Acura brings back the ’90s nostalgia, with a releasing of the renovated and redesigned 1997 Acura SLX. If our readers remember, this model was the company’s first SUV and Acura’s first all-wheel-drive model as well. The RADwood Car Show in Orange County has an exclusive privilege to see the brand- new Acura Super Handling SLX with the latest technology and improved performance.
Under the hood of the restored model are a 350 hp, race-tuned 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine, connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the 4th generation of company’s torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system. Still, all of these features are borrowed for a 3rd-generation RDX model. The reason behind bringing the SLX back is that Acura wants to celebrate crossing one million marl SH-AWD-equipped cars.
Moreover, over 1.6 million SUVs are sold in North America. The original SLX was on the market between 1996 and 1999, and it was developed in partnership with Isuzu. In 2000, the Japanese company announced its first fully-engineered SUV – 2001 MDX. This model won the Motor Trend and North American SUV of the Year awards and became one of the company’s most popular SUVs.
In 2006, Acura introduced the first-generation RDX. This model was a pioneer of what will later become the luxury segment. Now, three generations later, the RDX is still Acura’s key player and the best-selling vehicle in the segment, since 2006.
Acura Super Handling SLX Design
Acura Super Handling SLX will try to maintain the original look of the ’90 model as much as possible. Of course, minimal design changes are necessary to avoid the ” is this the Flinstones car?” questions from younger generations. So, the original two-tone color scheme will get an update with Performance Red Pearl, and Champagne-SIlver. Also, new SLX gets 17-inch Fifteen52 Tarmac wheels, clothed in Yokohama Geolander A/T tires.
Moreover, you’ll notice the SH-AWD badge on the tailgate, as a clear indicator of what to expect in the engine room. As for the cabin, it will include reupholstered Milano leather seats and a dark grey wood applique on the dashboard and door panels. The steering wheel is rewrapped as well, with custom-mounted paddle shifters. Also, Super Handling SLX adds Custom Berber Floor Mats by Llyod Mats.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
The Japanese company introduced SH-AWD on the 2005 RL sedan. To this day, it is the industry’s most advanced torque-vectoring AWD system. The SH-AWD developed across four generations of Acura’s vehicles. Numerous versions of the RL, TLX, and TL sedans, as well as RDX and MDX SUVs, comes with the SH-AWD.
The brand-new generation of mechanical SH-AWD makes its first appearance on 2019 RDX delivering 40% more torque capacity at the rear axle. Also, new SH-AWD provides faster front-to-rear torque transfer, and 30% quicker transfer of torque between the left and right rear wheels.
Acura Super Handling SLX
As we mentioned earlier, under the bonnet of Acura Super Handling SLX is a 2.0-liter Turbocharged DOHC VTEC engine. This mill produces 350 hp @ 6500 rpm / 340 lbs-ft @ 1600-4500 rpm, and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the 4th-generation of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is available, as well as the Snow, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ drive modes.
The SLX will use the same galvanized steel body-on-frame. However, instead of an independent double-wishbone, this model will use MacPherson Strut Front Suspension. Also, instead of Sold Rear Axle with coil springs, the Super Handling SLX uses Independent Rear Suspension, 5-link. The wheelbase remains the same, at 108.7 inches.
The length/width/height will follow the same pattern. The overall length is 178.9 inches, width (72.4 i.), and overall height (72.4 in.). Last time when SLX was around, it has an MSRP of $33,900. But, as for the new model, the price is still unknown.