 |
| Click to enlarge |  | | Acura MD-X Concept. Photo: Perry Stern | | | Click to enlarge |  | | Acura ALMS Racing Car. Photo: Bruce Whitaker | | | advertisement | | |
|
Acura introduced its first-ever turbocharged vehicle at the New York Auto Show, but it's not a sports car—it's an SUV. The all-new Acura RDX is a compact 5-passenger sport ute with an emphasis on performance.
Shown as a prototype a few months ago at the auto show in Detroit, the RDX was designed in California and developed in Japan. The new model utilizes Acura's high-tech Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which is the first application of this system in an SUV.
"The all-new RDX is an exciting entry to the Acura light truck lineup for 2007," said John Mendel, senior vice president of the brand's auto operations. "The RDX's innovative powertrain coupled with SH-AWD provides this SUV with excellent fuel economy and outstanding performance," he added.
The RDX boasts an array of high-tech features designed to set it apart from the competition. These include Acura's HandsFreeLink Bluetooth wireless system and an available DVD navigation system that can display real-time traffic in 31 major metro areas. A 410-watt 10-speaker ELS Surround system that plays DVD-Audio discs is also available.
Do you have a comment on the new Acuras?
Click here to post it on MSN's New York message boards.
Under the hood of the RDX is a turbocharged 2.3-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and an impressive 260 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is estimated to deliver 19 mpg in the city, 24 on the highway.
Pricing for the RDX is expected to be released later this summer when the vehicle begins rolling into showrooms.
New MD-X
The next-generation of the RDX's larger sibling was also shown here for the first time, albeit still in concept form.
The MD-X Concept indicates that Acura is taking the midsize SUV in a direction of higher performance, with a low, wide design and an aggressive stance.
"The smooth lines and sleek shape of the MD-X Concept challenge the conventions of SUV design," said Ricky Hsu, chief designer for the MD-X Concept. "Our goal was to create the image of a sports sedan while maintaining generous interior volume and utility of an SUV."
The new MD-X has been tested at the famed Nurburging racetrack in Germany, so it's likely that there will be power and handling to match its aggressive looks. We'll see how close the production model stays to the concept when it goes on sale this fall.
Going Racing
Acura is going racing for the first time in the 20 year history of the brand. A stunning racing car unveiled during the press conference will compete in the American Le Mans Series. The Acura-powered endurance racing prototype will make its competition debut at the Twelve Hours of Sebring in March of 2007, competing against such names as Porsche, Audi, Aston Martin and Ferrari.
"As Acura marks its 20-year anniversary, I can't think of a better racing series to showcase our technology and performance than the American Le Mans Series," said Mendel.
"Our entry as a full factory team in the American Le Mans Series will accurately reflect Acura's position as a leader in automotive performance and technology, and provide us with an arena in which to compete against other manufacturers in endurance sports car racing."
|
