Acura pulled out all the stops when they wanted to bring this RDX A-Spec for SEMA. To help build up hype around the 2019 Acura RDX Advance, Acura enlisted the help of IndyCar Honda racer Graham Rahal. Built by his race shop, this RDX A-Spec built for SEMA takes luxury crossover performance to a whole new level.
When approached by Acura, Rahal took the RDX A-Spec to task. Executing this build elevated the performance of this crossover to 345 horsepower from the factory output. What did this build take? Wondering just how you can build a RDX A-Spec of your own? It’s not as hard as you may think, take a look below.
Inside the SEMA RDX A-Spec
While the Acura RDX is no slouch, it’s a far cry from the purpose built monster you see. With 272 horsepower on tap, the 2.0 liter K series engine has plenty to offer. Rahal took the turbocharged mill as a blank canvas, expanding it’s capabilities by bolting on a new intake and exhaust manifold.
With a bevy of custom fuel delivery components and engine management, the RDX A-Spec reached a 345 peak horsepower. This was achieved with quite a bit of safety window, which ensures a reliable performance from Honda’s DOHC turbo performer.
Expelling the hot turbo fumes from the RDX A-Spec is a custom GRP exhaust and header system. KTuning put all the spark and fuel together using their custom tuning map. At each corner is a full set of StopTech brakes peeking behind 21 inch HRE wheels.
Acura took the SEMA RDX A-Spec to Troy Lee Designs to wrap the Apex Blue Pearl to new heights. Giving the RDX a full carbon fiber treatment and wrapped accents, the entire package speaks to the overall quality and dedication to this build.
The fact that tuners are still working on the K series is a great sign. However some may say that the price point behind modifying the K versus something like the earlier generation engine doesn’t make it feasible. Others will say that despite the awesome technology of i-VTEC, the K series still hasn’t reached the levels of the B.
Despite these facts, Honda enthusiasts still clamor to K swap their cars, and for good reason. What do you think the K series will become in the halls of Honda engine history? Do you think the K series will grow? Or has time already passed it by?
Whatever side of the fence you fall on, we can all agree. This RDX A-Spec is an awesome build, and one definitely worth of the SEMA Show. What do you think about this build? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
