My spies say the MDX gets a 3.8L bump in 2003 - would it be a natural to offer the 3.5L in a hi-po version for the "S"?

 

I really hope so. All I heard is that the new RL will have a V8 with RWD.

 

Are they seriously going to change the engine in the MDX? Its the SUV of the year and is selling like mad. Its one of the fastest SUVs out there (besides the X5, ML 55 AMG) and most powerful. I don't see any reason to bump up the displacment (btw, is the 3.8L going to be a V8) unless its an optional engine or its going to be derived from a common V8 (NSX, RL?).

 

I'm thinking the next TL will remain a 3.2 liter, but use the new i-vtec technology and bump up the horesepower and torque a bit. Possibly 280-300 hp in the type S.

 

Why put iVTEC on a SOHC engine? For some reason I think iVTEC will only make it onto the 'DOHC performence' engines that Honda makes, ie S2000, NSX, RSX-S, Civic Si etc.

 

I think they are going to port a version of the MDX over to the Honda brand. I guess then they would need to have different displacements for each respective car. Like 3.0 in the Accord, 3.2 in the TL.

 

new CR-V has ivtec.

never thought of a 'cute-ute" as having a "performance" engine.

the base RSX also has ivtec.

i think honda said that by 2005 or something that ALL their cars are going to have ivtec.

 

The only potential snag in implementing iVTEC on a SOHC engine is that by varying the phase of the cam sprocket relative to the timing belt, you'd be altering valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves. I think the power that's derived from the VTC component of iVTEC comes, at least in part, from altering cam timing to change valve overlap.

 

i heard iVTEC sux...but whats the difference? it stands for "intelligence" rite? just like VVT-i of Lexus... whats so different?

 

It wouldn't surprise me if we see an MDX Type-S in a few years with a 280-320 HP engine. Over time, it also would not surprise me to see Honda/Acura put more performance "space" between "regular" and Type-S vehicles and/or to create super-high-performance Type-R variants.

Personally, I think Acura is trying to distinguish itself as a performance/value marque and create a niche not occupied very well by Lexus, MB, BMW etc. I think this is an excellent strategy.

Regards,
Mitch

 

Acura needs to give the MDX the ability to tow over 2,000 lbs. That's a pathetic number and a big reason I couldn't consider one.

 

I believe the MDX is rated to tow a 4,500 pound boat and 3,500 pounds of anything else.

 

Yeah, I'd be surprised if they change the MDX engine already. The car is perfect, isn't it???