The RD-X concept vehicle that Honda's upscale Acura division debuted at the Detroit auto show ''hints strongly at the production vehicle,'' which the Japanese firm says will go on sale in 2006.
RD-X will be less of a truck than the brand's successful MD-X model, which was named North American Truck of the Year for 2001. That would make it a crossover vehicle or -- to use my own expression -- a faux-by-four vehicle.
Whatever you call it, Honda Canada could certainly use an exciting new product, since Acura sales were down in 2004 from 2003, for cars and trucks, but particularly trucks.
While the production car from Honda's assembly plant in Ohio will look a lot like the RD-X concept, it won't have much of the techno-wizardry displayed therein. So don't expect to see polished rosewood floors or a briefcase that disappears into the centre console or a windshield heater rather than wipers. It's possible, however, that we might see rear-view cameras instead of side-mounted mirrors, since it's about time for that popular toy to make it into production.
The RD-X also features Acura's new Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system and ''combines the performance of a sports sedan with the all-wheel drive capability and functional utility of an SUV.
This system distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also between the left and right rear wheels. The result is supposed to be ''superior traction on all surfaces and in all weather conditions, as well as increased cornering precision.''
To complement the SH-AWD system, designers gave the RD-X a highly-refined chassis with fully independent front and rear suspensions. Brembo disc brakes with slotted rotors, 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and 255/50R19 tires ''combine for strong grip and an aggressive look.''
At 4,6100 mm, the RD-X fits ''squarely in the small SUV segment,'' says Acura, while its ''chiseled exterior styling provides both excellent visibility for driving in city traffic or on twisty mountain roads.''
The RD-X ''employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, ample wheel flares and a substantial hood that flows down from the windshield to a brushed aluminum Acura signature five-sided grill. Generous side sills and fender garnish, dual integrated exhaust tips, wrap-around LED headlights and taillights, and a rear spoiler add to the strong look of the vehicle.''
As part of Acura's commitment to safety through technology directive, the RD-X is equipped with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. This ''unique new design enhances protection of occupants during a frontal collision, while at the same time reducing aggressivity to other vehicles.''
Inside, the RD-X ''seamlessly combines an ultra modern driver-oriented cockpit with a sizeable, easily transformable cargo area.''
The instrument panel and door inserts are trimmed with a combination of ivory leather and ivory suede, while the front buckets are trimmed in tangerine-colored, crocodile-embossed leather with ivory-colored wool headrests and ''positioned close together rally-style to facilitate easy communication between the driver and the front passenger.'' This is what you call putting a positive spin on the fact that the RD-X is a fairly narrow vehicle.
Tangerine-colored leather is also used on the steering wheel, door accents, seat backs and center console, and the entire headliner and rear cargo bay are trimmed with off-white suede material.
A clear acrylic wing runs across the top of the instrument panel is meant to give the cockpit an ultra-modern, high tech look.
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Whatever you call it, Honda Canada could certainly use an exciting new product, since Acura sales were down in 2004 from 2003, for cars and trucks, but particularly trucks.
While the production car from Honda's assembly plant in Ohio will look a lot like the RD-X concept, it won't have much of the techno-wizardry displayed therein. So don't expect to see polished rosewood floors or a briefcase that disappears into the centre console or a windshield heater rather than wipers. It's possible, however, that we might see rear-view cameras instead of side-mounted mirrors, since it's about time for that popular toy to make it into production.
The RD-X also features Acura's new Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system and ''combines the performance of a sports sedan with the all-wheel drive capability and functional utility of an SUV.
This system distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also between the left and right rear wheels. The result is supposed to be ''superior traction on all surfaces and in all weather conditions, as well as increased cornering precision.''
To complement the SH-AWD system, designers gave the RD-X a highly-refined chassis with fully independent front and rear suspensions. Brembo disc brakes with slotted rotors, 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and 255/50R19 tires ''combine for strong grip and an aggressive look.''
At 4,6100 mm, the RD-X fits ''squarely in the small SUV segment,'' says Acura, while its ''chiseled exterior styling provides both excellent visibility for driving in city traffic or on twisty mountain roads.''
The RD-X ''employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, ample wheel flares and a substantial hood that flows down from the windshield to a brushed aluminum Acura signature five-sided grill. Generous side sills and fender garnish, dual integrated exhaust tips, wrap-around LED headlights and taillights, and a rear spoiler add to the strong look of the vehicle.''
As part of Acura's commitment to safety through technology directive, the RD-X is equipped with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. This ''unique new design enhances protection of occupants during a frontal collision, while at the same time reducing aggressivity to other vehicles.''
Inside, the RD-X ''seamlessly combines an ultra modern driver-oriented cockpit with a sizeable, easily transformable cargo area.''
The instrument panel and door inserts are trimmed with a combination of ivory leather and ivory suede, while the front buckets are trimmed in tangerine-colored, crocodile-embossed leather with ivory-colored wool headrests and ''positioned close together rally-style to facilitate easy communication between the driver and the front passenger.'' This is what you call putting a positive spin on the fact that the RD-X is a fairly narrow vehicle.
Tangerine-colored leather is also used on the steering wheel, door accents, seat backs and center console, and the entire headliner and rear cargo bay are trimmed with off-white suede material.
A clear acrylic wing runs across the top of the instrument panel is meant to give the cockpit an ultra-modern, high tech look.