Acura's crossover luxury SUV, based on the Honda Pilot, continues to offer solid performance with good comfort. Its standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces a strong 253 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, four-wheel independent suspension, anti-lock disc brakes, and the latest version of Vehicle Stability Assist all come standard, as does a five-speed automatic transmission. Its seven-passenger interior includes front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, as well as a third-row seat that folds flat into the floor to maximize cargo volume. XM satellite radio is standard, with a wireless Bluetooth cellphone interface, and Bose audio system with CD changer added to the Touring version. A voice-activated navigation system and a DVD entertainment system are optional on the top model. For 2006, Touring Package-equipped models now feature an ebony-colored Zebra wood pattern on the center console and door switches, and satin chrome interior accents; a new color, Amazon Green Metallic, is also added to the palette.
RDX
The new RDX compact crossover SUV debuts in early '06 as a 2007 model, and is a smaller and sportier alternative to Acura's MDX. Sculpted with uniquely chiseled styling, the RDX is based on the Honda CR-V platform. It features the advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that debuted last year in the RL sedan, for superior handling over a wide range of road and weather conditions.) It rides on a fully independent front and rear suspension for better handling than most SUV buyers would expect. The RDX's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure offers enhanced protection to occupants in a frontal collision, while at the same time reducing damage to other vehicles. While further details were not available as of this writing, power is expected to come from a small V-6 engine, which it will likely share with the next-generation CR-V. A voice-activated navigation array and AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic information are expected to be on the features list.
RL
2005 Acura RL |
Acura's flagship sedan was completely redesigned last year as a larger and more luxurious all-wheel-drive model. While a V-8 is still not part of the picture, its 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine delivers a respectable 290 horsepower. It comes mated to a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic that can be taken through the gears manually, via either a console shifter or steering-wheel-mounted race car-like paddle controls. A four-wheel independent suspension helps the car hold the corners, and traction on both wet and dry pavement benefits from the RL's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System that distributes the optimum amount of torque between both the front/rear and left/right rear wheels. The car's satellite navigation system includes a real-time traffic monitoring function for major U.S. cities that can warn the driver of road delays ahead and suggest alternate routes. Standard features include adaptive headlamps and a keyless access/starting system. A newly offered Technology Package includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System that monitors potential frontal collisions and automatically alerts the driver, tensions the seatbelts, and applies the brakes if it detects a crash is imminent and unavoidable; it also comes with adaptive cruise control and run-flat tires. A dealer-installed A-SPEC performance package becomes newly available for 2006, and includes a track-tuned suspension package that lowers the car by nearly three-quarters of an inch, 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires, an underbody kit, and a rear spoiler.
previous 
;)
previous 
