Your watching a WheelsTV Top200 vehicle test drive on the 2007 Acura RDX
Acura tells us, on their website that their design objective for the all-new-for 2007 RDX Turbo was to create an "Artistic and Technological tour de force..."
Down a notch from the full size, seven passenger Acura MDX the RDX lists for just shy of $33,000. But you can quickly run the price up by selecting the Technology Package, which includes moon roof, GPS Navigation System and various safety and entertainment upgrades. Opt for one of the two "High Performance Wheel" packages and you can top your sticker price out in the mid $40,000 range.
The Turbocharged 2.3L 16 valve DOHC i-VTEC 4, Acura's only Turbo, generates 240 horsepower and 260 foot ponds of torque. Coupled to a 5 speed sequential automatic transmission, it delivers the kind of acceleration a driver would expect to find in a more pricey European sports sedan. Using the SportShift function, either by way of the console shifter or the F1 style paddle shifters located on the steering wheel, furthers the impression of overall driving performance. When it comes time to real in the power, the RDX relies of four wheel discs and power assisted ABS to maximize braking.
Other technological offerings include the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive System that uses sensors throughout the RDX to monitor vehicle dynamics and apportion the exact amount of braking force to optimize traction.
Acura points to its use of high tensile steel in the body structure and a suspension that features a four wheel independent layout with rear multi-link configuration, and sway bars front and rear, to provide the kind of handling more often found in the sports-sedan vehicle class.
The high tech design of the dash and console display is complimented by the use of leather throughout. There is also a generous array of power amenities such as a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and multi position seats as well as ample and versatile cargo area. And while there are three sets of belts and even a third headrest in the rear seat, the fold down center armrest is a clue that this vehicle was clearly designed to carry four adults and carry them in a stylish, high performance manner.