Concept Car Of The Day: 2005 Acura RD-X Concept - AllCarIndex
On January 9, 2005, in Detroit, the Acura RD-X Concept SUV made its debut at the North American International Auto Show. This concept vehicle featured Acura's new Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, combining the performance of a sports sedan with the all-wheel drive capability and functional utility of an SUV.
Two years prior, Acura had displayed a previous design study of the RD-X concept at the Detroit show. This latest iteration strongly hinted at the production vehicle that Acura announced would go on sale in 2006.
The RD-X powertrain included the groundbreaking SH-AWD all-wheel drive system, previously seen on the 2005 Acura RL luxury performance sedan. This innovative system distributed torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels, resulting in superior traction on all surfaces and in all weather conditions, as well as increased cornering precision.
To complement the SH-AWD system, the RD-X featured a highly-refined chassis with fully independent front and rear suspension, Brembo disc brakes with slotted rotors, 19-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels, and 255/50R19 tires for strong grip and an aggressive look.
At 181.5 inches long, the RD-X fit squarely in the small SUV segment. Its chiseled exterior styling provided excellent visibility for driving in city traffic or on twisty mountain roads. The vehicle's compact upper body, aggressively raked beltline, ample wheel flares, and substantial hood all contributed to its modern and sleek appearance.
Inside, the RD-X boasted an ultra-modern driver-oriented cockpit with a sizeable, easily transformable cargo area. The interior featured a combination of ivory leather and suede trim, tangerine-colored crocodile-embossed leather, and off-white suede. The cockpit included an eight-inch color LCD screen, the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, a clear acrylic wing, and metallic gauges.
In addition, the RD-X was equipped with the AcuraLink satellite communication system, real-time traffic information, Internet access, a hard drive for storing digital music, rear-facing cameras for side view monitoring, and a nine-speaker DVD-Audio system for surround sound.
The rear of the RD-X provided generous storage space for luggage, snowboards, and other items, along with grooves for securing bicycles and subwoofers protected by tubular aluminum railings.
This concept vehicle underscored Acura's commitment to expanding its light truck lineup and would be assembled at Honda of America Manufacturing in Marysville, Ohio. The RD-X concept offered a glimpse into the future of Acura's SUV offerings, combining technology, performance, and utility in one impressive package.
