2005 Acura RD-X Concept

Working our way up, a fully independent suspension keeps the tires attached to this slightly mysterious chassis. The only

A fully independent suspension keeps the tires attached to this slightly mysterious chassis. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

information Acura has not withheld is that it's seven inches shorter than the MDX, and that it's a brand new "highly refined" platform designed specifically for light trucks.

Most likely it is a monocoque architecture using high tensile steel and, as with the RL, Advanced Compatibility Engineering; a process used to design a cockpit that will protect riders from undue damage in the event of an accident.

This rack is the hands-down favourite to carry the next-generation CR-V (and Element, too--the more the merrier), being that it figures to be about 180 inches (4,572 mm) long, within an inch or two of the current CR-V.

In its RD-X manifestation, this platform will support the same Super Handling AWD powertrain as is found on the latest RL. That's

In its RD-X manifestation, this platform will support the same Super Handling AWD powertrain as is found on the latest RL. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

the drivetrain that can transfer torque between the rear and front wheels, as well as between the left and right rear wheels, meaning extra sticky road holding.

Why? Because in a turn the outside wheels can accelerate faster than the inside wheels, which can cause a loss of traction. Proportioning power to each wheel maintains optimal levels of traction and in-turn keeps the car flatter, allowing us to achieve greater speed though the turn, further maximizing our ability to defy physics and lay waste to the theory that man is a reasonable creature.