Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is an odd duck: not only is it the single Honda/Acura vehicle to use a turbocharged engine, it’s also the only luxury crossover with four-cylinder power. This is a class of vehicle where the number of cylinders seems to be perceived as a selling point: if it doesn’t have six or eight of them under the hood, then it must be somehow inadequate.

The 2.3-litre turbo motor, which is unique to the RDX, makes 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the same numbers it sported at the RDX’s introduction in 2007. In 2010, that put it near the back of the pack, specs-wise, against competition like the Audi Q5, Mercedes GLK 350 and Infiniti EX, whose base models all have horsepower ratings ranging from 268 to nearly 300. More competitive is the RDX’s standard use of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, a capable setup that can not only split power between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels, in order to enhance the car’s high-speed handling. Notable is the availability of a front-drive RDX in the U.S. for 2010, but we don’t get that model here.

Acura adds better-mileage, two-wheel drive SUV

29 Aug 2009

Long-term update: 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8

By Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

Every time I test a brand new luxury “crossover” 4×4, I realise just how brutish, noisy and unrefined my aging Jeep is. But then I remember that none of these new-fangled “crossover” thingies can even think about going off-road. And that should count for something. The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee is chugging along rather decently in its 7th year. Read more… »

Posted under American Car News, Long-Term Car Updates | 7 Comments

19 Aug 2009

Hyundai-Kia beats Ford, becomes 4th largest automaker

By Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, has become the fourth largest auto manufacturer in the world. Based on figures from the Automotive News Data Centre, the Korean carmaker has overtaken Ford, which saw its sales fall by more than 30% in 2009. Read more… »

Posted under American Car News, Asian Car News, European Car News | 11 Comments

16 Aug 2009

Devon GTX 2010 is latest American supercar

By Presley Reese

Conceived by a visionary industrial artist, brought to life by some of the world’s leading automotive engineers and designers, and proven on some of the most demanding race tracks in America, the all-new 2010 Devon GTX stands ready to stake claim as the next great American supercar. Read more… »

Posted under American Car News | 4 Comments

14 Aug 2009

Nick Alexander Woodie Collection auction

By Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

The distinguished Nick Alexander Woodie Collection was auctioned off this August, at the 2009 Monterey classic car event in the United States, achieving in excess of $7 million in total sales. It is a good opportunity to witness the popular wood-panel trim sported by various cars are the time. Read more… »

Posted under American Car News, Feature Stories | 1 Comment

11 Aug 2009

Surviving a lightning strike while driving

By Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

Theoretically, the safest place to be during a thunderstorm is inside your car. A woman in the United States found that out the hard way, when her Ford Edge got hit by lightning while she was driving, and she walked away without a scratch. Read more… »

Posted under American Car News, Off Beat News | 3 Comments

31 Jul 2009

Saleen 435S Mustang 2010 controversial debut

By Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

When MJ Acquisitions bought out Saleen Performance Vehicles earlier this year, original founder Steve Saleen left and started up another tuner company called SMS Supercars. And while Steve is battling his former company for rights to the “Saleen” name, the firm bearing his name has unveiled its first 2010 product since the acquisition, called the Saleen 435S, based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. Read more… »

Posted under American Car News, Modified Car News | 2 Comments

30 Jul 2009

Harley-Davidson 2010 motorcycle product line-up

By Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

Proclaimed as the only major American motorcycle maker, Harley-Davidson has just unveiled their 2010 product line-up, with nine new motorcycle models in what they refer to as “the most expansive new-product introduction in the history of the company,” spread across six model platforms. Read more… »

Posted under American Car News | No Comment

28 Jul 2009

Acura RDX 2010 crossover released in the States

By Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

So it's no wonder that Acura adds a two-wheel drive version of its RDX compact SUV for 2010. The move shaves some 190 pounds from the previously all-wheel drive only RDX and helps account for 2 more miles per gallon in both city and highway driving for a combined 21 mpg government mileage rating in slow- and high-speed travel.

Even better, the front-wheel drive 2010 RDX — which also includes subtle styling updates and new standard features that are on all RDX models — has a lower starting retail price than the base 2009 RDX.

Specifically, the starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, for a 2010 RDX with two-wheel drive is $33,330. This is less than the $34,705 starting retail price for a base 2009 RDX and compares with the $35,330 starting price for a 2010 RDX with all-wheel drive.

The 2010 prices include standard automatic transmission, leather-trimmed seats, power front seats that are heated, 360-watt Acura audio system, power moonroof and dual-zone climate control, among other things. All safety equipment, including six air bags, electronic stability control, traction control and whiplash-reducing front head restraints, is standard, too.

Acura said the new pricing on the Consumer Reports-recommended RDX stems from customers in warm weather areas saying they didn't want to have to pay for all-wheel drive if they didn't need it.

But the new model also means the base RDX has a noticeable price differential compared with major competitors.

For example, starting retail price for a 2009 BMW X3 with manual transmission and all-wheel drive is $40,525, while the 2009 Infiniti EX35 with two-wheel drive and automatic transmission starts at $34,665. Additionally, the 2010 Audi Q5 starts at $38,175 and has automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The competitors above have six-cylinder engines so you'd expect them to have more power. They do, in terms of horsepower, but Acura's RDX has impressive get up and go so you might think you have a six cylinder under the hood.

The reason? The RDX has Acura's first production turbocharged engine, and though it's just a 2.3-liter four cylinder, its output is 240 horses and a six-cylinder-like 260 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm.

This compares with the Q5 V-6's 270 horses and 243 foot-pound at 3,000 rpm and the 260 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque at 2,750 rpm generated by the six cylinder in the 2009 BMW X3.

The test RDX with two-wheel drive accelerated smoothly, with nary any turbo lag. I didn't notice shift points as I drove, either, unless I was doing the shifting manually and aggressively via the SportShift five-speed automatic transmission. Acura includes paddle shifters at the steering wheel so drivers don't have to take their hands off the wheel when shifting and so drivers experience a sporty feel in the RDX.

This 15.2-foot-long SUV bounded up hills easily and felt lighter than its 3,752 pounds. The two-wheel drive vehicle is also 250 pounds lighter than its six-cylinder competitors.

Best of all, the RDX's new government fuel economy ratings — 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway — are better than the 16/23-mpg rating for the 2009 X3 and the 17/24-mpg rating for the 2009 Infiniti EX35.

Acura RDX Turbocharged CUV Receives Numerous Upgrades for 2010

The 2010 Acura RDX goes on sale across Canada on
August 10 with a fresh new exterior look, a more luxurious interior, new

technology features and improved fuel economy. With a sales increase in Canada
of 17 per cent for the first half of 2009, the turbocharged RDX continues to
be a leading compact-luxury CUV of choice for Canadians with active lifestyles
who want a responsive and sporty vehicle with utility, leading-edge styling
and the benefits of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)).
Externally, the 2010 RDX receives numerous changes resulting in a more
aggressive, sporty appearance. RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the
crossover's sporty athleticism. Large wheel arches, aggressively raked body
sides, steeply raked windscreen and a short rear overhang generate a taut and
muscular presence.
RDX gets a new front fascia, Acura's signature front grille, a hood with
a new front edge design and updated HID headlights that are now controlled by
a standard automatic on/off function. The headlight's new design incorporates
a "smoke style" chrome plating treatment and complements the angular pattern
set by the Acura grille. At the rear, a more aggressive bumper fascia,
rectangular exhaust finishers, revised taillights and satin finish trim give
the 2010 RDX a freshened appearance.
New 18-inch diameter, 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, in conjunction with
the vehicle's wide track (1572-mm front / 1590-mm rear), are designed to
provide improved handling. Changes to the brake booster and servo deliver
better brake pedal feel plus less initial brake "grabbiness." The brake system
also makes use of revised rear brake pad actuation that delivers less drag and
longer pad life. Also new are Geomet-coated brake rotors for improved looks
and added corrosion protection.
The RDX also receives several new standard interior features, including a
rear view camera system, electronic compass, a pull handle to make closing the
rear hatch easier, auto-function headlights, ambient footwell lighting, a
centre console storage tray, improved cupholders, USB-port connectivity, and
Note function for XM(R) Radio.
The 2010 RDX incorporates a class-leading array of features that keep
passengers informed and entertained. RDX features as standard Bluetooth(R)
HandsFreeLink(R) connectivity with new Bluetooth(R) audio capabilities, a
7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System and a new USB port that allows the
connection of (and charging of) items such as an iPhone(R) or iPod(R).
Also new for 2010 is a centre console tray that is a convenient way to
store items such as a wallet, spare keys, or an iPod(R). In addition,
integrated to the underside of the lid is a coin holder and place for holding
credit or gate cards. New for 2010 is a USB port (also located in the centre
console) that allows for the easy connection of items such as an iPod(R),
iPhone(R) or a memory stick storage device.