A Not-So-Giant Leap of Faith

Well, Acura is finally joining the legion of brands offering a small SUV or crossover, and in this case it will look a lot like the RD-X, introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month.

Granted, when we actually get a chance to drive one it probably wont have polished rosewood flooring or a steering wheel that looks something like a ceremonial Klingon weapon.

However, this particular compact SUV should be one to write home about when it finally hits the pavement. With over 200-horsepower promised, and an all-new light truck platform coupled to Acuras Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, the RD-X should be a highly maneuverable SUV.

Starting from the ground up, the

This is "Art & Science" design, to coin Cadillacs design "language," but only after a round with a sandblaster. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Through the gaps in the 5-star alloys its possible to see the silver-painted Brembo calipers that complement a set of slotted rotors. Like a $2,000/month loft apartment with exposed concrete, 12-foot-ceilings and floor-to-ceiling

With over 200-horsepower promised, and an all-new light truck platform the RD-X should be a highly maneuverable SUV. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Working our way up, a fully independent suspension keeps the tires attached to this slightly mysterious chassis. The only information Acura has not withheld is that its seven inches shorter than the MDX, and that its a brand new

A fully independent suspension keeps the tires attached to this slightly mysterious chassis. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Most likely it is a monocoque architecture using high tensile steel and, as with the RL, Advanced Compatibility Engineering; a process used to design a cockpit that will protect riders from undue damage in the event of an accident.

This rack is the hands-down favorite to carry the next-generation CR-V (and Element, too--the more the merrier), being that it figures to be about 180 inches long, within an inch or two of the current CR-V.

In

In its RD-X manifestation, this platform will support the same Super Handling AWD powertrain as is found on the latest RL. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Why? Because in a turn the outside wheels can accelerate faster than the inside wheels, which can cause a loss of traction. Proportioning power to each wheel maintains optimal levels of traction and in-turn keeps the car flatter, allowing us to achieve greater speed though the turn, further maximizing

Super Handling AWD will help keep the RD-X on its feet, especially important for SUVs if called upon to make emergency maneuvers. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

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