A 160 MPH SUV??? The new RDX Turbo hits showrooms
A 160MPH speedo may be wishful thinking in this case, but it definitely isn’t something one usually sees on an SUV. This is one of the first clues that the brand new Acura RDX Turbo is no ordinary Sport Utility Vehicle.
This past Thursday, Honda’s latest barn burner began to hit Acura showrooms across the United States. As one of the foremost Acura dealers in the country, Planet Acura in Downey California was one of the first to receive this incredible new vehicle. With the plastic still wrapping the seats, sales manager Matt Piercey brought the newest Honda to the now-famous Thursday Torrance Starbucks meet to give the S2ki community a chance to be the first consumers to see the production model. They weren’t disappointed!
The all new RDX features a long list of innovative features starting with Acura’s first-ever turbocharged and intercooled engine coupled with patented Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM)(SH-AWD)(TM)technology, the RDX blends the best in responsiveness, control and efficiency. The RDX is equipped with a 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line four cylinder engine with i-VTEC valve control that produces 240 horsepower and adds to that a phenomenal 260 ft. lbs. of torque! By adding an innovative variable flow turbocharger, an exceptionally broad powerband with virtually no turbo lag is produced.
“The 2007 RDX illustrates Acura’s passion for developing vehicles that can deliver the ultimate in performance, technology and safety,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. “For drivers that want the utility of an SUV but demand a sporty driving experience, the RDX truly delivers.”
In addition to an exhilarating driving experience, the technocharged RDX offers a comprehensive list of standard comfort and convenience features, including a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a 360-watt, 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, XM(R) Satellite Radio and a convenient MP3/auxiliary input jack for connecting popular portable audio devices such as an iPod(R).
As part of its ongoing commitment of providing safety through innovation, the RDX is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure helps maintain the structural integrity of the passenger cabin in a frontal collision. By distributing the collision forces more widely across the front of the vehicle and away from the cabin as well as more uniformly absorbing impact energy, the chance of intrusion into the passenger cabin is reduced. Inside the RDX, a full complement of passive safety features are found, such as the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants.
The generously equipped RDX carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $32,995 and is only available with a single factory option – the Technology Package. The RDX with Technology Package, priced at $36,495, enhances the driving experience by adding a 10-speaker, 410-watt, Acura/ELS Surround(R) Premium Sound System designed by legendary recording engineer Elliot Scheiner to create an unmatched listening experience. In addition, the Technology Package includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface, AcuraLink(TM) Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic and a rearview camera.
Bolstered by record sales of the TSX sports sedan as well as continued steady sales for the TL performance luxury sedan, Acura’s total year-to-date sales have already reached 114,504 units. With the addition of the new RDX, it looks like Acura’s 20th anniversary will indeed be a happy one.