Acura RD-X Concept

The Acura RD-X Concept debuted at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit just weeks before appearing at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show where it is pictured here. The concept was designed and developed by Honda Research & Development Americas combining characteristics of the RSX sports coupe and the MDX sport utility vehicle, featuring a compact body styled with a raked beltline and wheel flares. The RD-X concept was designed with a 250-horsepower 4-wheel drive hybrid powertrain consisting of a high-output 2.4-liter 16-valve double overhead cam 4-cylinder i-VTEC™ engine with a Formula One-inspired computer-controlled 6-speed, close-ratio clutchless manual transmission with a paddle shifter on the center console driving the front wheels, and an advanced Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system with twin electric motors powering the rear wheels when extra power or traction is required, increasing power and distributing torque in a similar way to an all-wheel drive sport utility vehicle. The RD-X Concept also featured fully independent front and rear suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires and retractable headlights. The driver-oriented cockpit featured fixed dual front bucket seats trimmed in durable, high-tech fabric, adjustable instruments, steering wheel and pedals, rear-facing cameras in place of side view mirrors that transmit to displays mounted on the steering column, and a heads-up display projecting the speed, fuel level, and other warnings onto the windshield, along with the Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System. The rear seats were angled outwards for increased legroom and could be folded forward and stowed for additional cargo room. Without a B-pillar, the side doors opened outward from the center like “suicide doors” to provide a large opening into the vehicle. Instead of an upward swinging hatch at the rear, a pair of powered doors slid open to hug the sides for easy access in tight quarters to the rear cargo area, which featured a low flat floor, built-in floor brackets to secure bicycles, and a hidden storage area in the side panel. The RD-X Concept also featured a glass roof with a portion at the rear that opened to allow transport of items too large or tall to fit in the enclosed cargo area. A far more conventional production RDX model was introduced for the 2007 model year.