what d'you guys think of this new RDX turbo?
it's 2.3 lt. inline four i-VTEC Turbo
244 Hp, 260 lb-ft torque.
price tag is $4000 less than X3's startig price, which got 6 cylinder 225 horses and 215 lb-ft
"Acura officials hope to cultivate a high-tech image for the RDX because this engine, under development for some four years, is unique in many ways.
For example, this first turbo engine at Acura is a gasoline i-VTEC engine—VTEC is Honda's variable valve and electronic lift control system—that is fitted with a variable flow turbo positioned toward the rear of the engine and made of austenite stainless cast iron for durability. No other vehicle has this combination of Honda VTEC and turbo in a gasoline engine in the U.S.
Honda, which owns the Acura luxury brand, is well-known for its engine development and for getting the most power and fuel economy out of every power plant.
The combination of VTEC, which works in naturally aspirated engines to deliver power through a wide rpm range, and turbo, which elicits strong power in short spurts of acceleration, works well here.
It sure is complicated, though. For example, the turbo's movable flow control valve that allows air in is powered by diaphragm-type actuators that are controlled by electric solenoids that, in turn, are controlled by the main engine control unit. This is the same ECU that oversees the VTEC system and helps explain how the VTEC and turbo operations are able to complement each other.
Durability is a concern in all turbos. So Acura engineers did more than use durable materials for the RDX engine. For example, they positioned as many moving parts as they could outside the hot turbo housing so there would be less wear of these parts.
Acura officials insisted there's no need to baby this turbo. Indeed, when the RDX engine shuts off, coolant will continue to circulate in a thermal convection mode and help prevent heat damage to the turbo bearings.
And while premium gasoline is best for peak performance in the RDX, Acura officials said regular gasoline is OK, too. The RDX engine has knock sensors that will adjust for the lower-octane regular fuel."
wondering of swapping this engine to a civic
Originally Posted by blk_shadow
Bookmarks