The evolution of the luxury performance SUV 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.
2009 Acura RDX: Adds New Features to an Already Impressive Mix of Performance and Utility
In its first full year of sales, the RDX captured 38-percent of the
Entry Premium SUV segment, proving that its unique blend of performance
and superior handling hit home with buyers looking for more than just
the status quo from an SUV.
For 2009, the RDX now comes standard with a 4-way adjustable
power-activated passenger front seat along with four new exterior
colors: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and
Palladium Metallic. In addition, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic system
includes coverage for yet another major metropolitan area--bringing the
total to 77 areas.
"The RDX continues to gain momentum with customers in the Entry
Premium SUV segment," said Dick Colliver, vice president sales, "It is
a critical addition to our lineup and it is an engaging vehicle from
the standpoint of driving dynamics and technology."
The RDX was designed as the ideal vehicle for drivers with energetic
lifestyles who are in need of a compact, sporty and responsive weekday
ride, and a weekend getaway vehicle with the versatility to match their
diverse and active recreational lifestyles.
2009 Acura RDX
True to Acura's leadership in the application of advanced
technology, the RDX incorporates a class-leading array of features that
keep passengers informed, entertained and in control. In addition to
its sophisticated powertrain, the RDX is available with the Acura
Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Satellite
Communication System, Acura Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ along with AUX
jack connectivity for MP3 external music players.
The RDX also incorporates leading safety technologies based on the
fundamentals of Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative
including advanced front, side and side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist ™ (VSA™), ABS with Brake Assist and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure.
Powertrain
The RDX is equipped 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 economy 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 Variable Flow Turbo works in concert with
i-VTEC to deliver outstanding acceleration while driving at a variety
of speeds.
Rated output for the RDX engine is 240 horsepower
at 6000 rpm with 260 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The RDX has an EPA
fuel economy rating of 17/22 mpg* (city/highway) and meets the U.S.
EPA's stringent TIER 2 - BIN 5 and CARB LEV-2 ULEV exhaust emissions standards.
A performance-minded 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential
SportShift is standard on the RDX. An electronically-controlled
Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system works with the transmission to execute
exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The Sequential SportShift
transmission can function as a conventional automatic transmission or,
at the driver's option, can be controlled manually via
steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
2009 Acura RDX
Chassis
Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system is
standard on the RDX, helping it 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.
Precise and responsive handling is further aided by fully
independent front and rear suspension. A MacPherson strut front and
multi-link rear suspension system
is tuned for compliant control, and the suspension is assisted by
large-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars for flatter cornering.
Standard to the RDX is Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction
control to further enhance vehicle controllability and grip.
Exterior/Interior
RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the SUV's sporty athleticism.
Standard 18-inch wheels and tires, large wheel arches, aggressively
raked body sides, steeply raked windscreen, and a short rear overhang
generate an RDX with a taut and muscular presence. A 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.
Such bodywork transition delivers a more custom look as well as eases
loading and unloading of cargo. Available for 2009 are new exterior
colors including: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio
Metallic and Palladium Metallic.
Inside the RDX, the front seats feature a high outward visibility
"eye point" that provides a confident field of view. For 2009, a 4-way
adjustable power front seat is standard for the front passenger. The
3-passenger rear seat has a 60/40 split-folding capability and, when
folded flat, significantly expands the load area and increases the
total cargo volume to 60.6 cubic feet.
2009 Acura RDX
Multiple interior storage compartments are positioned throughout the
interior, including a lockable dual-level center console (that is large
enough to accommodate a briefcase) located conveniently between the
front seats.
The RDX features an array of electronic features that set it apart
from the competition. Standard features include a dual-zone automatic
climate control system, a Multi-Information Display (MID), LED backlit
gauges with progressive illumination and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™
mobile telephone connectivity. Also standard is an impressive 360-watt
7-speaker Acura 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®.
Just one option package--the Technology Package--is offered on the
2009 RDX. The Technology 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™ Premium Sound System
designed by 6-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
6-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--an increase of an additional market for 2008. When
the transmission is placed in reverse, the Navigation screen displays a
video image from a rearview camera to make parking easier.
Safety
The RDX's technology leadership also extends to safety, where a long
list of advanced safety technologies, including an Advanced
Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure make the RDX one
of only two luxury SUVs in its class to achieve both the U.S.
government's top 5-star rating for both frontal and side impact crash
tests, along with a "TOP SAFETY PICK" rating from the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The ACE™ body employs a network of interconnected front frame
structures that work to absorb and redirect collision forces away from
the passenger cabin while helping improve crash compatibility with
vehicles of different sizes in a frontal collision. A special frame
member located below the front bumper is designed to engage the front
bumper of a lower vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles
to attenuate crash energy more efficiently.
In addition, a specially engineered hood, collapsible hood hinges,
breakaway wiper pivots and other features help reduce the chance of
pedestrian injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle.
Inside the RDX is a full complement of passive safety features. Key
technologies include the latest generation of dual-stage,
dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus side
airbags for the driver and front passenger along with side curtain
airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants. The
passenger's side airbag
features an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag
deployment if a child or small-stature adult leans into the deployment
path. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat
mounting systems allow the quick and secure installation of a child
seats.
Like all Acura models, the 2009 RDX is covered by a comprehensive
4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a
6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership
benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free
24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.
* Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates reflecting new EPA fuel
economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes
only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will
vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
Additional images from the 2009 Acura RDX Photo Gallery: