is going to be built on the CR-V/Element platform? I, too, don't necessarily think it will have a V-6... they get 200 HP out of the TSX without any sort of "magic".. And 240 HP out of the S2000.. Not that I am advocating any similar kind torque/horsepower engine for a new SUV.. But, like the TSX, they can compete with whatever will do the job, regardless of cylinder count. I can see my wife wanting one of these... She likes SUVs better than cars, and I'm starting to head the other way.... Might be a switch in the offing...
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Replying to: dewey (Jan 10, 2005 10:51 am) With the 2005 concept, we now have few guessing games as far as stlying is concerned (the futuristic interior will be drastically toned down but exterior will stay more or less the same with conventional side mirrors and windshield nozzles. But now, power train is "unknown". I suspect the relationship will be identical to Pilot-MDX duo, the latter being slightly smaller, more expensive, more luxurious and more athletic. In this case, (next) CR-V would be at the lower end. |
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Replying to: kyfdx (Jan 10, 2005 2:11 pm) I see the CR-V being based on the RDX, not the other way around. In the speech given by Tom Elliot he states, "The RD-X is built on an all-new light-truck platform." He also mentions the ACE body structure. So, this clearly is not the Global Small Car platform upon which the CR-V and Element are based. It is a next generation structure. I think it's very likely that the Element will continue to be developed with an I4 and the small car platform. That will become Honda's entry level utility vehicle. The RDX-based CR-V will be a middle-of-the-road offering in the 21-28K range. It may include both an I4 base and V6 upgrade. Then the Pilot will cap off the Honda line in the $27-34K range. |
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My take… Styling: I expect the exterior to be toned down. Real side mirrors and conventional windshield wipers to appear for sure in production version. Wheel size will be 17 inch (instead of 19 inch as shown). The grill reminds me of Accord Muscle-tec concept (Geneva 2003) which was a hybrid. It could change to be more inline with other Acura models (especially MDX). In other words, little will change and overall theme will carry forward (the 2002 study model was too radical, IMO). Interior will change for sure, to be more conventional than it is. Paddle shifter may continue to be available. Mechanicals: Honda may be developing a new small light truck platform to compliment its midsize light truck platform (Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and MDX). Next CR-V, Element and RDX could use it. Power train remains a big uncertainty, but I would not count a hybrid version (even as a trim level) out, yet (especially looking at the grill which, about a year ago, I associated with Honda hybrid… since it appeared similar in Civic Hybrid and the Euro Accord Muscle-tec, so it is possible for RDX concept to be a hybrid, now only if we had a close-up view of the dash gauges). As for engine, 3.0/V6 with 220-240 HP remains a strong possibility. I seriously doubt use of 2.4/I-4 as the engine of choice with or without 200+ HP, and not without hybridization, primarily due to (potential) heft and performance reasons. SH-AWD may be the Acura thing, with even next MDX getting it, as VTM-4 is relegated to Honda lineup. And that would mean RDX getting the SH-AWD treatment (Varmint and I appear to be on the same page on this one as well). CR-V and Element are bordering on being a bit heavy for the 2.4/I-4 block even with short gearing they utilize, but RDX is primarily going to be sold with automatic transmission, so a larger V6, or K24+IMA is more likely.
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Replying to: dewey (Jan 10, 2005 9:13 am) I completely disagree. There is nothing like this vehicle on the market right now. There are a lot of people looking for a well equipped small SUV for 30-35K. Just try to equip any other small SUV with a decent amount of features (take the RAV4 for example)- I bet it will cost well over 30K. The X3 is overpriced as a base model, add any extras and foggetaboutit. Acura has a long tradition of providing tremendous value in terms of amenities and performance at a fair price. I think the "concept" vehicle is very attractive and it seems like Acura will not disappoint with the available technology (SH-AWD, ESC, side and head curtain airbags, available navigation, etc.) I can't wait to test drive one! I just hope my wifes '98 Blazer holds out long enough for this car to make it to the market.
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Replying to: robertsmx (Jan 10, 2005 3:02 pm) However, I do think that because Acura is aimed at higher-end buyers there is a good chance we may see an RDX with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powerplant using an electric motor in combination with the K24 I-4 2.4-liter engine; however, the K24 used on the RDX will likely sport newer features such as direct fuel injection and stratified combustion, features lifted from the K20B engine used on the Japanese market Honda Stream. Honda could use the smaller-displacement version of the 3.5-liter V-6 used on the Honda Accord, but I think if they do use it on the RDX it will likely sport Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to improve highway fuel efficiency.
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