It’s not a single element that makes this SUV unique, but the combination of carefully chosen details like a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system, luxurious (yet somehow sporty) interior appointments, and that bright orange paint. We are only going to see 360 examples of the Acura RDX PMC Edition, so if you get your hands on one, it might be worth holding onto.
In Michigan, it seems like there is at least one person in every family who works – or has worked for – an automaker. Here in Downriver, Michigan, you can bet we are surrounded by families who faithfully attend Main Street car shows. There is a hard line in the sand between just another “old car” and one that brings back good times and memories. Only cars that have something special to offer make the cut for an enthusiast event like the Allen Park Downtown Development Authority’s Classic Car Show. The annual event is a must for auto enthusiasts in Southeast Michigan.
Give it another 20 years, and I wouldn’t be surprised to walk out after grabbing a coffee and see this RDX PMC Edition, with its eye-catching bright orange paint, sitting in front of the old movie theater.
Exterior Styling: Orange Fury!
The first thing that hits me when looking at the exterior of this RDX is – wow – that Thermal Orange Pearl paint (inspired by its racing cousin, the NSX). Acura shares the five-day process with us: multiple base layers, a coat of gold and orange mica for a pearlescent effect, and four layers of a clearcoat are what bring us that vibrant orange color just in time for pumpkin spice season.
Acura contrasts the orange with a gloss black paint on the diamond pentagon grille, door handles, and 20-inch split-five-spoke-wheels. The roof gets some of the same attention, undergoing a gloss black finish even though it’s not as clear to see in the pictures here. In addition, the RDX PMC addition has LED headlights and fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, and black chrome exhaust finishers.
Interior Details & Touches
The impact of the bright colors are a little more toned down in the RDX interior but still manage to make an appearance. Orange stitching outlines the steering wheel, center console, and the Ebony Milane leather seats, which also have black Ultrasuede inserts. Other comforts include heated seats in the front and rear, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Tech & Connectivity Features
Tech features include a touchpad to control the center screen, a 10.5-inch heads-up display, and a 16-speaker ESL audio system. The speakers are pretty tempting for those of us who love a good jam session on our daily commute, but my favorite feature remains the heads-up display. Important things like your current speed, navigation, or real-time traffic information are projected directly onto the front windshield.
Additional safety and convenience features include a blind-spot monitor, surround-view camera system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and natural language voice recognition technology.
Acura RDX PMC Edition: Engine & Powertrain
Under the hood of this bright orange machine is a 2.0-liter turbo VTEC inline four-cylinder attached to a 10-speed automatic. The engine, complete with direct injection, creates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. The Acura RDX PMC Edition is standard with the latest version of super handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD).
Acura’s SH-AWD system can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels as needed, but can also divert 100 percent of that torque to either the left or right wheels when necessary. When pushing through tight corners, SH-AWD will overdrive the outside rear wheels by up to 2.7 percent. These added rotational speeds for the outside rear wheels, according to Acura, helps “pull” the RDX through the turn.
Pricing & Availability
The Acura RDX PMC Edition is built alongside the NSX supercar at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. Expect the first deliveries to arrive October 2020 with a starting MSRP in the low 50,000s.
Emily Pruitt is fascinated by the current changes in the automotive industry, from electric cars and infrastructure to fully autonomous vehicles. Outside of the automotive world, she can be found writing poetry or unraveling the latest mystery novel.
Acura RDX PMC Edition Gallery
Photos & Source: Acura.
