11 Jan 05
Honda's Acura division first showed a concept called RD-X two years ago in Detroit, and has now announced that this 4x4 will go into production in Marysville, Ohio and go on sale in the States in 2006. It's of interest to us, however, as it's likely to share most, if not all, of its major componentry with the next-generation European Honda CR-V, including the new SH-AWD four-wheel drive system already offered in the Acura RL/Honda Legend. The RD-X promises "superior traction on all surfaces and in all weather conditions, as well as increased cornering precision." Honda also says it has a pedestrian-friendly front-end structure, a strength for the brand.
The show car features 19-inch five-spoke wheels with 255.50R19 tyres, Brembo disc brakes, flared wheel arches, a full-length glass roof panel, extended side sills, twin exhaust pipes, wraparound LED headlights and taillights and a rear spoiler; the interior is eye-catching, to say the least, with rather lurid tangerine-coloured, crocodile-effect embossed leather, off-white suede and a rosewood floor. There are bucket-style front seats, metallic instruments, steering wheel-mounted gear shifters, an eight-inch LCD screen and one-dial control system plus a next-generation satellite navigation system, hard-drive storage of music files, internet access, rear-view camera (in lieu of rear-view mirrors) and a nine-speaker DVD hi-fi. It should be practical, too, with flat-folding rear seats, good storage space and grooves in the load bay floor for securing bicycles or other items.
