2007 RDX pricing with pics

[WashUJon]

Acura has announced pricing for the RDX sport-ute. The all-new model will carry a base price of $32,995, which is about $4000 less than the BMW X3 (base price $36,800) and about $6000 less than the Lexus RX350 (base price $38,095), its closest Japanese competitor.

"There are two vehicles that I know really, really well," Gary Evert says as we pitch the RDX into a downhill left-hander in Mount Tamalpais State Park north of San Francisco. "The RDX and the BMW X3."

There was plenty for Evert, the RDX's chief engineer, to learn from the X3, both from the BMW's achievements and its failures. For example, the X3's six-cylinder engines position it too closely in performance and price to the X5, so Acura decided to restrict its V-6 to the bigger MDX. The RDX instead gets Honda's first production-car turbo engine in the United States. Based on the 2.4-liter unit from the TSX sedan, the new turbo four produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

This engine is a winner, and its debut will prove to be a watershed moment for the hard-core Honda enthusiasts who can rattle off engine codes as easily as their birth dates. Turbo lag barely exists, power delivery is linear and strong, and fuel economy is estimated at 19/24 mpg city/highway. Our test vehicle's engine emitted a low-frequency drone when we decelerated, but Evert assured us that final production tweaks of the ECU would take care of that. After we headed out of San Francisco, the RDX surged through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's hills with such ease, we actually forgot that there was a turbocharger under the hood.

Acura mates the turbo engine only to a five-speed automatic, but paddle shifters rip off crisp gearchanges. The standard all-wheel-drive system is adapted from the RL sedan. It delivers up to 70 percent of the torque to the rear axle, where it can be diverted entirely to either rear wheel, an effect that is easily discerned if you really push the RDX through a corner. The Acura might not be as sporty as the X3, but its accurate steering and buttoned-down body control are joined by a firm, reasonably supple ride that doesn't beat you up like the overly stiff BMW's does.

The RDX will share its body and chassis with the new Honda CR-V, but it won't share its all-wheel-drive system. The turbo engine also will be an RDX exclusive for now, but it certainly deserves to spread to other vehicles in the Acura and Honda stables.

http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...a_rdx_pricing/

Check http://www.acura.com/ for accurate pricing and accessory information.

[WashUJon]

Acura today announced pricing of the all-new 2007 RDX 5-passenger luxury SUV. Making its debut at Acura dealerships on August 10, the 2007 RDX will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $32,995. The performance oriented RDX is poised to bring a new level of driving excitement and enjoyment to consumers seeking sports sedan performance in the growing entry premium SUV segment.

Featuring Acura's first-ever turbocharged and intercooled engine coupled with patented Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD)(TM) , 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. By adding an innovative variable flow turbocharger, an exceptionally broad powerband with virtually no turbo lag is produced while providing an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/23 miles per gallon.

"The 2007 RDX illustrates Acura's passion for developing vehicles that can deliver the ultimate in performance, technology, safety and fuel efficiency," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president 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 RDX offers a comprehensive list of standard electronic and convenience features that serve to greatly enhance the ownership experience. The RDX is equipped with 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).

The RDX's inherent performance and technology compliments its state of the art safety features. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure helps protect passengers by distributing collision loads through the body structure, leaving the passenger cabin more intact for improved occupant protection while also making the RDX more compatible with smaller vehicles in the event of a vehicle-to-vehicle frontal collision. Finally, a specially engineered hood and other components help reduce the chances of pedestrian injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle. 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.

While the RDX is generously equipped right from the start, it is also available with an optional Technology Package. Priced at $36,495, the RDX with Technology Package 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 also includes several visual and audio communications features such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) and rearview camera, the HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface, and the AcuraLink(TM) Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic.

The destination and handling charge for all 2007 Acura vehicles is $615. For additional information about the new RDX and other Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm...g-announced-us