Acura RDX, 2010

 
 
 Acura RDX, 2010

Never content resting on its laurels, Acura brings to market the 2010 Acura RDX with a fresh new exterior look, a more luxurious interior, and a host of new technology features. For 2010, the Acura RDX is now available with a two-wheel drive option which offers improved fuel economy and a lower price point over its SH-AWD� counterpart.

The Acura RDX continues to be the compact luxury SUV of choice for drivers with energetic lifestyles who need a responsive and sporty vehicle with plenty of utility and leading edge styling. 2010 marks the first time ever that the Acura RDX is available with a two-wheel-drive option, which is appealing to customers who live in warmer climates and who don't need the all-weather capability all-wheel drive offers. Due to the decreased weight of the two wheel drive model, the Acura RDX gets improved fuel economy over the SH-AWD model- resulting in an improvement of 2 mpg in the city and on the highway.

Externally, the 2010 RDX receives numerous changes resulting in a more aggressive, sporty appearance. Exterior changes include redesigned 18-inch diameter aluminum-alloy wheels, bold new front and rear bumper fascias, Acura's signature design front grille, revised headlights and taillights, new exhaust tips and satin trim accents.

While the Acura RDX's sport-minded chassis remains the same, the 2010 model features revised braking system components that deliver better feel and enhanced durability. Also for 2010, the Acura RDX receives several new standard interior features including a rear view camera system, electronic compass, a pull handle to make closing the rear hatch easier, auto-function headlights, ambient footwell lighting, a center console storage tray, improved cupholders, USB-port connectivity, and Note function for XM� Radio. Additionally, the Acura RDX interior gets subtle changes to the leather, resulting in a richer, more premium look to the interior seating surfaces.

The Acura RDX also incorporates leading safety technologies based on 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�) body structure.

Powertrain
The Acura RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine incorporating computer-controlled "intelligent" i-VTEC� intake/exhaust valve actuation that delivers enhanced performance across a broad powerband. The heart of the Acura RDX's performance is its Variable Flow Turbocharger (VFT) that delivers an unusually broad powerband with virtually no lag in throttle response. The turbocharger works in concert with i-VTEC� to deliver outstanding acceleration and efficiency while driving at a variety of speeds.

For 2010, the turbo system makes use of a new inlet pipe that is thicker to reduce noise during high boost situations and the Acura RDX incorporate a dual-stage radiator fan to further reduce cabin noise.

Rated output for the 2.3L I-4 engine is 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Acura RDX has an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/24 mpg (RDX) and 17/22 mpg (RDX SH-AWD�) along with meeting EPA TIER 2 - BIN 5 and CARB LEV-2 ULEV exhaust emissions standards.

Chassis
Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive� (SH-AWD�) system is available on the Acura RDX, helping it to maximize available traction while improving handling balance and responsiveness in a variety of weather conditions. 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.

New for 2010 is a two-wheel-drive version of the Acura RDX that offers a lighter vehicle weight, improved fuel economy and a lower purchase price. The 2WD RDX employs a front wheel drive drivetrain design, but otherwise retains the same exceptional chassis and driving dynamics for which the Acura RDX is known.

Precise and responsive handling is generated by fully independent front and rear suspension. The 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 Acura RDX is Vehicle Stability Assist� (VSA�) with traction control to further enhance vehicle controllability and grip.

For 2010, changes to the brake booster and servo deliver even better brake pedal feel along with less initial brake "grabbiness". In addition, the brake system makes use of revised rear brake pad actuation that delivers less drag and longer pad life; also added to the mix are Geomet-coated brake rotors for improved looks and added corrosion protection.



Exterior
Acura RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the crossover SUV's sporty athleticism. Large wheel arches, aggressively raked body sides, steeply raked windscreen and a short rear overhang generate an Acura RDX with a taut and muscular presence. A unique rear hatch allows for a smooth transition of the body to the rear bumper- a transition that delivers a more custom look as well as eases loading and unloading of cargo.

For 2010, the Acura RDX gets a new front fascia, Acura's signature front grille, a hood with a new front edge design and updated HID headlights that are now controlled by a standard Auto on/off function. Looking at the side of the 2010 Acura RDX you'll notice new wheels that team with the vehicle's wide track (61.9-in. front, 62.6-in. rear) to deliver excellent handling. At the rear, a much more aggressive bumper fascia, rectangular exhaust finishers, revised taillights and satin finish trim give the 2010 Acura RDX a fresh new look.

Redesigned high-intensity discharge (HID) low beam headlights command the corners of the Acura RDX's front fascia and fenders. The headlight's new design incorporates a "smoke style" chrome plating treatment and complements the angular pattern set by the Acura grille. Front bumper integrated fog lamps are standard on the Acura RDX, and for 2010 they are mounted within separate side grilles located at the corners of the new front fascia. Both front and rear wheel arches are bold and broad, and new 18x7.5-inch 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels further add to the dramatic appearance of the Acura RDX.

Interior
Inside every Acura RDX, leather trimmed front seats deliver a high outward visibility "eye point" that provides a confident field of view. 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.

Multiple storage compartments are positioned throughout the interior, including a lockable dual-level center console (that is large enough to accommodate a briefcase) conveniently located between the front seats. For 2010, two revised interior color themes are available: a darker, richer Ebony and; a lighter, more premium looking Taupe.

Acura interior design has always made intuitive functionality a priority, and in the 2010 Acura RDX all important systems and controls now feature even more intuitive button placement along with easier-to-read markings. The systems used most frequently - audio and cruise control - have switches positioned on the steering wheel, and for 2010 the HVAC buttons have been moved closer to the driver. Technology Package items like Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink�, Multi-Information Display (MID) and the AcuraLink� Satellite Communications System can be controlled via switches on the steering wheel. AcuraLink� messages consist of text displayed on the navigation screen, plus full details via Text-To-Speech can be heard over the Acura RDX audio system. For 2010, the RDX has improved Text-To-Speech voice recognition with more words that can be recognized.

Also new for 2010 is a center console tray that is a convenient way to store items such as a wallet, spare keys, or an iPod�. In addition, integrated to the underside of the lid is a coin holder and place for holding credit or gate cards. New for 2010 is a USB port (also located in the center console) that allows for the easy connection of items such as an iPod�, iPhone� or a memory stick storage device. Standard is an Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM tuner, 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA, XM� Radio, 7 speakers and a 360 watts watt amplifier. The Acura RDX has soothing blue low-level ambient lighting in the ceiling that illuminates the front center console area, and new for 2010 is ambient blue footwell lighting.

For 2010, the available Technology Package adds even more capability, and integrates seamlessly into the Acura RDX's performance-oriented driving environment. The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition� has a revised 8-inch screen, improved navigation system feature use and content, and a faster reacting and more useful rear view camera. Non-Technology Package RDX's now get a standard rear view camera system with a viewing screen that is integrated into the auto-dimming rearview mirror.

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