It looks like the folks in Acura’s marketing department are working well ahead of the folks in PR, as the company’s consumer website was updated today with images of the new 2010 RDX, before any press release about the luxury crossover was sent out.
We can now confirm (as can anyone who heads over to Acura.com) that the 2010 RDX will be offered in a front-wheel drive layout with a lower base price and better fuel-economy.
Whereas the AWD model costs $34,520, the front-drive model comes in $2,000 less at just $32,520. Fuel economy also improves a good bit, from 17/22 mpg (city/highway) for the SH-AWD model to 19/24 mpg.
The consumer site doesn’t list anything about the front-drive’s curb weight but we can expect that to be about 200 lbs lighter, meaning that it might actually be quicker than the AWD version – although the lack of AWD grip may negate the weight advantage).
As is obvious, the 2010 RDX does get Acura’s corporate shield up front. We do, however, like the hexagonal exhaust tips.
All 2010 RDX models will retain the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 240hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque. And a backup camera is now standard equipment.