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2019 Acura RDX to race in Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Acura just launched the 2019 Acura RDX crossover, and what better way to kick things off than a little motorsport? That's right, Acura will be racing a modified RDX in none other than the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. It's Acura's seventh consecutive year participating in the daring ascent, which sees 156 turns over the course of 12.4 miles. On June 24, the RDX will attempt the climb to the summit's elevation of 14,114 feet. To help its Exhibition Class run, the RDX's 2.0L VTEC engine has been given a larger turbocharger and an electric supercharger, which brings output up to 350 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle also benefits from race-tuned suspension, custom 19-inch wheels and Pirelli racing tires, and front Brembo brakes. Behind the wheel will be by Jordan Guitar of Acura R&D's North American Chassis Development Group. The RDX will be joined at the race by three other Acuras: a production-based NSX competing in the Time Attack 1 Class, and two TLXs in the Open Class. One is a TLX A-Spec with an upgraded suspension and 500-horsepower turbo V6. The other is a TLX GT with a modified twin-turbo V6 and suspension developed specifically for Pikes Peak. Related Video:

Acura Type S Concept debuts as a stunning four-door sedan

Acura is bringing the Type S badge back with authority. While the Acura Type S Concept is, as its name implies, a concept, it looks and sounds a lot more like a design preview for the next-gen TLX in Type S flavor. Acura says it will debut two Type S performance variants within the next two years. The first will be the TLX, and our guess would be that an RDX Type S will follow. But let’s dive into what Acura has given us today. From the company: “The Type S Concept sets the stage for re-introducing Type S performance variants to the Acura line-up after a decade hiatus, and will heavily influence the character of the upcoming, second-generation TLX Type S.” If you were hoping for a design and powertrain preview, weÂ’re sad to report that Acura is not using this opportunity to showcase the engine coming to the TLX Type S. Not all is lost when it comes to mechanical details, though. This concept rides on 285-width summer tires on all four corners, which is positively huge for an Acura sedan. Four-piston yellow Brembo brake calipers are used, shining brightly through 21-inch wheels. Instead of the fake vents all over the Civic Type R, Acura says the venting and grille space up front is functional, allowing air to get through to the “high-performance engine and brake package.” Though again, we donÂ’t know what that high-performance engine will be just yet. Just like other Acura concepts of late, this one is a real looker. Its LED lights in front and back signal a new style for Acura that it calls “Chicane.” While the headlights may look a lot like those on the NSX, this fixture debuts the automaker's new four-lamp “Jewel Eye” LEDs. Instead of squares, we get rectangular eyes, and they look even cooler than before. YouÂ’ll also notice a bunch of elements scattered throughout that look a little bit like carbon fiber. Acura says itÂ’s forged carbon, and itÂ’s visible on the front splitter, along the front vents, side sills, wheels, rear spoiler and rear diffuser area. While not as flashy as glossy carbon fiber, it looks cool in the photos weÂ’re scrutinizing here. The stunning blue paint is also special. Acura calls it “Double Apex Blue Pearl,” and it uses nano pigments and a color-infused clear coat to enhance the appearance. The hue pays homage to the blue TL Type S offered in the 2007 and 2008 model years.

Acura 2019 RDX Prototype | New era for a popular crossover

Acura took the wraps off its sleek new RDX Prototype today at the Detroit Auto Show, displaying a completely redesigned, re-engineered crossover that heralds a new era for design and technology for the automaker. Acura says it's a pretty close representation of the production version due out midyear as a 2019 model, save for the highly stylized side mirrors and wheels. The Prototype serves as the third generation of the RDX, and Acura says it's the first full embodiment of the new exterior and interior design language first introduced on the Precision Concept, shown in Detroit in 2016, and the Precision Cockpit, a concept interior it unveiled in Los Angeles in 2016. So in addition to the Precision's diamond pentagon grille, which has already made it to the TLX, the crossover adopts the Precision sedan's low, wide stance and sculpted body panels. Compared to the outgoing RDX, the new version adds 1.2 inches of width and 2.5 inches to the wheelbase, with a shortened front overhang and wheels pushed to the corners. Headlamps and exterior lights are all LED. The RDX Prototype debuts the all-new Acura True Touchpad interface, which combines a touchscreen and remote interface in one Android-based operating system. There's a 10.2-inch full-HD display atop the center console that's operated via a remote tracking pad mapped to the center display, plus an interactive heads-up display. (Here's a good video explainer for how it works.) It also has a new and improved natural-language voice-recognition system. View 12 Photos Inside, there's more space, rear legroom and cargo space. A floating center console is inspired by the Precision Cockpit, plus high-grade materials including nappa leather, brushed aluminum and Olive Ash wood. It'll also be the first Acura SUV offered with the brand's sporty A-Spec trim, which will eventually be part of all core Acura models developed moving forward. And all RDX models will come equipped with a new ultra-wide panoramic sliding moonroof, the largest in its class. Acura is building the new RDX on an Acura-only platform that gives it a lighter and stiffened body, new chassis and all-new powertrain that it says will be its quickest and best-handling RDX to date.