The Chicago Auto Show was once the biggest in the business, with the possible exception of Motown’s hometown show in Detroit. It’s faded some in recent years as LA and New York took some of the spotlight. However, Chicago is making a comeback this year with a respectable pile of introductions.
During the media preview period, Acura got into the spirit with the new RDX – its luxury SUV crossover. This year’s redesign looks to continue the Acura focus on offering maximum features for money spent, adding improved performance, luxury features, styling and safety tech.
Acura topped up the power with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6, 279 horsepower engine — an improvement in power. But, with fuel economy in mind, the Variable Cylinder Management system shuts down two of the engine’s six cylinders with the engine is simply cruising or idling. That helps the new RDX earn 19/28 on the mpg scale for all wheel drive models and 20/29 mpg for front wheel drive models.
Related: Chicago Auto Show: Auto Tuning
A complete suite of comfort and safety-centric gadgets with standard heated front seats, new second-row air-conditioning vents, an eight-way adjustable power passenger’s front seat, dual-screen On-Demand Multi-Information Display, HD Radio, blind spot information (BSI) and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.
An Advance Package adds rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, Bi-Directional Keyless remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and AcuraWatch advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies.
The entire package supports the Acura theme that put it back on the sales map in the last year. Their ambition is to offer every possible feature a driver might want in a luxury car at a sticker price a click or two below the competition.
The new RDX is rumored to arrive in late spring 2016, with the sales price still to be locked down.
