First romp in sport mode
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Joined: Jan 2007
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First romp in sport mode
I had been bidding my time for the first few hundred miles to allow for some break-in time. Well break-in time is done.....
On my previous Acura's I have derided the paddle shifters as gimmicks, which they were, slow clunky and really no more interesting than just leaving it D. WOW, you've come a looooong way baby! The manual "sport" mode is a huge step for Honda manumatics. Not only is it lightning fast up or down, it blips the downshift and finally makes a very noticeable difference in acceleration. In drive the car accelerates nicely, in sport mode it seems to enter the hyperkinetic mode. Rev it to redline, its begging for it, the immediate response to the upshift paddle will keep you from the rev limiter every time. Though I know the suspension doesn't change it surely feels like it does, probably from the increase in adrenaline that goes with the power the engine provides when running on the VTEC cam most rather than some of the time. As an S2000 owner that invariably brings a grin on my face.
This is with out a doubt the smoothest, most rev happy, most powerful 6 cylinder engine that Honda has ever made and that is saying something. Honda has finally put a 6cylinder in a production car that finally eclipses the NSX's 6, no kidding. Not only is the engine a jewel, finally its accompanied by a manumatic transmission that can do it justice. My old RL drivetrain was downright primitive in comparison
On my previous Acura's I have derided the paddle shifters as gimmicks, which they were, slow clunky and really no more interesting than just leaving it D. WOW, you've come a looooong way baby! The manual "sport" mode is a huge step for Honda manumatics. Not only is it lightning fast up or down, it blips the downshift and finally makes a very noticeable difference in acceleration. In drive the car accelerates nicely, in sport mode it seems to enter the hyperkinetic mode. Rev it to redline, its begging for it, the immediate response to the upshift paddle will keep you from the rev limiter every time. Though I know the suspension doesn't change it surely feels like it does, probably from the increase in adrenaline that goes with the power the engine provides when running on the VTEC cam most rather than some of the time. As an S2000 owner that invariably brings a grin on my face.
This is with out a doubt the smoothest, most rev happy, most powerful 6 cylinder engine that Honda has ever made and that is saying something. Honda has finally put a 6cylinder in a production car that finally eclipses the NSX's 6, no kidding. Not only is the engine a jewel, finally its accompanied by a manumatic transmission that can do it justice. My old RL drivetrain was downright primitive in comparison
tranny special...
The 3.7 six cyl. With the 6pd/paddles in the 2011 plus trims was silky smooth as it was powerful. I am so excited to try out this new engine/tyranny out it sounds great!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 416
Likes: 230
From: Denver, Colorado
Sport mode in the MDX is an entirely different feeling experience. I've driven them on winding and hilly curved back roads, and it is an incredible feel in an SH-AWD model. One of those cases where it doesn't change the suspension but definitely feels that way, which is an impressive feat.
Team Nighthawk member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 300
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, CA
I had been bidding my time for the first few hundred miles to allow for some break-in time. Well break-in time is done.....
On my previous Acura's I have derided the paddle shifters as gimmicks, which they were, slow clunky and really no more interesting than just leaving it D. WOW, you've come a looooong way baby! The manual "sport" mode is a huge step for Honda manumatics. Not only is it lightning fast up or down, it blips the downshift and finally makes a very noticeable difference in acceleration. In drive the car accelerates nicely, in sport mode it seems to enter the hyperkinetic mode. Rev it to redline, its begging for it, the immediate response to the upshift paddle will keep you from the rev limiter every time. Though I know the suspension doesn't change it surely feels like it does, probably from the increase in adrenaline that goes with the power the engine provides when running on the VTEC cam most rather than some of the time. As an S2000 owner that invariably brings a grin on my face.
This is with out a doubt the smoothest, most rev happy, most powerful 6 cylinder engine that Honda has ever made and that is saying something. Honda has finally put a 6cylinder in a production car that finally eclipses the NSX's 6, no kidding. Not only is the engine a jewel, finally its accompanied by a manumatic transmission that can do it justice. My old RL drivetrain was downright primitive in comparison
On my previous Acura's I have derided the paddle shifters as gimmicks, which they were, slow clunky and really no more interesting than just leaving it D. WOW, you've come a looooong way baby! The manual "sport" mode is a huge step for Honda manumatics. Not only is it lightning fast up or down, it blips the downshift and finally makes a very noticeable difference in acceleration. In drive the car accelerates nicely, in sport mode it seems to enter the hyperkinetic mode. Rev it to redline, its begging for it, the immediate response to the upshift paddle will keep you from the rev limiter every time. Though I know the suspension doesn't change it surely feels like it does, probably from the increase in adrenaline that goes with the power the engine provides when running on the VTEC cam most rather than some of the time. As an S2000 owner that invariably brings a grin on my face.
This is with out a doubt the smoothest, most rev happy, most powerful 6 cylinder engine that Honda has ever made and that is saying something. Honda has finally put a 6cylinder in a production car that finally eclipses the NSX's 6, no kidding. Not only is the engine a jewel, finally its accompanied by a manumatic transmission that can do it justice. My old RL drivetrain was downright primitive in comparison
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
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SHAWD Advanced. If you're happy with just day to day driving, the FWD model should be fine since you live in a no snow area. However, if you like to push the envelope once in a while, the SHAWD is much better when pushed hard. Its not all about handling, AWD puts the power to the ground much better too, jack rabbit starts with the FWD version are hampered by traction control and wheel spin.
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6G TLX-S
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,229
Likes: 1,184
From: YVR
^^^^^
However, the lighter FWD MDX will have better throttle response and acceleration times (in the dry) than the heavier AWD MDX, since both share the identical 290hp engine, due to the AWD MDX's :
- heavier curb weight
- less usable hp due to parasitic loss in the AWD gearing
- extra 2 wheels/tires to spin up
But when the rain or the snow comes, the AWD MDX is the winner, without a doubt.
However, the lighter FWD MDX will have better throttle response and acceleration times (in the dry) than the heavier AWD MDX, since both share the identical 290hp engine, due to the AWD MDX's :
- heavier curb weight
- less usable hp due to parasitic loss in the AWD gearing
- extra 2 wheels/tires to spin up
But when the rain or the snow comes, the AWD MDX is the winner, without a doubt.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 12
From: Canoga Park, CA
as I've read in one of the forums...
When you're driving the FWD, you will think about the AWD. When you're driving the AWD, you will NOT think about the FWD.
If for once the SH-AWD saves your family and car when driving on wet conditions, the extra $2k is more than worth it.
The FWD does not have a spare tire.
Those 3 were the main reasons why I went with AWD.
When you're driving the FWD, you will think about the AWD. When you're driving the AWD, you will NOT think about the FWD.
If for once the SH-AWD saves your family and car when driving on wet conditions, the extra $2k is more than worth it.
The FWD does not have a spare tire.
Those 3 were the main reasons why I went with AWD.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 349
Likes: 41
As an S2000 owner that invariably brings a grin on my face.
This is with out a doubt the smoothest, most rev happy, most powerful 6 cylinder engine that Honda has ever made and that is saying something. Honda has finally put a 6cylinder in a production car that finally eclipses the NSX's 6, no kidding. Not only is the engine a jewel, finally its accompanied by a manumatic transmission that can do it justice. My old RL drivetrain was downright primitive in comparison
This is with out a doubt the smoothest, most rev happy, most powerful 6 cylinder engine that Honda has ever made and that is saying something. Honda has finally put a 6cylinder in a production car that finally eclipses the NSX's 6, no kidding. Not only is the engine a jewel, finally its accompanied by a manumatic transmission that can do it justice. My old RL drivetrain was downright primitive in comparison
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 706
Likes: 26
OP: glad you like the DI V6 in the 3G MDX. I also had an 06RL and you are dead right about how slow the tranny was in the 06RL ( though I still really liked the car ). My qn is about the 3G MDX having the most powerful Honda Acura V6. IIRC my 2G MDX has a 300 hp 3.7 ltr V6 that gulps fuel as did the 2009 onwards RLs. Even our 06RLs had a 3.5 ltr V6 rated at 290 hp so just wondering why you say the 3G MDX has the most powerful Honda/Acura 6 cylinder engine made. Dunno what the torque numbers are but was that what you were referring to ? Or just how the car feels under acceleration ?
Cruisin'
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 8
I was not impressed with the paddle shifters or 'S' mode on the MDX for the following reasons (IDS in Sport mode):
1. The paddles are mounted on the steering wheel instead of the steering column. This makes it difficult to find the paddles with the steering wheel turned. Depending on the angle, you might even be upshifting when you want to downshift. Not only that, but the paddles are rather small. They are really only good for casual shifting at highway speeds. However, legal spirited driving is typically done on low/medium speed turns such as side streets, cloverleafs, and twisties. So having small paddles on the steering wheel makes it difficult to shift when you are busy trying to focus on your steering, braking, and/or acceleration.
2. Even when you are in 'S' manual mode, the transmission will short-shift out of 1st. This is a manual mode yet it still shifts for you!? What kind of manual control is that?
3. The transmission will not allow you to downshift even if it is mechanically possible to do so. When you are coming into a turn and try to downshift into 2nd or 1st, it will not allow you to do so until it is too late. Instead of downshifting into the upper rpm range where the power is, it will only allow a downshift well below the torque peak. Also, when the transmission does not allow you to downshift, there is no audible warning telling you that the shift was denied. Instead, you have to look down at the display.
4. The transmission transitions back into the automatic mode following a downshift in 'D' (unless you are going downhill) too early. Sometimes I will prepare to switch lanes by downshifting so that I will have more torque available to pull away. When I am ready to switch lanes, I am back in 'D'.
5. When you want to go back into 'D' mode after downshifting, you have to hold the upshift paddle for more than the 2 seconds the manual says it should take. It is more like 3-4 seconds which is a bit long.
Perhaps I am being too harsh. I came from driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR which has an excellent dual clutch transmission, programming, and controls. That transmission would do what you told it to do and if a downshift would result in over revving the engine, it would give an audible warning instead of just flashing the present gear on the dash. The MDX transmission does not even come close to the MR's.
So what do I like about the MDX's paddle shifters/manual mode? I do like that it actually stays in manual mode when going downhill to aid with engine braking. Otherwise, it just offers partial control of the auto trans.
On a side note, I do like that the transmission is eager to downshift when I want to accelerate in regular 'D' mode. The transmission's programming is rather good which makes the paddles somewhat unnecessary.
1. The paddles are mounted on the steering wheel instead of the steering column. This makes it difficult to find the paddles with the steering wheel turned. Depending on the angle, you might even be upshifting when you want to downshift. Not only that, but the paddles are rather small. They are really only good for casual shifting at highway speeds. However, legal spirited driving is typically done on low/medium speed turns such as side streets, cloverleafs, and twisties. So having small paddles on the steering wheel makes it difficult to shift when you are busy trying to focus on your steering, braking, and/or acceleration.
2. Even when you are in 'S' manual mode, the transmission will short-shift out of 1st. This is a manual mode yet it still shifts for you!? What kind of manual control is that?
3. The transmission will not allow you to downshift even if it is mechanically possible to do so. When you are coming into a turn and try to downshift into 2nd or 1st, it will not allow you to do so until it is too late. Instead of downshifting into the upper rpm range where the power is, it will only allow a downshift well below the torque peak. Also, when the transmission does not allow you to downshift, there is no audible warning telling you that the shift was denied. Instead, you have to look down at the display.
4. The transmission transitions back into the automatic mode following a downshift in 'D' (unless you are going downhill) too early. Sometimes I will prepare to switch lanes by downshifting so that I will have more torque available to pull away. When I am ready to switch lanes, I am back in 'D'.
5. When you want to go back into 'D' mode after downshifting, you have to hold the upshift paddle for more than the 2 seconds the manual says it should take. It is more like 3-4 seconds which is a bit long.
Perhaps I am being too harsh. I came from driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR which has an excellent dual clutch transmission, programming, and controls. That transmission would do what you told it to do and if a downshift would result in over revving the engine, it would give an audible warning instead of just flashing the present gear on the dash. The MDX transmission does not even come close to the MR's.
So what do I like about the MDX's paddle shifters/manual mode? I do like that it actually stays in manual mode when going downhill to aid with engine braking. Otherwise, it just offers partial control of the auto trans.
On a side note, I do like that the transmission is eager to downshift when I want to accelerate in regular 'D' mode. The transmission's programming is rather good which makes the paddles somewhat unnecessary.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
I tend to agree about the paddle shifters. Formula 1 steering wheels have the paddles on the wheel because the drivers hands are always at the same positions on the wheel. Any vehicle that requires hand over hand steering inputs (all road cars) need to have the paddles on the steering column.
Coming from a manual transmission on my WRX, I find I can't drive my MDX using the paddle shifters because i can't downshift while turning without looking down at the position of the steering wheel -- very dangerous!
I also agree that D mode with IDS in Sport is pretty darn good in downshifting as needed, and if I want to have the revs hold much longer, I run it in S mode without the paddle shifters.
Coming from a manual transmission on my WRX, I find I can't drive my MDX using the paddle shifters because i can't downshift while turning without looking down at the position of the steering wheel -- very dangerous!
I also agree that D mode with IDS in Sport is pretty darn good in downshifting as needed, and if I want to have the revs hold much longer, I run it in S mode without the paddle shifters.
Team Nighthawk member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 300
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, CA
as I've read in one of the forums...
When you're driving the FWD, you will think about the AWD. When you're driving the AWD, you will NOT think about the FWD.
If for once the SH-AWD saves your family and car when driving on wet conditions, the extra $2k is more than worth it.
The FWD does not have a spare tire.
Those 3 were the main reasons why I went with AWD.
When you're driving the FWD, you will think about the AWD. When you're driving the AWD, you will NOT think about the FWD.
If for once the SH-AWD saves your family and car when driving on wet conditions, the extra $2k is more than worth it.
The FWD does not have a spare tire.
Those 3 were the main reasons why I went with AWD.
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