Fibonacci

I've never quite understood the obsession with pancake wheels.

1. They are heavier, which obviously detrimentally affects performance.
2. Suffer a harsher ride which is not something I look for in a family hauler.
3. Bigger wheels = more expensive replacement tires.

Sounds like lose/lose/lose to me.

Timmy18

It definitely can be, and it all depends on the targeted audience.

1. The Manufacture could create a lighter then normal 20" rim. Yes that will cost more.
2. They vehicle can be equipped with a active suspension system that adjusts accordingly to compensate for ride harshness and handling. Again more expensive.
3. And well there is no work around for that one..

Pay for the luxury get the luxury. Acura's luxury will still be cheaper then MB or BMW's though.

Gsmooth33

With the right style it just looks better

Colin

I'm quite sure that if I knew I couldn't tell you. And if I did, most here would insist that I 'post the source'. I've given two possible scenarios already. I can say that they're not rushing around because they didn't plan for the demand. After all, if demand was beyond expectations and they were caught flatfooted (as you suggest) how does delaying things help? Why not build them and shove them out the door vs. build and stockpile?

Timmy18

Maybe they want everyone to get theirs at roughly the same time so no one bitches about not having their product when said to. Who knows, it's Acura.

Colin

Yes, they always want that to happen, and it probably still will, just 3-4 weeks later than originally planned.

TinyRK

Someone might have done a Lean Six Sigma Project on that line
And doesn't Jeep have a delay too with their new Fiat-based Grand Cherokee?

In Germany we joke about FIAT (which is Italian) stands for: Fehler In Allen Teilen - Issues with every Part


Anyway,
I do need a bigger car - Soccermoms or SUV... Not much out there for me

db22

Why would they create a lighter then a normal? It wouldn't cost much more if they only created one.

Colin

The impression I got was that it was an employee decision. But it could very well have been a Six Sigma Project as well. For those not familiar with the manufacturing process, here is an excellent (if a little long, eight minutes) video at a Honda plant. Parts arrive within hours of their final assembly time.

Fibonacci

Certainly not denying the vanity equation.

Just saying that when shopping for a grocery getter, pancake wheels aren't a big priority since the avg MDX buyer is not trying to set 'ring times with it.

Dell84

Just got email from my Dealer ..

"I talked to my manager regarding 2014 Acura MDX/adv/ent,4wd, color black /parchment.. we will have to special order the MDX/ ADV/ENT, 4 WD,color black/par.Please let me know, Delivery will be 12 to 14 weeks.This year they will be manufacturing small quantity of 4 WD like they have done on RDX. thanks, regards,
"

looks like i will have wait longer to get my MDX

Timmy18

Yay....... Less SH-AWD cars from Acura!

I bet the TLX will be FWD biased in production too... with a CVT and K24W..

Its cheaper to build, cheaper to sell, and better in economy. Not to mention most Acura buyers (non enthusiast) even put SH-AWD to the test.

It's a shame. I'm really disappointed, but this is about the only thing keeping Acura 30 grand below the comparably equipped competition.. :/

Gsmooth33

[QUOTE=Fibonacci;14493863]Certainly not denying the vanity equation.

Just saying that when shopping for a grocery getter, pancake wheels aren't a big priority since the avg MDX buyer is not trying to set 'ring times with it. :

But you want to look good while getting the grocery

Fibonacci

No comprende.

I can't believe the ratio of FWD vs SH-AWD will be greater than 30/70. Maybe Acura is trying to purposely push out sales to smooth out revenue, but still that statement strikes me as a bit odd.

TiggaMan909

What do you guys think will be pricepoint difference will be between FWD vs. SH-AWD? Has MSRP info been released? For the guys that have put down deposits, have you even agreed to a price?

With the Infiniti JX, its really not that much of a difference in the grand scheme of things. $1400 difference to be exact.

I know SH-AWD is a lot more of an advanced awd system, so i'm sure the price difference will be a bit more, but not sure by how much?

alkus77

Nope, no prices yet, you just give a deposit and that is it. dealers are saying it will be about the same of current models, for the FWD and AWD , I heard something around 2k or less difference.

TinyRK

My dealer mentioned the 2014 would be around $3k more expensive than the older model....
At least for the most advanced model.

Darn,
I need a new car asap, and I do not want to go the German route.

Besides this 2014 MDX, what do guys think is comparable to from other manufacturers?

weather

If you need the 7 seater and don't want to go German route, then there are very few comparable options available. I am not sure how urgent your situation is but I would try and hold off for the MDX if you can. It will be an amazing vehicle and a great reliability/resale value, plus a great looking and refreshed model.

JCRDX11

Truthfully I would never buy a german car. (Will only lease them as I am not to fond of seeing christmas lights on my dash board after 50k or 3 years. (Check engine and all the other warning lights)

They are really only good for about 3 - 4 years IMO.

TiggaMan909

I feel the same... Very nice cars, but i'm not convinced that the Germans can go the distance and I'm not interested in a short term fix.

TinyRK - If you can't wait for the MDX, and don't want to go the German route, nor are you willing to purchase a current model year, I think the most logical route is the Infiniti JX35/QX60. Its a great car if performance is not high on your list. When it comes to family hauling, technology, fit/finish, comfort, cargo it really is a GREAT option! Where it does fall short on is in the "fun to drive / performance" category.

I still think the MDX is the best option but the JX would definitely be my 2nd choice winner. If Infiniti ever made an "S" variant, that would make me reconsider. I currently own a 2012 M37S and man does that thing move! That car still makes me grin from ear to ear!

Gsmooth33

Agree and so true

TinyRK

Hey all,
wife hates Infinity, so that's a no. I looked at the JX as well.

Testdrove a BMW X5 yesterday. A 2013, demo car. $9k off before tax. Never had a title. Convenience package, Cold Weather Package. Full warranty etc - since no title.

$51k before tax. Nice car, good price, but the new X5 is coming out in a few months. So that's the annoying part.

But the 2014 MDX has way more features and gadgets, but it seems like they're ramping up slowly and we need to wait... I need a car in early August.

TiggaMan909

If you need something by Aug, go to dealer and get your name on a list if possible. You may be required to put down some money, but im sure its refundable if things dont work out.

These units will fly off the lot and will definitely be first-come, first-serve.

TiggaMan909

Looks like this dealer has one onsite for some sort of "preview". Some additional viewing angles/features:

db22

I'm sorry but I couldn't watch that crap. Actually I could watch it, it was listening to it that made me hit the stop button after the slick sleezy sales guy fluffed his lines.

TiggaMan909

Well what did you expect from Joey Rizza!

SlimTL

At 5:17, didn't they say the same thing in 2007 about the switch from gen 1 to gen 2? Gen 2 was their bread and butter and praised as the best. All of a sudden gen 2 is the unwanted step child.

Typical salesman.

Acura_Dude

Those Jewel Eye Headlights...

07Acuradude

The salesman at my dealer (Tim Smith Acura Ft Walton Beach Florida) said today that he wont be getting a 2014 MDX until August.

TiggaMan909

If this is the case for ALL Acura dealerships, there must be problem at the Alabama plant thats been churning out these vehicles since the begining of May. If this is true, yeah it sucks, but i'm glad they caught it now rathar than having it release to production only to do recalls..... Not a good place to be.

BUT, I gotta believe Acura takes into account dealerships that sell the most volume. I'm sure those guys get preference and the'll recieve the first batch of vehicles. If your local dealership wont have one till august, check around to some of the bigger shops. I'm sure some of these bigger dealers will get it before others.

Fibonacci

For some reason, I thought the 2nd row had a tumble and fold feature for better access to the 3rd row, looks like it just slides forward. Ugh, that video commentary was painful to listen to.

TiggaMan909

Agreed... Not so sure how well this will work when you've got a child seat anchored in.

07Acuradude

Yeah my dealer is pretty small dealership. Their current total inventory of all new Acura models combined is 60 cars.

beach109

I have not yet seen any vin #'s appear or vehicles in transit to any dealer anywhere, and we do not have a reason yet for the delay. Same in regards to pricing which has yet to be released. Possibly within the month.

As Alabama being a new factory for an Acura vehicle, previously Honda's before, it is very important they ensure all aspects of quality are at Acura expectations. Not a concern, but there is a delay.

Only a few 2013's left, and they are incredible deals like they have been for a while now.

cp3117

The new MDX is obviously going to be an awesome vehicle but if you want other choices, have you considered the new Cherokee or Grand Cherokee?

Im not sure why you wont consider the German Brands but being you have tried an X5 i would also look at the VW Touareg as its a great vehicle, with gas, diesel and hybrid options.

We just started tossing around the idea of a new vehicle (SUV) and the MDX is going to be tough to beat especially here in Canada where $10K rebates have been the norm for the last few years on the MDX but there is still lots of competition in this segment.

Colin

No prices have been announced but I seriously doubt if the list price will increase that much. However, the transaction price could differ that much due to the discounts on the current (2013) models.
Yes, same here. No VINs, no production (yet).

KeithL

I sense this with Acura now, the once prime selling feature of Acura SH-AWD is being down played. Audi has mastered making AWD desirable with Quattro, but Acura is now focused on cost and gaining sales and market share. I think with FWD biased platforms they feel they gain some advantage since FWD in marginal climates will be acceptable to people that do not want to spring for AWD and also get the fuel economy of a FWD.

KeithL

Agreed, and I feel it in the ride quality of my M37, but a nice set of 20 inch wheels on the M make the car, never would have bought it with the tiny stock 17 inch wheels, the 20s fill the wells very nice. It also allows for a lower profile tire and thus picks up some better handling and cornering.

KeithL

I was a huge Acura fan and still am, but agree as my M37S is an amazing ride, love the RWD ride and the car just hauls ass. Will say it seems to rev to move, where I always felt my Acuras pulled harder at lower RPM. My biggest complaints with Infiniti is build quality does not seem as good as Avura and Infiniti electronics just suck. BT sound quality sucks, stupid things like the AUTO head lights do not turn off if the fog lights are on, and while people rave about themnavi, it sucks for for a usability perspective when driving. The only that makes me consider a new M is Infiniti Connection so I won't have to interact with the navi.

KeithL

Oh my, I would take an Audi over any Jeep or Chrysler product. My buddy has had company supplied Explorers for years, they just switched to Jeeps and they have nothing but problems.