Redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Acura RDX looks sportier than ever and boasts enough luxury features and state-of-the-art tech to give the German competition a run for its money. Unfortunately, it's only marginally more powerful than its predecessor, even in the new, sportier A-Spec trim. This is where the Graham Rahal Performance update comes in, adding some extra grunt for the 2018 SEMA Show.

Founded in 2017 by race-winning Honda IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, Graham Rahal Performance (GRP), which owns an Acura dealership, decided to meddle with compact luxury crossover. In an effort to add style, power, and performance to the RDX, GRP customized the SUV's exterior and interior and upgraded the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The end result is the most powerful third-generation RDX ever created, but it's only for display purposes. At least for the time being.

Acura RDX A-Spec by Graham Rahal Performance Exterior

In case you're not familiar with the A-Spec trim, it's a slightly sportier version of the RDX. And by slightly I mean that it only has darkened trim in place of the regular model's chrome, larger 19-inch wheels finished in black, and bigger tailpipes.

Graham Rahal Performance took over from there and added carbon-fiber mirror caps and body-colored side skirts. The end result? Well, let's say that the RDX appears to sit a bit lower than the regular SUV. But that's about it. GRP chose an RDX painted in Apex Blue Pearl, a color exclusive to the A-Spec trim, and added its logo in light blue on the engine hood and "Graham Rahal Performance" lettering on the front doors.

Acura RDX A-Spec by Graham Rahal Performance Interior

The interior is just as subtle. In addition to the metal trim and silver-ringed gauges with red lighting that come with the A-Spec, GRP added carbon-fiber accents on the center console and A/C vents, as well as a custom steering wheel. The latter was designed by racing driver Max Papis of MPI innovations and features carbon upper and lower rim sections, Alcantara grips, and red stitching.

GRP's RDX retains the A-Spec’s unique black leather sport seats with Ultrasuede accents instead of the available red leather. It's probably because GRP wanted a sportier look, but I think red leather makes the RDX look far more exotic.

Acura RDX A-Spec by Graham Rahal Performance Drivetrain

While it's not exactly impressive inside and out, the RDX A-Spec by GRP shines under the hood.

It also commissioned PRL Racing to make a custom intercooler and intake setup, while it developed its very own lightweight cat-back exhaust system. A custom ECU map from KTuning ensures that everything works in harmony.

What does it all mean in terms of output? That's quite impressive! All that oomph hits the wheels through Acura's recently introduced 10-speed automatic and the torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

GRP also meddled with the chassis by adding custom Eibach sport springs that lower the RDX by two inches and improved stopping power via six-piston StopTech brakes. The lightweight HRE P101 wheels in 21-inch diameter are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires for increased grip.

Final Thoughts

While it's not as impressive as most SEMA concepts inside and out, Graham Rahal's RDX stands out when it comes to performance. The upgraded drivetrain boasts the kind of extra power I'm sure many Acura customers want to get from the luxury company. If I were Acura, I'd start a cooperation for a special edition model with the racing team.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Acura RDX.