Even the makers of hot cars need to take a breather now and then.

That's the case for Acura in 2008, as it prepares for one of its biggest years ever: 2009. That's when I expect to see an all-new Acura TSX, their entry-level sedan, a new Acura RL, their top-level luxury sedan, and an all-new Acura TL, their mid-level sports sedan, which should occur any day now.

This all follows a busier-than-normal year for Acura.

The automaker unveiled three new products in an effort to move the brand upscale: the RDX, a sporty entry-level luxury SUV; the MDX, a top-of-the-line SUV; and the TL-S Type entry-level luxury sport sedan.

The RDX is supposed to be aimed at up-and-coming urban families who have adventurous, active lifestyles. Given the level of equipment and the performance of the RDX, it probably fits the bill. It's equipped with Acura's first turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 2.3-liter 16-valve unit that puts out 240 horsepower in a five-speed automatic with a sportshift. Gas mileage is rated at 19 mpg city and 23 highway.

You engage the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel with your thumbs and -- thanks to the car's power -- as you run through the gears it feels very much like a sports car.

In the meantime, you will be supremely entertained with one of the best sound systems in the business: the 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound System, designed by Grammy Award-winning recording engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner, Panasonic and Acura. It gives you the distinct sensation of sitting in the middle of a concert hall with sound coming from every corner of the vehicle.

The interior is well done, with top-grade materials and an assertive dashboard design angled toward the driver.

The main fly in the ointment is cargo space. It's rather tight, which may be an issue for the active families that Acura is targeting.

Prices for the RDX start at $33,865.

Next up is the new MDX, the styling of which represents a radical departure for Acura. Replacing the older, more conservative design is an aggressive, highly sculptured effort that includes sweeping curves, dramatic angles and a roofline that makes it appear as though it's a smaller, more aerodynamic six seater.

The main claim to fame of the MDX is its high performance. It's probably the only SUV that's been on the famous Nurburgring race track. Power comes from a 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 rated at 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.

Driving the MDX was quite an experience. It's odd, to say the least, to drive an SUV that tears into corners and has responsive steering, but that's exactly what you get with the MDX.

Prices for the MDX start at $40,865.