Acura

Variable Cylinder Management
Standard Feature

Variable Cylinder Management automatically changes the V-6 engine to run on six, four or three cylinders, depending on driving conditions, resulting in significantly improved highway fuel efficiency.

• During startup, hard acceleration, hill climbing or when high output is required, the engine operates all six cylinders.
• At high-speed cruising or during moderate acceleration, two cylinders at opposite corners of the engine will switch off, enabling the engine to operate on four cylinders.
• At low-speed cruising on city streets, the engine will shut down one cylinder bank (which has three cylinders on one side of the “V”) and operate on the remaining three cylinders.
• The system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation for the operating conditions. The system also monitors catalytic-converter temperature to make sure it remains in the proper range to keep emissions low.

Sequential SportShift Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Standard Feature

The 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle shifters gives you the best of both worlds by providing the convenience of precise and intuitive automatic shifting as well as shift-for-yourself control.

• Set the transmission to “Drive” for smooth gear changes with an emphasis on fuel efficiency. Select “Sport” for quicker acceleration, as the transmission allows the engine to rev higher before upshifting.
• The steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters deliver quick, precise shifts at your fingertips.
• Tapping a paddle shifter while in “Drive” brings a quick gear change with automatic operation returning when reaching a steady speed. This allows you to make quick gear changes without changing in and out of manual mode.
• Using a paddle shifter in “Sport” puts the transmission into full manual mode, where you’ll have complete control during high-performance or hilly driving.
• For better climbing or increased downhill engine braking, Grade Logic Control instructs the transmission to hold a lower gear when encountering a steep uphill or downhill grade.
• Shift Hold Control keeps the transmission in its current (lower) gear ratio when the throttle is quickly released and the brakes are applied, such as entry into a tight curve. This leaves the chassis undisturbed by excessive shifting.

All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control
RDX AWD Standard Feature

• In normal cruising, the system operates as an efficient FWD vehicle with 100% of engine torque being directed to the front wheels.
• During moderate acceleration or when front wheel slip is detected in dry conditions, 25% of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels.
• On a wet or slippery surface, wheel slippage will cause a reduction in engine output to the front wheels possibly to a point where torque is distributed 50/50 between the front and rear wheels.
• Systemic efficiencies allow the AWD system to have a combined EPA fuel economy rating of only one mile per gallon below the front-wheel drive model.

Suspension Systems
Standard Feature

The RDX front strut and rear multi-link suspension systems are tuned to provide a combination of secure handling and exceptional ride. The RDX is also the first Acura model equipped with uniquely designed shock absorbers known as Amplitude Reactive Dampers.

• The front Macpherson strut design is configured to offer long vertical wheel travel and excellent durability that will stand up to under-maintained city streets.
• For an outstanding balance of comfort and precision handling, the rear suspension features a multi-link design similar to the one used on Acura sport sedans.
• To maintain composure in hard cornering, the rear suspension features anti-squat geometry to reduce pitching under acceleration and also isolates springs and dampers from lateral forces.
• Amplitude Reactive Dampers feature two piston valves per damper (a.k.a. shock absorber) rather than one. The main valve reacts to help absorb minor road vibration, while the second one is stiffer, reigning in a larger suspension motion for improved stability.
• Stability is also enhanced by having a lower center of gravity than most SUVs, as well as a wide track and long, 105.7” wheelbase.

Steering System
Standard Feature

The new electronic power steering provides a smooth, linear transition between the generous power assist at low speeds and a firmer feel at higher speeds.

• For maximum efficiency, the electronic power assist does not drain engine power.
• Extreme steering column rigidity reduces low- and high-speed vibration.

Performance Braking
Standard Feature

Since performance driving requires precision braking, the RDX features a firm pedal feel with linear response and is backed by 4-channel anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist systems.

• The RDX fills its 18-inch wheels with large 12.3-inch ventilated discs in the front and 12.0-inch solid discs in the rear, which resist brake fade even after continuous hard use.
• Electronic Brake Distribution uses the anti-lock brake sensors to determine the proportion of brake force to be channeled to each wheel for increased performance and stability.

Rigid Body Structure
Standard Feature

The less flex there is in the body, the more precisely the suspension can be tuned for an optimal combination of handling and ride. Now, Acura has taken the impressive first-generation RDX body structure a step further.

• Additional reinforcements around the rear-suspension mounting points reduce vertical flex.
• Lateral flex has been reduced through strengthened joints around the front suspension sub-frame mounting.
• Close to 40% of the vehicle’s weight is made up of high-tensile steel, which is lighter and stiffer than conventional structural steel.

Smooth & Quiet Ride
Standard Feature

While developing the second-generation RDX, one of our primary goals was to make the vehicle more enjoyable for both driver and passengers by reducing noise, vibration, and harshness.

• A floating front sub-frame structure with heavily reinforced mounting points reduces road noise.
• Thinsulate, an effective noise absorber, has been added to new areas such as the inner fenders, door lighting housings, and spare tire pan to further reduce road noise.
• Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires were also selected for their quiet performance.