First Official Photos of 2013 Acura ILX Sedan, RDX Crossover surface

A part of their rejuvenated product lineup, Acura has launched production versions of two new luxury models just days before the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Accompanying the first official photos is a press release that highlights the virtues of the luxury compact sedan 2013 Acura ILX and the crossover sport utility vehicle 2013 Acura RDX. The Japanese automobile brand is hoping that these two vehicles would help it establish itself as a premium luxury-performance carmaker amongst a new generation of car buyers.

2013 Acura RDX Crossover

First impression

Aiming at combining efficiency, performance and luxury, the luxury compact sedan 2013 Acura RDX is both sleek as well as sporty. The exterior design of the vehicle is aerodynamically efficient as well as stylish with a brilliant outward visibility provided by an airy and large greenhouse. Acura has aimed the vehicle at young urban professionals on the go and the vehicle comes with ample cargo space and a spacious passenger interior that seats five. The five-passenger crossover SUV 2013 Acura RDX is a second generation model from Acura which features a renewed all-wheel-drive system as well as a new transmission and a revamped engine. The vehicle looks at delivering improved fuel efficiency and an advanced performance.

The powertrain

2013 Acura ILX Sedan: Based on Honda Civic-sourced parts, there are three powertrain options on offer with the 2013 Acura RDX. The base powerplant is a 150 horsepower/ four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that outputs 140 lb-ft torque. The FWD engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission which helps the vehicle get a 24/32 mpg city/highway fuel economy according to the EPA ratings. The 111 hp ILX Hybrid model uses a combo of a 20 hp Integrated Motor Assist electric motor and a 1.5-liter inline engine. the first ever hybrid vehicle from Acura, the ILX Hybrid gets a CVT which helps it get a 35/38 mpg city/highway fuel economy rating. A 201 horsepower 2.4-liter engine is the third engine on offer with the ILX. This powerplant comes with a 6-speed manual transmission that helps the vehicle get a 20/29 mpg city/highway fuel economy according to EPA estimates.

RDX Crossover:

A 273 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine is the standard offering with the 2013 RDX. With a new lock-up torque converter, the RDX also get a revamped six-speed automatic transmission which allows front-wheel-driven variants of the SUV to get a fuel economy of 20/28 mpg in city/highway conditions. The new all-wheel-drive system is a lighter weight alternative that gets a 19/27 mpg fuel economy in city/highway conditions according to EPA estimates.

The exterior & Interior

2013 Acura ILX Sedan:

Not overly huge by any stretch of the imagination, the Acura shield grille on the new ILX makes the exterior look even attractive. The front end design of the model is distinctly swept-back with a complimenting side character line. Sporty, spacious and smart, the interior of the model is also well-appointed with high-quality materials. The gadgetry in the cabin is also impressive with smart connectivity features like a SMS text message function, Pandora internet radio interface, pushbutton start and a smart entry-enabled standard Keyless Access System.

RDX Crossover:

The beautiful design of the timeless-looking 2013 RDX fits in perfectly with the Acura philosophy and the sophisticated and elegant SUV’s sculpted longer hood gives it a more formal appearance. The compact sporty SUV that the vehicle has evolved from still lives on in the aerodynamic body. The cabin of the vehicle boasts of a luxury feel and an upscale look with plenty of leather and matte trim surfaces. The exceptionally quiet cabin features Acura’s Active Sound Control technology that makes the flexible and accommodating RDX interior a bit cozier. A power rear tailgate, more cargo volume and increased passenger room also go well with bigger door openings.

Picture Gallery

2013 Acura ILX Sedan

2013 Acura ILX Sedan revealed

Picture Gallery

2013 Acura RDX Crossover

2013 Acura RDX pictures and specification revealed

What’s new?

2013 Acura ILX Sedan:

The 2013 Acura ILX comes with a Technology Package and a Premium Package both of which are loaded with a whole host of standard features. The body structure of the model is made even more secure with their ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) tech. Other safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), 4-channel anti-lock brakes and side-curtain, side and front airbags. A quieter cabin with Active Sound Cancellation system is one of the major attractions on offer in the Premium Package which also ha s a rear view camera, a 360W stereo system, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

RDX Crossover:

The 2013 RDX comes with an advanced navigation system, an AcuraLink Real-Time Weather monitor, the AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic monitor, the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System and the Acura ELS Surround audio system that is included in the Technology Package. A three view rear camera, pushbutton start, smart entry, an in-cabin SMS text message and a Pandora internet radio interface make life on the road a lot easier for the technology buff.

Price and availability

Prices for the 2013 model year Acura ILX Sedan and RDX Crossover are not yet announced though we do know that both the models will be up for sale across North America starting this spring.

Wrap up

Acura appear to have upped their game with the launch of the new production versions of the 2013 RDX Crossover and the Acura ILX Sedan. The launch which comes just days before the 2012 Chicago Auto Show should help the garner some serious heat around the two models that are set to hit markets in a couple of months.