Acura's halo car, the NSX, is by far the most emotive product in the brand's portfolio. To impart some of that magic into its more attainable models, Acura's Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) has taken the likes of the previous-generation TLX under its wing, adding visual upgrades such as bigger wheels, special nano pigment paint, and body-color accents.

The latest Acura model to get the PMC treatment is the RDX SUV, an already handsome crossover but one that looks even better in this guise. To drive home the message of the PMC's sporty appeal, this special, hand-assembled RDX was photographed alongside an NSX.

What stands out immediately is the striking Thermal Orange Pearl paint, a color that is shared with the high-performance NSX. The color intensity is enhanced thanks to the application of multiple base coats by an advanced robotic paint system. A total of five days are spent on paint and curing alone.

It contrasts with the RDX PMC Edition's gloss-black 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust finishers in black, and the same black color for the roof, door handles, and wing mirrors. Finally, the gloss-black Diamond Pentagon grille receives a special body-color surround.

Being a PMC Edition, it's loaded with upgrades from the RDX Advance Package and styling cues from the RDX A-Spec, too. Overall, we think it looks fantastic and it's going to be exciting to see what PMC comes up with for the all-new TLX, which is now rolling off the production line.

The PMC Edition instantly takes its place atop the RDX lineup, so comes comprehensively equipped. There is color-matched orange stitching for the seats, door panels, and other trim, along with features such as a 10.5-inch color head-up display, Milano leather/Ultrasuede upholstery, 16-way power-adjustable front seats, and heated front/rear seats.

Power comes from the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as found in other RDXs, but the PMC gets the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system as standard.

Only 360 examples of the RDX PMC Edition will be produced at a price "in the low $50,000s". Initial customer deliveries are set to get underway in October.