[Auto]The MDX Concept is the most extraordinary performance-focused SUV in Acura history

[SougarLord]

 

On sale next year, the new MDX will assume the flagship role in the Acura lineup as the most extraordinary, most performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura history.

 

Twenty years after the launch of the first-generation model, the new MDX's bold renewed design and lavishly decorated interior will be enhanced by myriad new Acura technologies, an all-new performance-focused platform with the world's first double wishbone front suspension. and the first high-performance Type S application to an SUV from Acura.

 

"The new MDX marks a turning point for Acura and represents the most far-reaching effort yet to deliver on our brand promise to deliver 'Precision Crafted Performance'," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and principal. Acura brand. "We knew we needed to deliver something more emotional and superior with performance as a core value. This new MDX builds on the last 20 years of success and elevates the model to an even stronger position in the market."

 

Exterior design

 

With a striking matte finish, the MDX Concept, shown in Liquid Carbon and Performance Red, draws attention with a more dynamic and robust design. The vertical grille and longer, more sculpted front convey vigor and presence, and are anchored to an even lower and wider body with bulging sides and a more rearward cab, allowing for a 6-inch increase in dash dimension when axis.

Signature elements of Acura's next-generation design language are elegantly integrated with the new, more athletic, superior shape of the MDX, including the three-dimensional diamond-shaped grille flanked by four-element JewelEye LED headlights, highlighted by daytime running lights. LED Chicane, inspired by the Acura ARX-05 race car. The front fascia has been sculpted to highlight the grille, integrating fog lights under the side vents.

 

In the side view, the 21-inch wheels have been shifted to the corners, giving the MDX concept an almost 3-inch more wheelbase, which helps improve ride quality and expands the space of the vehicle. the seats in the three rows, as well as the cargo space, which at the same time is more versatile. A clearly sculpted line connects the front and rear, where the wide-fit Chicane LED taillights match the headlamps.

 

Befitting its new flagship status, the MDX Concept represents the most sophisticated and premium cabin design of the production model, with a cleaner, more upright instrument panel that adopts a broad structural motif. High-quality, authentic materials adorn the interior, including open-pore wood, polished aluminum, and soft-touch Milano leather. A stylish blend of Ebony and Light Orchid leather adorns the instrument panel and steering wheel with French stitch accents. Next-generation Acura sports seats offer a more sculpted shape with curvilinear padding on all three rows, gradient perforations, and high-contrast stitching and piping.

 

The MDX's wider body design allows for first-class seats with more legroom in all three rows, and noticeably more headroom for front and third row occupants. An ultra-wide panoramic moonroof opens the cab to provide natural light to all three rows.

 

Optimally bolstered Acura sports seats offer 16-way power adjustment and integrated massage functionality with nine class-leading massage modes to relax the driver and passenger. Acura's Iconic Drive LED lights up the entire MDX cabin with 27 different lighting schemes tied to driving modes and representative of various locations, including iconic roads and race tracks around the world.

Advanced technology

 

 

Featuring a host of cutting-edge technologies, the MDX Concept features the fully digital Acura Precision Cockpit, which replaces physical gauges with a customizable 12.3-inch driver gauge. The new MDX also features the latest generation of driver-centric and intuitive True Touchpad interface, featuring a 12.3-inch, Full HD, ultra-wide center display (Acura's largest implementation yet), and a dedicated touchpad. Acura and a new CPU to improve performance.

 

The ELS STUDIO 3D premium "Signature Edition" audio system in the MDX Concept sets a new standard for concert-quality vehicle audio with over 1000 watts of power, 22 channels, and 25 speakers. This elevated ELS system features six ceiling-mounted Highline speakers and six carbon fiber mid-spectrum woofers, two innovatively positioned on the front console to create a perfectly balanced "studio center" experience from left to right. right. Fine-tuned and perfected by eight-time Grammy® Award-winning music producer and sound engineer Elliot Scheiner, this is the most advanced and powerful audio system ever offered in an Acura vehicle.

 

Enhanced safety technologies include Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) technology body structure, with enhanced pedestrian and occupant collision protection capabilities, enhanced by an expanded suite of AcuraWatch driver assistance and safety technologies, These include Road Departure Mitigation, New Traffic Assist, and New Low Speed Brake Control. Acura's next-generation front passenger airbag technology, first seen on the new 2021 TLX and offering improved occupant protection in a wider variety of frontal collision scenarios, will be standard across all. the new MDX models.

 

Performance as a core value

 

Fourth generation MDX features an all-new light truck platform designed for sporty driving, refined driving comfort, and an exceptional quiet cabin. With the stiffer Acura SUV body to date, the new MDX is designed to withstand Type S performance levels, as well as advanced collision and pedestrian safety. Anchored to the new ultra-stiff bodywork is a new performance-focused chassis with MDX's first double wishbone front suspension, delivering a sporty, precise ride with improved road grip and ride comfort.

 

To further aid with handling and all-weather performance, the MDX features Acura's fourth generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) technology, the only dynamic torque vectoring technology in the world. MDX's competitive class, extracting maximum grip and cornering precision from the all-new chassis. Superior braking performance is achieved with Brembo four-piston calipers, which are finished in Ivory paint on all four corners.

 

Drivers can customize the ride, handling, steering, suspension and performance characteristics of the powertrain using the Intelligent Dynamics System (IDS). The IDS offers a broader range of personalized driving experiences through preset modes, and gives drivers the ability to customize an individual dynamic driving mode through the NSX-inspired driving mode, positioned prominently in the center console.

 

Standard power will come from Acura i-VTEC's 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to an incredibly responsive and refined 10-speed automatic transmission. The upcoming MDX Type S will feature an exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura SUV. All MDX Type S models will offer power through Acura's fourth-generation SH-AWD system.

 

Twenty Years of Acura MDX

 

After debuting in 2000 as North American Truck of the Year, the original 2001 Acura MDX was the industry's first three-row crossover SUV, defining an entirely new category of vehicles that now dominate the segment. Over the past 20 years, over three generations of development, the MDX has established itself as America's best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and one of the few luxury models to earn more. than 1 million American customers in the last two decades.

 

MDX will join its three predecessors designed, developed and produced in North America. The new MDX will be manufactured at the East Liberty, Ohio automobile plant, while the 3.5-liter V6 engine as well as the new Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter Turbo V6 engine will be produced at the Anna, Ohio engine plant. , which also makes the NSX supercar's dual-turbocharged hybrid V6 power unit. Acura's 10-speed automatic transmission is manufactured exclusively at the company's transmission plant in Tallapoosa, Georgia.