Acura RD-X
Designed by Honda’s American R&D studio, the Acura RD-X concept SUV combines the street performance of the RSX sports coupe with the 4WD capability of the MDX, with added high-tech functionality.
Targeted to meet the needs of youthful, urban professionals, the RD-X is both rugged city transportation and weekend sport machine. An innovative 4WD powertrain produces abundant power for maneuvering through city traffic or negotiating twisty mountain roads, while stow-away rear seats allow plenty of room for personal gear, whether it’s a laptop, duffel bags and mountain bikes.
The RD-X is designed to be powered by a unique 185 kW/250 bhp hybrid powertrain that combines a high-output i-VTEC engine with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Under the bonnet is a high performance 2.4-litre, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine coupled to a 6-speed, close-ratio clutchless manual transmission, which drives the front wheels, while the IMA system (also used in the Civic Hybrid and Insight models) powers the rear wheels.
Inspired by Honda’s F1 cars, the RD-X’s clutchless manual transmission uses computer controls to operate the clutch for smooth engagement. Shifting is accomplished with a paddle shifter conveniently mounted close at hand on the center console while the close-ratio design of the gearbox helps the driver extract maximum performance from the engine.
To boost acceleration and enhance handling, especially in rainy weather, the RD-X boasts a newly-developed IMA system with twin electric motors to power the rear wheels when extra driving force or traction is needed. This unique configuration increases power and distributes torque similar to an all-wheel drive SUV.
To complement its advanced powertrain, designers gave the RD-X a highly tuned chassis. Fully independent front and rear suspension, large 4-wheel disc brakes, large 18-inch wheels and 235/60R18 tyres combine for tenacious grip and an aggressive look.
The RD-X’s chiseled exterior styling provides both excellent visibility for driving in city traffic, and a feeling of security when parked on urban streets. To that end, the RD-X employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, substantial wheel flares and a unique, glass roof. Run flat tyres, retractable headlights, substantial bumpers and plenty of ground clearance add to the strong look of the vehicle and supply the grit to handle the hazards of urban and off-highway driving.
Inside, the RD-X seamlessly combines a driver-oriented cockpit with a large, easily transformable cargo area. Dual front bucket seats, trimmed in durable, high-tech fabrics, are positioned close together rally-style to facilitate easy communication between the driver and the front passenger. Rear action seats angle outward for increased legroom and can be quickly folded forward and stowed when more cargo room is required. While the front seats are fixed, the RD-X’s instruments, steering wheel and foot pedals can be adjusted forward and back to comfortably accommodate drivers of different statures.
A heads-up display projects important information such as speed, fuel level, and other warning lights onto the windshield within the view of the driver allowing him or her to keep eyes focused on the road. This display is shared with the Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which provides mapping coverage of the entire USA and stores information on more than 3.7 million points of interest. Instead of side view mirrors, the RD-X employs two rear-facing cameras located on the front fenders. These cameras transmit a clear view of rearward traffic on both sides of the vehicle to displays mounted on the steering column.
To enable quick and easy loading of large gear, such as bicycles, kayaks or snowboards, the RD-X has unique doors on the side and in the rear. Since it does not have a B-pillar, the RD-X’s “wide open” side doors can open outward from the centre to provide the largest possible opening into the vehicle.
In the rear, instead of the upward swinging hatch featured on most SUVs, the RD-X boasts two powered doors that slide open to the sides and hug the flank of the vehicle to allow easy access to the rear cargo area, even in tight quarters. These doors combine with a low, flat floor to facilitate extremely easy loading and unloading of gear that might otherwise be unwieldy in cramped urban situations.
A hidden storage area in the side panel of the rear cargo area makes it easy to securely stow briefcases, laptops and other valuables that might be damaged if placed in the main cargo area. Built-in brackets on the floor hold bicycles securely during transport. In addition, the rear portion of the glass roof opens to allow loading and transporting of objects that are too tall to otherwise fit in the cargo area.
The RD-X is really two vehicles in one: during the week, it’s quick and rugged enough to meet the unique demands of urban driving; on weekends, fold up the backseats, throw in a couple of bicycles or other gear and you’ve got an SUV that drives like a sports coupe.
Honda has no plans to make a model like the RD-X but many of the ideas it has could well appear in other future models.
