Acura Automobiles: 2013 RDX

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INTERIOR OVERVIEW

For 2013, the RDX has a whole new interior with more of what customers want. Topping the list is more legroom and shoulder room for both front and rear occupants. More cargo room is now available along with a significantly wider rear hatch opening. More insulation and a new Active Noise Control system help generate a quieter cabin, while two new audio systems deliver a more enjoyable listening experience. Throughout the new “dual personal” cabin, the cockpit design makes use of more sweeping shapes (rather than the previous RDX interior design that had an angular look with more sharp lines). And of course, the 2013 delivers even more driver relevant technology including an available hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system paired with a new W-VGA monitor. Dual-zone automatic climate control keeps occupants comfortable and tinted door glass reduces eye strain along with the sun load. All said, the 2013 RDX interior has an even more upscale look and a luxury feel that Acura customers have come to expect.

Just as before, RDX seats five but caters to the driver and front passenger first and foremost. Its leather seating surfaces and ergonomically designed seat contours are designed to provide ample support during spirited drives or long road trips. The power actuated driver seat is 8-way adjustable including adjustable lumbar support for a custom fit. Located just rearward of the leather-wrapped steering wheel are LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination and a Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions.

Acura has long been known for its generous use of high tech items and the 2013 RDX continues with this tradition. New technologies for the 2013 RDX include Pandora® internet radio interface and a SMS text messaging function, while personal comfort is improved via technology in the form of items such as a Keyless Access System with pushbutton start and a new Active Noise Control system. The 2013 RDX features as standard a new rear view camera system with three unique viewing angles.

Among the advanced electronic technologies in the 2013 RDX is a new 360-watt audio system with seven speakers, a CD player, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio with Note function, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and Speed Volume Control (SVC). Staying connected is not a problem as the RDX comes standard with Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface that is compatible with most Bluetooth®-enabled mobile telephones.

An available Technology Package integrates seamlessly into the RDX’s performance-oriented driving environment. Included is the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ that has a new W-VGA 8-inch color screen. With the AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System comes AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™, a system that allows the RDX driver to more easily navigate around congested freeways. In addition, the system includes AcuraLink Traffic Rerouting™ for automatic rerouting around problem areas along the route. Also included is AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with weather radar image maps to provide weather tracking for area specific, continuously updated weather conditions between your current location and your final destination.

Also part of the RDX’s Technology Package is a new Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system. The new audio system includes a 410-watt Digital Sound Processor amplifier, a 10-speaker surround sound array, and 15 GB of dedicated hard disk drive (HDD) media storage that allows the owner to download and store up to 3,500 songs* for later playback. The Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system offers DVD-Audio, CD player, DTS™, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio with Note function music reminder, Bluetooth® Audio, and USB port and AUX jack connectivity.

Even more so than every before, transformability of a vehicle is of top concern with buyers- so to be able to quickly and easily convert the RDX from a people hauler to a cargo hauler was paramount. Thus, besides offering exemplary comfort, interior roominess and cargo carrying were high priorities for RDX designers. For 2013, to ease ingress/egress the front doors open wider and the rear door openings are larger. With a new “one touch” activation of the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, the rear cargo area (with rear seatbacks folded down) offers 76.9 cubic feet of storage- 16.3 cubic feet more than before. Interior storage compartments include a large center console between the front seats and numerous storage pockets and cubby spaces throughout the RDX. The 2013 RDX has a total passenger volume of 103.5 cubic feet (versus 101.4 cubic feet with previous RDX) which means it has the largest volume in its class.

Interior Features

  • Luxuriously appointed cockpit designed for comfortable driving
  • Power-adjustable perforated leather-trimmed seats with heaters
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with fingertip controls
    and racing-inspired paddle shifters
  • Tilt and telescoping steering column
  • Keyless Access System with pushbutton start
  • LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination
  • Multi-Information Display (MID)
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Rear view camera with three viewing modes
  • Active Sound Control
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control system with air filtration
  • Power moonroof with tilt, auto-open/close, auto-reverse and key-off operation
  • One-touch 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks
  • Acura Premium Sound System with multi-format CD player, AM/FM tuner, and XM® Radio, and seven speakers
  • USB port and AUX input jack connectivity
  • Pandora® internet radio interface
  • SMS text messaging functionality
  • Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity

Technology Package Features

  • AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System
  • Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ (with new 8-inch W-VGA color display screen)
  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD) system with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™
  • GPS-linked solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system
  • Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System with DVD-Audio, multi-format CD player, AM/FM tuner, and XM® Radio with Note function, and 10 speakers
  • Power actuated rear tailgate

DRIVER-ORIENTED COCKPIT AND INSTRUMENTATION

With the commanding outward view of an SUV and a sedan-like seating position, the RDX interior creates a uniquely sporting environment. Acura interior design has always made intuitive functionality a priority, and in the RDX all important systems and controls feature intuitive button location along with easy-to-read markings. The systems used most frequently – audio and cruise control – have switches positioned on the steering wheel and the HVAC buttons are located close to the driver. Technology Package items like Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Satellite-Linked Navigation System and Multi-Information Display (MID) also can be controlled via switches on the steering wheel.

The 2013 RDX has a bold new open-style (the previous RDX had a 3-pod-style) gauge cluster with easy-to-read analog gauges, supplemented with digital and graphic displays. Even though the RDX gives its driver access to many electronic features and conveniences, the interface with each system is simple and intuitive. Sight lines are clear with important items placed within easy view.

MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY

The RDX provides important vehicle information via the Multi-Information Display (MID) that is positioned in the upper portion of the speedometer face. An LCD screen shows MID items such as outside air temperature, vehicle mileage and trip mileage, average fuel economy, TPMS status, and controls positioned on the steering wheel allow the driver to cycle the display through additional screens of information while keeping both hands on the wheel.

The MID can display:

  • Upcoming maintenance needs
  • Low tire pressure warning
  • Average and instantaneous fuel economy
  • Driving range
  • Average vehicle speed
  • Elapsed time

CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAY

To make the climate control and audio systems easy to operate, the RDX has a 5-inch LCD display (left) centrally positioned in the instrument panel. In addition to a digital clock, the upper portion of the screen is devoted to the audio system, and features a multi-line display that can show CD title, as well as RDS radio station information when available. The display incorporates an electronic compass located in the upper right portion of the screen while the lower half of the display is devoted to the automatic climate control system, and shows the operating mode and selected temperature settings.

When equipped with the Technology Package, the center dash display is replaced with an 8-inch W-VGA color screen (right) with an additional display positioned just above. This display shows the most frequently used audio system and climate control settings, which are accessed via the easy-to-use interface dial.

MULTI-VIEW REAR CAMERA

When the RDX transmission is placed in Reverse, the view from a rear-mounted camera is displayed on a 5-inch LCD display that is positioned in the instrument panel. To make it easier for the driver to judge distance and clearance, solid yellow on-screen guidelines indicate the vehicle’s width, as well as distances of 1, 2 and 3 meters as measured from the rear of the RDX. In addition, a dotted yellow line marks off the distance required to open the rear hatch.

When equipped with the available Technology Package, a multi-view camera is included that shows one of three different rear view images as displayed on the new W-VGA 8-inch color monitor used for the navigation system.

The primary view is “Normal View,” which delivers 130-degrees of rearward visibility. For special conditions, there is the “Wide View,” which delivers 175-degrees of rearward visibility. Finally, the “Top View” generates a straight-down look at the trailer hitch area or parking area- thus greatly easing alignment of the trailer or helping when maneuvering in tight parking spaces.

LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL

The 2013 RDX gets a new leather wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel is designed to offer excellent feel and puts the most commonly used controls within fingertip reach. Within the wheel center is SRS front airbag with a cover that is much smoother in design than used with the previous RDX. Audio system controls are positioned on the left spoke with cruise control switches located are on the right spoke. A pair of racing-inspired paddle shifters are located just behind the steering wheel, but are within easy fingertip reach to be able to manually upshift and downshift the new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission.

The four o’clock position on the steering wheel has switches that operate the Multi-Information Display. The eight o’clock position is reserved for navigation system controls, including a push-to-talk button to activate the voice recognition system, which provides voice control over the navigation system. Controls for Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® are located on the lower left corner of the steering wheel.

ONE-TOUCH TURN SIGNALS

The 2013 RDX features a new one-touch turn signal system that makes lane changes more convenient. If the RDX driver moves the turn signal lever up (right turn) or down (left turn) for less than 100 milliseconds, the turn signals will flash three times and then self cancel. However, if the turn signal lever is moved up/down for more than 100 milliseconds, normal turn signal operation (consisting of continuous flashing) will occur until the action is cancelled- either manually cancelled by the driver or cancelled via a significant turn of the steering wheel (such as when turning onto a side street).

SEATING

The leather seating surfaces and ergonomically designed seat contours in the 2013 RDX are designed to provide ample support during spirited drives or long road trips. The driver seat is 10-way power adjustable (8-way power seat plus 2-way power lumbar support) and includes a power-adjustable lumbar support mechanism.

INTERIOR ROOMINESS AND CONVENIENCE

The RDX interior offers generous headroom and legroom for five passengers. Rear outboard passengers will also find ample foot room under the front seats.

Convenient storage areas are easily accessible throughout the interior. Each front door panel has a utility compartment built in while in the rear seat area, a center armrest folds down to reveal dual cupholders. The 5.6-liter glovebox is lockable.

Up front, there are two cupholders in the center console that use rubber inserts to better retain contents. Beneath the padded lid of the center console, there is a total of 8.2 liters of storage space. An interior divider makes the console easily adaptable for a variety of needs, including out-of-view storage of valuables such as a camera or a personal music player. The center console also includes an integrated tray that is a convenient way to store items such as a wallet, spare keys, or such.

OVERHEAD CONSOLE

The overhead console incorporates a variety of useful features, including the controls for the HomeLink® system. HomeLink® is a standard feature that allows up to three remote control devices (such as a garage door opener or property gate opener) to be synched to the RDX- thus allowing the remote function to be triggered by the vehicle without needing to carry a variety of bulky remote control devices. Other overhead console features include controls for interior lighting and the power tilt/slide moonroof.

CARGO CARRYING VERSATILITY

Versatile cargo utility is an important attribute of any SUV- something made even better with the 2013 RDX. Behind the rear seats, there is 26.1 cubic feet of storage that is easily accessible via an available new power-actuated rear tailgate. For 2013, the rear opening is 48.8 inches wide- 6.5 inches wider than the 2012 RDX rear opening.

Even more so than ever before, transformability of a vehicle is of top concern with buyers- so to be able to quickly and easily transform the RDX from a people hauler to a cargo hauler was paramount. With a new “one touch” activation of the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, the rear cargo area (with rear seatbacks folded down) offers 76.9 cubic feet of storage.

The 2013 RDX has a total passenger volume of 103.5 cubic feet (versus 101.4 cubic feet with previous RDX) which means it has the largest volume in its class.

Interior Lighting

The RDX’s driver-oriented interior takes on a technical edge after dark. The analog instruments are LED backlit, with high-contrast markings and a subdued white accent hue. When the driver’s door is opened, the instrument lighting comes to life- and then brightens progressively to 100-percent illumination when the ignition is switched on. The illuminated instrument lights then come alive, indicating that the RDX is ready to go. At the end of the drive, the instrument lighting dims progressively.

Interior switches are illuminated to make them easy to locate at night, including the switches on all four doors. All four doors have courtesy lights that illuminate when the doors are open. The RDX has interior lights featuring “theater dimming,” which can be customized by the driver via the Multi-Information Display to any of three dimming speeds.

DUAL-ZONE AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

RDX has a dual-zone, automatic climate control system that lets the driver and front passenger set the temperature to their individual liking. Large, simple-to-use system controls are positioned within easy reach, just below the center instrument panel vents.

In addition, the RDX with Technology Package offers a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, automatic climate control system. Based on continuously updated vehicle position and direction of travel, the navigation system determines the position of the sun relative to the driver and passenger. Combining this information with input from the solar sensor located on top of the instrument panel, the climate control system automatically adjusts the heating and cooling inputs, fan speed, and vent position from side to side as needed to compensate for asymmetrical solar heating and maintain the set cabin temperatures.

ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL

In a first for the RDX, the 2013 model debuts the use of an Active Sound Control system that not only helps eliminate low decibel booming noise entering the cabin, but also helps decrease unwanted high frequency noise. In addition, Active Sound Control is linked to throttle position and engine rpm to provide a quieter cockpit during normal cruising while allowing the 3.5L V-6’s muscular sound to be enjoyed during higher rpm, more spirited driving.

The Active Sound Control system operates whenever the car is running, regardless of whether the audio system is on or off. There are two microphones mounted in the headliner- one just behind the front overhead console and another just ahead of the overhead rear light module. The microphones capture low-end drivetrain frequencies entering the cabin, and send a signal to the Active Sound Control unit. The Active Sound Control unit then creates a precisely timed reverse phase audio signal that is sent to an amplifier, which powers the door speakers and the subwoofer positioned on the rear deck.

The Active Sound Control dramatically reduces the booming sound of the exhaust, front and rear. In the frequency range below 100 hertz, Active Sound Control results in an impressive 10 dB reduction in noise level. Moreover, the new Active Sound Control system dramatically reduces high frequency and middle-frequency noise attenuation during normal cruising. In addition, road noise attenuation is also improved over both smooth and rough roads.

7-SPEAKER PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM

Built in concert with Panasonic, a new audio system for the 2013 RDX is a 7-speaker design with a CD player, AM/FM tuner, XM® Radio with Note function and Bluetooth® Audio. The CD system can read MP3 and WMA files and includes the Radio Data System (RDS) and Speed Volume Control (SVC).

The system can play audio material from a variety of sources:

  • Single disc CD player:
    • CD audio
    • MP3 or WMA files (on CD)
  • AM/FM radio with Radio Data System (RDS)
  • XM® Radio with Note function music reminder
  • Bluetooth® Audio
  • Pandora Internet Radio Interface
  • USB port connectivity for items such as an iPod®, iPhone®, or USB storage device
  • Auxiliary jack for connection of a portable MP3 player

The new audio system uses a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) 360-watt amplifier to drive 1-inch aluminum dome tweeters mounted in each A-pillar, 6.7-inch mid-range speakers positioned in each front door panel, and 3-inch speakers in each rear door panel, as well as an 8-inch subwoofer mounted within a hidden panel at the right rear side of the RDX.

Speed-sensitive Volume Compensation
For optimum sound regardless of vehicle speed, the audio system includes automatic Speed-sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC). SVC adjusts audio volume based on vehicle speed to compensate for continually increasing or decreasing external background sounds in the RDX. The result of SVC is transparent operation and a more consistent perceived sound level regardless of vehicle speed. SVC is standard on both the RDX Premium audio system and RDX with Technology Package.

Connectivity
The sound system offers USB port connectivity (for items such as an iPod®, iPhone® or removable USB storage devices) that now features a significantly faster connection rate (144 ms/track versus the previous 16 ms/track design) for 2013. The USB port is powered and can simultaneously charge plug-in devices while transferring information to the audio system. The USB-connected devices can be operated via the audio system’s controls, with filenames and folders appearing on the audio system’s three-line text display. When an iPod® is connected via the USB port, the album artwork can now be displayed on the new W-VGA color monitor.

The RDX audio system can also play Bluetooth® Audio when paired with a compatible device. Bluetooth® Audio is a wireless transfer music format that is separate from Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® used for telephone voice communication. Bluetooth® Audio will the display of song title and artist name (when using a compatible phone). There is also an auxiliary (AUX) jack connection enabling use of a portable MP3 music player. The AUX connection requires the music player to be controlled via the device’s own interface, though the RDX audio system can control volume, or be used to select a different input- such as the radio, CD player or others.

XM® Radio
XM® Radio is a standard feature with the RDX audio system and it provides more than 200 channels of digital programming with near CD-quality sound. The XM® signal is beamed to two broadcast satellites positioned in geostationary orbit above Earth. The beams from these two broadcast satellites combine to span the entire continental United States and some of Canada.

XM® Radio programming includes channels devoted to music, sports, talk, traffic, weather, children’s programming and entertainment. Of the more than 200 XM® channels, 71 are commercial-free. When the RDX audio system plays XM® Radio, the display screen shows the current station, song title, or artist’s name. A complimentary three-month subscription to the XM® Radio service is included with purchase of a new RDX, and customers are able to continue the service or cancel any time afterwards.

Note Function for XM®
The RDX audio system includes the Note function for XM® Radio which is designed to be a convenience for owners who want to make note of songs heard on XM®. With the touch of a button, the Note function for XM® Radio records the current song title and artist name in text form, along with a short audio excerpt of the song.

The Note function captures up to 10 seconds of each selected song and can store a total of 30 song excerpts for later playback. Thus, if the RDX driver likes a particular song or artist, it is easy to note (and refer back to) for later consideration.

Pandora Internet Radio Interface
Marking its first ever use by Acura, the 2013 RDX features Pandora® internet radio interface. Pandora® is a free music service that allows users to open an account online and create up to 100 personalized internet “radio stations” that are based on favorite songs or artists. Users can choose among their stations and listen via computer, and can also download a free Pandora® app, which allows users listen to the same list of personalized stations via their compatible smart phone. Although the Pandora® service is free, phone data charges will apply.

At this time, the Pandora® interface in the RDX is only supported on the iPhone®. To use Pandora® in the RDX, an iPhone® is connected via the USB port just forward of the shifter within in the center console. The audio source is set to iPod®, and using the wireless telephone, the Pandora® app is launched. (Note: the Pandora® app is not launched, the iPhone® will function as an iPod®) The Multi-Information Display (MID) displays Pandora® information and album artwork, and the RDX’s audio controls allow listeners to choose from among existing stations, pause, resume, skip forward, and mark a track with “like” or “dislike” ratings. To ease driver use, some functionality of the Pandora® iPhone® app is locked out when using the Pandora® interface.

Pandora® internet radio audio can also be streamed wirelessly to the RDX by a compatible cell phone (not only the iPhone®) via the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connection. With this type of connection, Pandora must be controlled via the phone. Though the RDX volume control can be used to set the sound level, the other features of the Pandora® interface are not available.

SMS Text Messaging Function
All RDX models have as standard a new SMS text messaging feature that can read incoming texts aloud over the audio system, and allow the driver to reply with any of six factory preset messages. The system works with SMS-capable cellular telephones (such as the Blackberry® and Droid X) that have an active data plan and the Message Access Profile (MAP). Currently, the iPhone® does not support the MAP feature.

Once a compatible cell phone is paired with the RDX’s Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system, the text messaging function is enabled. When the phone receives a text message, an alert appears on the Multi-Information Display (MID). Using the audio system controls, the driver can choose to have the message read aloud, can select among the preset reply choices (see below), or can call the sender- all without touching the phone.

To help avoid driver distraction, the text of the incoming message is not displayed on screen unless the transmission is in Park. Available factory preset text replies:

  • Talk to you later, I’m driving.
  • I’m on my way.
  • I’m running late.
  • OK
  • Yes
  • No

ACURA/ELS SURROUND® PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM

The 2013 RDX with Technology Package is equipped with a new Acura/ELS Surround® 410-watt Premium Audio System with 10 speakers. This highly capable audio system is the next generation of the acclaimed Acura/ELS® system available in the previous generation RDX. Although exceptionally capable, the Acura/ELS® audio system is designed to be simple to operate. Clear, large-format head-unit controls and convenient steering-wheel-mounted buttons make operation intuitive. Select audio system functions can also be accomplished via voice commands.

The Acura/ELS® system gets its name from multi-time Grammy® Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner’s recording industry-recognized moniker “ELS®.” Scheiner’s goal in the development of the RDX audio system was to capture and reproduce music the way it is heard in the recording studio. The sophisticated ELS® system Scheiner developed together with Panasonic is designed to provide studio quality sound to the interior of the RDX.

The Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system can play material from:

  • Single disc player: DVD-Audio, CD audio, DTS CD and MP3 or WMA files (on CD)
  • 15-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) media storage (with 3,500-song* capacity)
  • AM/FM radio with Radio Data System (RDS)
  • XM® Radio with Note function music reminder
  • Bluetooth® Audio
  • Pandora® internet radio interface
  • USB port connectivity for items such as an iPod®, iPhone®, or removable USB storage device
  • Auxiliary jack connectivity for a portable MP3 player

*Approximate capacity based on an average song size of 4.0 MB per song at a 128kbps bitrate

The audio system’s wide range of formats means it can play audio program material from most common sources. The RDX audio system plays DVD-Audio discs, an advance in reproduction technology that delivers over 500-times higher resolution than traditional CD audio. DVD-Audio delivers smoother, fuller and far more accurate sound through six discrete audio channels.

The addition of hard disk drive (HDD) media storage means the RDX owner can now download CDs to 15 gigabytes of dedicated hard drive space- enough HDD space to hold about 3,500 songs* for later playback. The hard drive’s fast file-access time speeds search and retrieval of tracks, and allows tracks to be shuffled by album, artist and genre. Only original CDs and uncompressed CD-R files can be copied to the hard drive (other formats such as DVD-Audio, MP3/WMA, DTS CD, USB, Bluetooth® audio and AUX inputs can not be recorded to the hard drive).

On-board information provided by Gracenote® allows the audio system to display the artist, album name, track name and genre for the program material stored on the hard disk drive (HDD). Gracenote® uses a multi-step recognition method to enable identification, categorization, and organization of digital music. The Gracenote® database is updated quarterly to include new audio releases. The RDX owner can download Gracenote® updates at www.acura.com, and then load them onto a USB thumb drive or CD-R which, in turn, can be downloaded into the audio system. Without the Gracenote® update, newly released audio tracks will play on the Acura/ELS® audio system, but will play without accompanying text information on genre, artist, album name and track name.

The Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system also offers USB port connectivity for items such as an iPod®, iPhone® or removable USB storage device. The USB port features a significantly faster connection rate than previous versions- 144 ms/track versus 16 ms/track. When an iPod® is connected via the USB port, the album artwork will be displayed on the new W-VGA color monitor.

Moreover, the Acura/ELS® audio system can play Bluetooth® Audio when paired with a compatible device. Bluetooth® audio is a music format that is separate from Bluetooth® used for telephone voice communication. The Bluetooth® Audio allows for the display of song title and artist name (with compatible cellular phone), and Bluetooth® Audio can be easily operated via the audio system’s controls.

The audio system’s AM/FM radio tuner includes the Radio Data System (RDS). RDS allows digital information sent in FM radio broadcasts to display on the vehicle stereo items such as program information and artist/song info. XM® Radio with Note function music reminder is integrated into the receiver to provide more than 200 channels of digital program material with near-CD quality sound. A text display provides information text on the XM® program material. There is also an auxiliary jack connection for MP3 music players. This basic audio connection requires the music player to be controlled via the device’s own interface, though the RDX audio system can control volume- or can be used to select a different input, such as the radio, CD player or others.

Speakers/amplification
The Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system’s 10 speakers create an accurate and dynamic listening experience for all seating positions. Compact 1-inch soft-dome tweeters are positioned in each A-pillar with a 3.2-inch Super Dynamic Range (SDR) driver centered in the top of the instrument panel. Two more 3.2-inch SDR drivers are located high up in the rear. Fitted to the front and rear door panels are 6.7-inch SDR speakers, and at the rear is an 8-inch Super Low Distortion Driver (SLDD) subwoofer. The 10 speaker array is driven by a 410-watt Digital Signal Processing (DSP) amplifier that is located near the head unit.

Song By Voice™
With so much audio content available with the RDX’s new hard disk drive (HDD) storage and in a user’s iPod®, Acura engineers set out to make it easy to choose audio content while driving. Song By Voice™ (SBV) lets the driver choose music by artist, album, song title, genre, playlist and even composer.

From most navigation screens, the driver simply presses the “TALK” button on the steering wheel and then says “iPod Search” or “HDD Search.” A category screen appears, and the user can choose by voice among categories to select the content they want. Alternately, selections can also be made using the interface dial. To improve voice recognition performance with unique words, the system has a feature that accommodates phonetic adjustment for up to 2,000 names. These updated phonetic names then apply to Song By Voice™ use of the hard drive or a connected iPod®.

BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK® WIRELESS TELEPHONE INTERFACE

All RDX models feature as standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® hands-free telephone interface that is designed to work with most Bluetooth®-enabled mobile telephones. Bluetooth® is a radio frequency-based cable replacement technology that lets portable devices (such as mobile telephones, PDAs, and laptop computers) communicate wirelessly. The RDX system is compatible with Bluetooth®-enabled cellular phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP). Some early Bluetooth®-enabled phones do not have this communications protocol. After the driver completes a one-time pairing process, the RDX will communicate wirelessly and securely with the driver’s cellular telephone. The phone needs to be on, but it can be stowed in a pocket, briefcase, purse, or anywhere inside the RDX cabin.

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® allows the driver to send or answer telephone calls without removing hands from the steering wheel. When a call comes in, the telephone number of the incoming caller is displayed on the Multi-Information Display located in the speedometer face. In addition, a telephone ring tone is played over the audio system. If the driver chooses to answer the call, a press of the “Pick up” button (located at the eight o’clock position of the steering wheel) mutes the audio system and the incoming caller is heard over the audio system speakers. An overhead microphone picks up the driver’s voice. Algorithms built into the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system cancel “echo effect” and reduce background noise to improve the transmission quality of the driver’s speech.

To send a call hands-free, the driver can dial the number by voice to activate the system. The driver also can store frequently called numbers with voice tags in the system’s address book. Up to six different compatible mobile telephones can be paired with the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system at one time. Additional information can be found at www.acura.com/handsfreelink or www.handsfreelink.com.

AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System

The RDX with Technology Package comes with the latest generation of the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System that allows for 2-way communication between Acura and the vehicle- allowing customers access to the latest information specific to their vehicle. In cases where communication to and from the Acura Telematics server is needed, the owner’s Bluetooth®-compatible cellular telephone is used.

AcuraLink® messages consist of text displayed on the navigation screen plus details via Text-To-Speech that can be heard over the RDX audio system. Each AcuraLink® message is prioritized by importance and high priority messages are displayed immediately upon receipt. Other messages trigger an icon on the navigation screen. Low priority messages display during vehicle start-up to avoid distractions. The RDX owner can choose to read the message immediately, or archive the message to be read later.

A variety of AcuraLink® messages can be sent to the RDX, including Maintenance Minder™ (detailed information regarding the next required maintenance), Quick Tips (information to help maximize the benefit and enjoyment of RDX features), Feature Guide (supplements to the Owner’s Manual), Diagnostic Info (detailed information and instruction should an onboard system issue arise), information regarding a service or repair required as well as service appointment reminders. The RDX owner has complete control over the types of messages received and all AcuraLink® preferences can be set via the Owner Link® website.

Since the system allows 2-way data communication between the RDX and the Acura Telematics Server, AcuraLink® can provide the driver with vital information that previously has been unavailable. For example, if an ABS/BRAKE warning light were to appear on the RDX instrument panel, AcuraLink® would automatically send a trouble code to the Acura Telematics Server (if a linked-phone is in range and the user has authorized data transmission), which would interpret the code and then sends a message back to the RDX (for example, “ABS and EBD shut down. Drive slowly. Avoid sudden hard braking.”). With this important information, the RDX driver knows if a particular issue is serious enough to cancel a trip, if it can be dealt with later or if it requires special driving techniques. The AcuraLink® data connection is enabled even if the monthly XM® Radio service package is not activated.

ACURALINK REAL-TIME TRAFFIC™ WITH TRAFFIC REROUTING ™

With AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, the RDX’s navigation screen can display continually updated traffic information including traffic flow, incidents and construction on freeways in 130 major metropolitan areas. The information is part of the XM NavTraffic® feature (aggregated by NAVTEQ™ from multiple sources including police and highway patrol incident reports and transportation departments). Information is transmitted by XM® satellites to the vehicle where it is graphically displayed on the RDX’s navigation screen with a zoom scale ranging between 1/20-mile to 5-mile increments.

To see details or select traffic incidents, the RDX owner can click on an icon on the map by pushing “Enter” on the interface dial. The RDX driver can avoid congestion en route and choose the fastest path to their destination with traffic information that is continuously updated. The system displays traffic incidents, determines average traffic speed and estimates travel time along the chosen route. It can automatically recalculate results as factors change. Plus, the XM NavTraffic® technology alerts drivers of scheduled traffic incidents such as construction and road closures, plus unscheduled incidents such as collisions or disabled vehicles.

When traffic congestion or road incidents are detected along the selected drive route entered into the navigation system, Traffic Rerouting™ can automatically recalculate a detour route and display a pop-up box signifying the route change. Alternately, the driver can recalculate a route in manual mode simply by selecting “TRAFFIC INCIDENTS” from the Map Info menu followed by selecting the “AVOID” command relevant to an incident.

AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting™ gives RDX owners a useful time saving tool on freeways. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ is offered on a subscription basis following a 3-month free trial period. In addition to on-screen traffic information, RDX owners who maintain their XM® Radio service also receive more general audio traffic information for more than 130 major metropolitan areas that runs on a 2-3 minute loop.

130 major metropolitan markets
(Traffic flow data and incident reporting coverage vary by market)

Akron, OH
Albany/Schenectady/Troy
Albuquerque, NM
Allentown/Bethlehem, PA
Ann Arbor, MI
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Baltimore, MD
Baton Rouge, LA
Beaumont, TX
Birmingham, AL
Boston, MA
Bridgeport/Stamford, CT
Brigham City, UT
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, NY
Calgary, AB, Canada
Cape Coral/Ft. Myers, FL
Charlotte, NC
Chattanooga, TN
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Colorado Springs, CO
Columbia, SC
Columbus, OH
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
Dayton, OH
Daytona Beach, FL
Denver/Boulder, CO
Des Moins, IA
Detroit/Warren, MI
Durham, NC
Edmonton, AB, Canada
Ellensburg, WA
El Paso, TX
Flint, MI
Fresno, CA
Grand Rapids, MI
Greensboro, NC
Greenville/Spartanburg, SC
Hammond, LA
Harrisburg/Carlisle, PA
Hartford, CT
Hickory, NC
Houston, TX
Indianapolis, IN

Jacksonville, FL
Kansas City, KS
Knoxville, TN
Lakeland, FL
Lancaster/York, PA
Lansing, MI
Las Vegas, NV
Lincoln, NE
Little Rock, AR
Los Angeles, CA
Louisville, KY
Macon, GA
Manchester, NH
Memphis, TN
Merced, CA
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale/ Hollywood, FL
Milwaukee/Racine, WI
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Mobile, AL
Modesto, CA
Mount Airy, NC
Napa, CA
Naples/Ft. Myers, FL
Nashville, TN
New Haven/Milford, CT
New Orleans, LA
New York City, NY
Norwich/New London, CT
Ogden/Clearfield, UT
Oklahoma City, OK
Olympia, WA
Omaha/Council Bluffs, NE
Orlando/Kissimmee, FL
Ottowa, ON, Canada
Oxnard/Ventura, CA
Palm Bay/Titusville, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix/Mesa, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Portland, OR
Port St. Lucie, FL
Poughkeepsie/Middletown, NY
Providence, RI
Provo/Orem, UT

Punta Gorda, FL
Quebec City, QC, Canada
Raleigh/Durham, NC
Richmond, VA
Riverside/Ontario, CA
Rochester, NY
Sacramento, CA
Salem, OR
Salinas, CA
Salt Lake City, UT
San Antonio, TX
San Diego, CA
San Francisco/Oakland, CA
San Jose/Santa Clara, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Cruz/Watsonville, CA
Santa Rosa/Petaluma, CA
Sarasota/Bradenton, FL
Savannah, GA
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA
Sioux Falls, SD
Spartanburg, SC
Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Spokane, WA
Springfield, MA
Statesville, NC
St Louis, MO
Stockton, CA
Syracuse, NY
Tallahassee, FL
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
Toledo, OH
Toronto, ON, Canada
Trenton/Ewing, NJ
Tucson, AZ
Tulsa, OK
Tuscaloosa, AL
Vallejo/Fairfield, CA
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Virginia Beach/Norfolk, VA
Washington D.C.
Winston/Salem, NC
Worcester, MA
York/Hanover, PA
Youngstown, OH

Acura Navigation System WITH VOICE RECOGNITION™

The RDX with Technology Package is equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ that is designed for intuitive and quick operation.

Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ features summary:

  • W-VGA 8-inch color screen for convenient viewing
  • Ultra-fast 60 gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD)
  • Navigation coverage includes the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico
  • Fast route calculation time (3 seconds or less)
  • Fast Point Of Interest (POI) search time
  • AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™
  • Voice recognition function with over 1,100 navigation commands minimizes the need for manual character entry
  • Voice recognition system recognizes city and street names as spoken words
  • Simple system operation with clear visual prompts to guide voice navigation
  • Interface Dial simplifies control of the system and is accessible to driver and front seat passenger
  • Audio system automatically mutes for turn-by-turn voice guidance (voice guidance can be turned off at any time)
  • Voice Recognition™ operates common audio and climate control functions
  • Highly directional array microphone for precise Voice Command recognition
  • On-screen picture of highway interchanges indicates which lane(s) to use to stay on route
  • 3 languages for all destinations (English, French and Spanish)
  • Destination memory recalls current trip addresses, previous destinations and user address books
  • Split-screen mode features simultaneous “map view” and selective route visualization
  • Trip routing can avoid user-selected areas
  • Telephone calls to on-screen points of interest with Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
  • Trip routing can include up to five user-chosen way points
  • Ambient light sensing automatically adjusts screen brightness for the conditions
  • Rearview camera displays image on W-VGA color navigation screen when transmission is placed in Reverse
  • Navigation system can be updated with available DVD
  • Store and display owner image files as wallpaper on navigation screen (store up to 10 images each for Driver 1 and Driver 2)

Enhanced database:

  • Point Of Interest (POI) database includes approximately 7 million locations
  • Fuzzy logic POI and address searching simplifies and speeds searches
  • Smart logic for restaurant POI simplifies searching
  • Business and recreation directory of virtually all of the continental United States complete with telephone numbers
  • ZIP code entry speeds address input
  • Directory categories include restaurants (searchable by type of cuisine), lodging, shopping, airports, hospitals, recreation areas and much more
  • Zagat Survey™ restaurant guide provides information and reviews on restaurants in database, which can be read on-screen or heard over the audio system
  • Scenic Route drive route listings categorized by individual state
  • Exact addressing locates approximately 80-percent of addresses at their actual GPS coordinates (instead of estimating location based on linear street number)

Destinations are searchable by GPS coordinates

The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ tracks the position of the RDX based on positioning data from up to 12 orbiting Global Positioning Satellites (GPS). If GPS reception is blocked by a tall building, tunnel, or parking garage, an internal gyroscopic system with a speed sensor tracks the location to keep the mapping information current and reliable until satellite reception is restored.

The RDX navigation system stores its mapping data on a new, larger internal hard disk drive (HDD). The same drive is partitioned and used by the audio system to store audio files. Much faster than a DVD drive system, the new HDD is the key to the system’s impressive search and routing speed. The system can be updated annually with the latest mapping information by inserting an update disc into the audio system’s slot-loading CD/DVD drive. DVD update discs are available for purchase on an annual basis on-line at www.acura.com or by calling 888-549-3798.

The navigation system can be controlled by using the interface dial by choosing menu options or by spelling out a word (e.g., an address, business name or place). Characters on an on-screen keypad can be selected using the Interface Dial. For voice operation, the driver simply presses the “Talk” button on the steering wheel and says any of a number of preset command phrases. The system responds to more than 1,100 command phrases, as well as to spoken city and street names. Voice recognition capability saves time and simplifies operation of the system.

The audio system is automatically muted when the “Talk” button is pressed, and an overhead array microphone receives the command from the driver. Commands can be given in plain English, such as “Display gas stations,” “Find nearest hospital,” or “Find nearest Chinese restaurant.” The RDX voice recognition technology allows the driver to simply speak city and street names aloud, and the system responds by displaying matches available in the database. Points of interest on the map (such as restaurants or grocery stores) can be displayed or you can have the system provide turn-by-turn navigation- all by voice command. The massive point-of-interest (POI) database includes telephone numbers, which can be dialed by using the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system or with the driver’s cellular telephone.

Wallpaper image display
To further customize the RDX interior, the navigation system allows the storage of up to 10 images each for each driver (two RDX drivers total) on the built-in hard disk drive (HDD) media storage. Any one of the stored images can be displayed as a full-screen image on the navigation display when the display is not otherwise in use. To avoid driver distraction, there is no “slide show” function.

JPEG images can be loaded from a home computer onto a USB storage device, such as a thumb drive. Then the thumb drive can be plugged into the USB port that located just in front of the shifter within the center console. Using on-screen menus, the images can then be transferred to the RDX internal hard disk drive (HDD) media storage. Each driver can then choose among their stored images for display, or set the system to not display wallpaper.

ACURALINK REAL-TIME WEATHER™

The ideal complement to AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ is the RDX’s integrated AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™. In difficult driving conditions, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ can provide an up-to-date weather picture.

Key features

  • Professional grade weather information provided by Baron Services, Inc.
  • Weather information continually updated to reflect rapidly occurring weather changes
  • AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ information for 21 specific metropolitan areas
  • Weather forecasts for the next 3 hours, 6 hours or over the next three days in a given area
  • Severe weather alerts
  • Specific area weather information
  • Weather radar image maps

AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ was co-developed with XM NavWeather® to provide a personal weather tracking system for area specific, continually updated weather conditions between your current location and your final destination. The system focuses on the specific weather on your personal drive route, rather than just offering general weather conditions for a region. AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ information is continuously updated and is delivered to the vehicle navigation system via the RDX’s built-in XM® receiver.

AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ technology is enhanced for specific travel conditions in 21 specific major metropolitan areas. The information focuses on identifying potential weather threats along with current and future forecast weather conditions. The navigation screen displays current weather conditions in an easy-to-read format. By moving the RDX’s navigation system cursor to the desired location on the map you can obtain weather info for a specific location. Press the “Enter” button and information regarding your current location will return.

Unique Threat Matrix Technology within AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ generates prompts with specific icons (within 46 different categories) that inform the driver if the vehicle is headed into oncoming severe weather- such as a developing snow storm, ice, wind shear or an area covered by a tornado warning. Based on this advance information, the RDX driver can choose to reroute before encountering the severe weather. When the display is zoomed out to reveal the entire United States, a weather radar image map shows current weather patterns across the entire country. AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ offers 1- or 3-day weather forecasts for specific areas of the United States.

Weather data is provided by Baron Services, Inc., which deciphers a complex array of National Weather Service information to produce the weather information provided to Acura owners. RDX owners receive a complementary 3-month trial subscription that delivers AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ along with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ and XM® Radio. After the complementary subscription expires, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ is available by monthly subscription. In addition, it can be obtained in combination with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ and/or XM® Radio- or as a combined package of all three features on a monthly subscription basis.

ACURALINK REAL-TIME WEATHER™ INFORMATION

Current Condition Weather Information

  • Clear
  • Partly Cloudy
  • Mostly Cloudy
  • Cloudy
  • Light Rain
  • Moderate Rain
  • Heavy Rain
  • Freezing Rain
  • Heavy Freezing Rain/Ice
  • Snow
  • Heavy Snow
  • Fog

Present Threats

  • Hail Storm
  • Shear Storm (Potential Tornado)
  • Lightning
  • Winds (expressed as Low, Medium, or Heavy)
  • Visibility (expressed as Good, Patchy, Marginal, or Very Poor)

Potential Threats (5- to 15-minute advance warning)

  • Hail Storm
  • Shear Storm (Potential Tornado)

Precipitation Forecast (30-minute advance warning)

  • No Predicted Weather Issues
  • Rain
  • Snow

Updated Road Conditions

  • Clear
  • Flooded
  • Slippery
  • Ice, Patchy Ice
  • Snow
  • Heavy Snow
  • Road Closed

National Weather Service (NWS) Warnings

  • Official NWS warnings for 46 threat categories

Updated Conditions

  • Temperature and Dew Point
  • Wind (wind speed, wind gusts, and wind direction)
  • Sky conditions (OK, haze, fog, dust/sand, drizzle/mist, smoke/ash, rain, heavy rain, thunderstorm, hail, freezing rain/ice, snow, heavy snow, tornado/funnel cloud)

Future Weather Forecasts

  • Current weather
  • 1- or 3-day forecasts (with separate night and day forecasts for each day)
  • Daytime high and nighttime low temperatures
  • Probability of precipitation (measured in 0- to 100-percent)
  • Precipitation type (rain, ice, rain or snow, snow)
  • Chance of thunderstorm (yes/no)
  • Sky condition (clear, mostly clear, partly cloudy, cloudy)
  • Wind (wind speed, wind gusts, and wind direction)

INTERIOR ACCESSORIES

A dedicated array of Acura Genuine Accessories interior accessories were developed for the 2013 Acura RDX. When installed at the time of vehicle purchase, the accessories are covered by Acura’s 4-year/50,000-miles basic warranty.

The available accessories include:

  • All-season floor mats
  • Wood pattern shift knob
  • Wood patterned steering wheel trim
  • Wood patterned interior trim
  • Rear cargo cover
  • Rear cargo net
  • Rear cargo liner
  • Rear cargo organizer
  • Rear cargo tray
  • Second row seat covers

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