Here is the Link

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/q...rain-improvem/






For the 2010 model year, Acura has updated the style and substance of the MDX, revamping the exterior to tie-in with the rest of the automaker's line-up and making a few upgrades to its powertrain to keep up with the competition.





Obviously, the biggest change is the adoption of Acura's new corporate fascia. If you can get passed the massive shield, you'll notice a modified lower valence and a set of reworked headlamps that, like the updated RDX, retain their shape but benefit from a few tweaks to the interior elements. Out back, the changes are noticeably more subtle, with a splash of chrome trim and re-shaped exhaust pipes that tie the exterior elements together.




The basic design of the interior carries over from 2009, although Acura set out to make some improvements on the functionality front. If the factory navigation system isn't fitted, Acura now offers a rear-view camera with a display embedded in the inside mirror. Option up for the technology package and the MDX benefits from an enhanced multi-mode rear camera that, in addition to the regular 90-degree view, includes a 180-degree wide-angle camera allowing you to see vehicles approaching from the sides -- particularly handy while navigating parking lots. A third mode provides a bird's-eye view of the rear, providing a clear view of the hitch when hooking up a trailer.



The DVD-based navigation system has been replaced by the hard-drive system from the TL, increasing functionality and allowing for easier upgrades. Like other modern systems, the new nav can now automatically re-route around traffic congestion based on data downloaded over the satellite radio system, along with displaying real-time weather information. All of the information is displayed on a new, higher resolution eight-inch VGA screen -- a nice improvement over the outgoing MDX, but the interface is still a bit clunky compared to the competition.

The MDX also receives adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking systems that were formerly available on the RL. The CMBS works like any other radar-based system, using the sensors to detect when you're closing in on the vehicle in front and then automatically applying the brakes without involving the driver.




Styling and technology upgrades aside, the biggest change to the MDX is the addition of Honda's new six-speed automatic transmission. This is the first gearbox of its type offered by Honda or Acura, and it's sure to proliferate throughout the automaker's line-up as production increases. The upcoming ZDX will be the second model to get the new cog-swapper, and expect the TL and TSX to benefit from the new 'box soon. The transmission provides quick, smooth, seamless shifts and the total ratio is spread wider than before, but the gaps in between are smaller.

The first five ratios are shorter than the previous five-speed gearbox, while sixth is slightly taller than the outgoing model's fifth gear. Off the line performance feels a bit snappier, and like the five-speed, paddle shifters allow temporary manual shifting when in Drive or full manual control when set to Sport. Another benefit of the new transmission is the double down-shift capability. While the five-speed required down-shifts to be executed one gear at a time, on the new unit a double tap of the left hand paddle induces a double gear change in a single step. It's a handy feature for hefty crossover when you need to a make a quick pass down a country road.



The other major mechanical upgrade is the new adaptive damping system. Acura has adopted the magneto-rheological dampers found on cars like the Corvette ZR1 and Ferrari 599, providing quicker responses to road conditions and a wider range of control. The Comfort and Sport modes offer distinctly different suspension setups, with the Comfort mode feeling a bit too soft, while the Sport mode making the MDX noticeably tighter.

For a big crossover, the MDX has a surprisingly sporting feel combined with a high level of luxury. Our drive time was fairly short, but expect a full review about the same time the MDX goes on sale with its yet-to-be-announced price this fall.

 

For some reason the 2010's are starting to grow on me. I'll have to see one in person.

 

Thanks for the link to the article and pics. I just hope the black carpet is not going to be the only color available. I hate black carpet since it shows every bit of dirt, etc.

 

What is the little round "light" above the HID for?

 

Lots of good improvements.. the 'bottle opener' grill looks far better on the SUV's

 

I'm imagining a paint matched grill

 

It looks like the MDX had heated and cooled seats like the RL. Does anyone know for sure. You would think for +$50,000 they could paint the bumpers also.

 

Only in the Advance Package along with the 7-spoke wheels shown above.

 

YEA, I've been waiting for cooled seats!

Do you know if the entertainment center can play blueray disk also? I know the display can't show 1080p; but, blueray is becoming very popular.

I think the new grill and the air flow openings above the fogs looks good on the new MDX. The MDX grill looks smaller and it does not overpower the front end like on the TL.

I've always felt the MDX would do fairly well with a V-8 and/or add hybrid tech for improved city mileage. If a 6000lbs Caddy with 6.0L hybrid can get +20 mpgs city, I'm sure Acura can at least equal or exceed this in the 4500lbs MDX. Maybe the future V-6 diesel will get the overall mpgs close to 20.

 

I think it looks great. The grille belongs on SUV's.

 

No, no BluRay, which I do not think will make it into mainstream vehicles for many years, if ever. However, the DVD system in the '10 MDX will have a screen with 400% better resolution.

The MDX could get better mileage if the gearing was changed, but who wants a MDX with 0-60 in 10+ seconds? Not me.

 

I've heard the new MDX can do streaming audio from a Bluetooth enabled device like a phone. Not sure if this is true or not. I use a portable Bluetooth speaker (Motorola MotoROKR EQ7) in my office for playing music from my blackberry and it works great. This would be a nice added feature if we had this option along with the iPod connection.

In the past, Acura had some problems with blackberry's connecting to its system and the list of phones that did work was limited. Does anyone know if the new TL or MDX has expanded its compatible phones list? I have a Blackberry 8350i Curve and the wife has a Motorola QA30 Hint. Both of these phones are not on the compatibility list for the 06 TSX.