Clues for new Honda CRV

While many of the cars at the New York Auto Show are purely for the US market, the Acura RDX points the way for the next Honda CRV.

Acura is Honda's posher brand in the States, and the RDX is aimed at pushing the Honda brand closer to the BMW X3.

A new all-aluminium 2.3-litre engine with VTEC variable valve timing produces 240bhp and 260lb ft of torque, and performance is said to be better than an X3 3.0i's. This engine comes with a paddle-shift five-speed gearbox called SportShift.

For Europe, a 2.0-litre petrol engine and 2.2 turbodiesel will also feature, while a continuously variable transmission will be offered alongside the five-speed manual gearbox.

Part-time four-wheel drive remains, with power sent to the front wheels most of the time.

The RDX is set to go on sale in the US in early 2008, with sales in Europe around the same time.
© Source: original article on topgear.com