Acura RDX Turbocharged CUV Receives Numerous Upgrades for 2010
TORONTO7/30/2009
TORONTO (July 30, 2009) – The 2010 Acura RDX goes on sale across Canada on August 10 with a fresh new exterior look, a more luxurious interior, new technology features and improved fuel economy. With a sales increase in Canada of 17 per cent for the first half of 2009, the turbocharged RDX continues to be a leading compact-luxury CUV of choice for Canadians with active lifestyles who want a responsive and sporty vehicle with utility, leading-edge styling and the benefits of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™).
Externally, the 2010 RDX receives numerous changes resulting in a more aggressive, sporty appearance. RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the crossover’s sporty athleticism. Large wheel arches, aggressively raked body sides, steeply raked windscreen and a short rear overhang generate a taut and muscular presence.
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 automatic on/off function. The headlight’s new design incorporates a “smoke style” chrome plating treatment and complements the angular pattern set by the Acura grille. At the rear, a more aggressive bumper fascia, rectangular exhaust finishers, revised taillights and satin finish trim give the 2010 RDX a freshened appearance.
New 18-inch diameter, 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, in conjunction with the vehicle’s wide track (1572-mm front / 1590-mm rear), are designed to provide improved handling. Changes to the brake booster and servo deliver better brake pedal feel plus less initial brake “grabbiness.” The brake system also makes use of revised rear brake pad actuation that delivers less drag and longer pad life. Also new are Geomet-coated brake rotors for improved looks and added corrosion protection.
The RDX also 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 centre console storage tray, improved cupholders, USB-port connectivity, and Note function for XM® Radio.
The 2010 RDX incorporates a class-leading array of features that keep passengers informed and entertained. RDX features as standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity with new Bluetooth® audio capabilities, a 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System and a new USB port that allows the connection of (and charging of) items such as an iPhone® or iPod®.
Also new for 2010 is a centre 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 centre console) that allows for the easy connection of items such as an iPod®, iPhone® or a memory stick storage device.
The heart of the RDX’s performance is its Variable Flow Turbocharger (VFT) that delivers a broad powerband with virtually no lag in throttle response. For 2010, the turbo system makes use of a new inlet pipe that is thicker to reduce noise during high boost situations, and the RDX incorporates a dual-stage radiator fan to further reduce cabin noise.
Rated output for the 2.3L turbocharged L4 engine is 240 horsepower at 6000 rpm with 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. The RDX’s 2010 Transport Canada fuel economy ratings are improved 8% from 2009 due to higher-ratio 4th and 5th gears, better aerodynamics, improved lock-up clutch and other enhancements. The 2010 Transport Canada ratings are 11.7 L/100km (City) and 8.7 L/100km (Highway). The RDX’s 2010 “combined” rating of 10.3 L/100 km is improved from last year’s combined rating of 11.1 L/100km. RDX meets Tier 2 – BIN 5 exhaust emissions standards.
For 2010, the RDX with Technology Package adds even more capability, and integrates seamlessly into the RDX’s performance-oriented driving environment. The Acura Navigation System with Bilingual 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. The non-Technology Package RDX now gets a standard rear view camera system with a viewing screen that is integrated into the auto-dimming rearview mirror.
For 2010, the Acura/ELS Surround® audio system receives a Note function for XM® Radio that allows the driver to later recall the song title, artist, a short excerpt of the actual song along with the XM® channel that played the song.
Acura is the luxury-performance division of Honda Canada Inc. Seven distinct vehicles (CSX, TSX, TL, RL, RDX, ZDX and MDX) are marketed under the Acura brand. The Acura ZDX, MDX and CSX are produced at the Honda of Canada Mfg. facility in Alliston, Ontario.
