Acura Debuts All-New 2013 RDX Crossover at Montreal International Auto Show

New 2012 Acura TSX A-Spec makes Canadian debut; designed to deliver performance-oriented experience

MONTREAL, Jan. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Representing the leading edge of a wave of new products and technologies, Acura today unveiled two new vehicles at the Montreal International Auto Show, including a prototype of the all-new 2013 RDX crossover SUV and the new 2012 Acura TSX A-Spec. The new model debuts coincide with Acura's 25^th anniversary in Canada as a premium luxury-performance automobile brand, with a new exciting direction stressed for the future.

"Over the next three years, the Acura brand will launch a series of new models that will remake our product lineup and shake up the luxury market," said Alexandre Roger, assistant vice president of Acura in Canada.

Acura RDX
Shown as a prototype version of the 2013 RDX, the second generation of Acura's five-passenger crossover SUV will up the ante with a new approach to achieving both advanced performance and fuel efficiency via a new engine, transmission and all-wheel drive system.

The 2013 RDX, scheduled to launch this spring, will have as standard equipment a 3.5-litre V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower - 33 more than the outgoing model. For even higher performance and efficiency, the RDX makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter. The RDX also gets a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system that provides the required performance and safety with increased efficiency.

The RDX exterior incorporates a sleek, more aerodynamically efficient body, evolving RDX from a sporty, compact SUV to a more formal look with a longer, sculpted hood and styling that is more elegant and sophisticated to match the Acura philosophy of timeless, beautiful design. Chassis updates include a longer wheelbase and wider track, all-new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system.

Inside the 2013 RDX, new sweeping shapes, matte surface trim, and generous use of leather combine to give the RDX interior an upscale look and luxury feel that Acura customers have come to expect. Abundant use of sound deadening materials and Active Sound Control team to provide an exceptionally quiet cabin. Additional interior features, such as larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume and a power rear tailgate make the RDX interior even more accommodating and flexible.

The 2013 RDX will receive a host of new technologies, including SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera. An available Technology Package will provide a full complement of relevant technologies, including Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition^™. New for 2013, the even more advanced navigation system utilizes a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, including 15 gigabytes that can be allocated for music storage.

Acura anticipates that the RDX will achieve top ratings in both U.S.-based NHTSA and IIHS crash safety testing.

Production of the new RDX will move to the East Liberty, Ohio, plant of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. that is home to one of the four top assembly lines in North America in the J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The first generation RDX has been built at the Marysville, Ohio, auto plant, an IQS award winner for both of its assembly lines.

2012 Acura TSX A-Spec
Designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts, the new 2012 Acura TSX A-Spec is a demonstration of Acura's commitment to sharpening its focus on cars that satisfy the emotions and desires of today's driver. With luxurious suede seating surfaces with red accent stitching, red interior lighting reminiscent of the adrenaline fueled RSX of yesterday, unique wheels paired with high performance summer tires and an aero package, A-Spec is the first in a line of appearance trims that will build on Acura's timeless and beautiful design direction.

Image with caption: "Acura Debuts All-New 2013 RDX Crossover at Montreal International Auto Show(CNW Group/Acura Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120112_C3625_PHOTO_EN_8835.jpg

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