mrgold35

Autoblog isn't sure if this is an Acura MDX MMC or all new Acura version of an mini-van. The camo by the rear passenger doors looks like it is covering up a rear door slider on both sides.

Is Acura working on a premium minivan? - Autoblog

kevTL888

it can't be a MMC MDX, as most MMC only consists of subtle exterior changes, no need to camouflage like that. it could very well be the new Acura van that will most likely share the same platform as the next gen Odyssey. kind of like the current MDX first, and then the new Pilot follows.

Edward'TLS

Definitely not a MDX, with the dual rear sliding door rails on both sides of the van.

pcaddict66

It's just a test mule. Remember that the MDX is on a whole new platform from Honda/Acura and previous information from Honda says that the new upcoming Odyssey will be built on this new platform as well as the new Pilot. What better way to start testing a new Odyssey than to use the MDX.

mrgold35

Luxury mini-van does sound a little out there. I could see Honda borrowing parts from an existing Acura brand to further camo inside and out the new Odyssey. I can see the new Odyssey looking very Acura like with the split screen interior and detuned version of the 3.5L engine.

jfatteh

Definitely seems like a van to my eyes

NwTSXmt

LMMFAO. Exactly what Acura needs a minican good lord

mrgold35

I wish they would take the Accord coupe and make a sh-awd Acura version. I think that would be cheaper and sell better than a Acura Mini-van or Full size Acura SUV.

randomRon82

A-freaking-men. I would scoop that up in a second

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you guise do know that it's an Odyssey right?

hadokenuh

Maybe a truck?

An Acura truck may sell well, who knows?

Tonyware

^ Oh yeah! Pickup truck! King Ranch, Long Horn... and hmmmm, Super Samurai ? LOL.

Seriously, I think too that may be it, we are looking at a pickup truck in an Oddy's clothing. But I am also bounching the idea in my head that they are testing some crazy drivetrain/engine and using an Oddy just because it has space to fit all kinds of telemetry equipment in it. Speculating...

Its funny tho, there is so much weight on the right side of the car the had to throw some rotors on the roof left side to balance it !!! LOL.

PS. with all the quality issues Honda/Acura has lately, I think its stupid to prioritise project like this while the rest of the cars out there are falling apart...

jshaw

Could even be a competitor's minivan, lol. GM and Ford have been known to use each others' badges (or at least outlines in the cameo) to disguise their mules.

TacoBello

Burn it! Burn it to the ground!!

Army Chief

Um hell no

beach109

This is correct. The 2014+ MDX was the first vehicle on this new large crossover/van platform, and next up comes the Pilot followed by the Odyssey. This is a new Odyssey that just happens to have more than its share of spare MDX parts lingering inside.

panamera125

HOPEFULLY it's just the next Odyssey. Notice the interior, to me it looks like it's straight out of the MDX... If it was a real model, wouldn't they at least do something slightly different? Would they really shove the same exact dashboard into it? Being as the MDX and next Odyssey are the same platform, maybe they didn't want to reveal the next Odyssey's real interior so they just put one from an MDX in... that seems a bit extreme though, along with the Acura grille and Jewel Eyes...

CybrRdr

Looks like a test mule to me... but why does it look like there are stacks of brake rotors on the roof? Weird. Whatever the heck it is... it definitely not a MMC MDX.

mrgold35

The 5 rotors on the roof is the crazy part for me? How are they even staying up there and why the odd number instead of 2, 4 or 6 rotors. My guess is they needed extra weight on that side for some odd reason. On the last picture of the rear only, it looks like the vehicle is leaning to the right (not sure if it is from the camera angle and/or road).

randomRon82

2017 Honda Odyssey Spy Photos News Car and Driver

mrgold35

After reading the article, the +2017 Honda Odyssey sound like a $8,000-$10,000 cheaper MDX tech with comfortable seating for 8?

PhilB81

I'm trying to understand why some of you are so repulsed by an Acura Minivan.

It's not like it's replacing a model you already have (3rd Gen TL to 4th gen TL), or will cause the 'death' of an existing model line (ILX killing TSX). It's just a new car to the lineup.

I'm obviously biased because we have a 2011 Odyssey Touring Elite that we bought new when they came out. I personally would be really happy if this minivan would be added to the Acura lineup. I want something practical to haul my family around, but I really want to maintain the comforts of a 'luxury' brand. I like my Odyssey, but I really wish it had nicer seats such as the MDX and a quieter Cabin.

Regarding an Acura version of the Accord Coupe, I personally would have no interest, I had an Acura CL TypeS before my 2008 TL-S and more often than not it was a pain in the ass having only 2 doors. I often missed not having proper access to the rear seat. I mean bottom line, it's a big car, why have this space that's hard to get to? Don't get me wrong, I totally like cars such as the Honda S2000, or small 2 seaters or 2+2, but a large car with 2 doors, done that, been there and no thanks.

mrgold35

Going by Nov/14 sales numbers:

Odyssey: 8639 Sold in Nov/14 112,370 sold YTD
MDX: 5210 sold in Nov/14 58,842 sold YTD

I'm willing to bet a double digit % of those two buyer would jump to an Acura Minivan. You might even steal some folks away from other Minivan brands or Luxury SUVs for the first ever luxury Minivan. Acura Minivan would sell A LOT better than the RLX, TSX wagon, and ZDX combined.

db22

If you want a very good minivan then the Ody is it. Putting a badge on the front won't change the minds of the kind of people who buy vans.

hadokenuh

^^ Also a loaded Ody is 40K+ already. Would you buy a 50K minivan???

mrgold35

The only reason I have an MDX is I needed more room for traveling and I wanted something other than a minivan and there isn't a lot of choices in station wagons with SUV/minivan seating. I liked the tech in the MDX Adv/Ent and use the tech every-time I hit the road (+18,000 miles a year). Most drivers I see in the southwest of luxury SUVs are using them as minivan replacements with less mpgs and room in the SUVs. Minivans somehow got a bad rap being only for soccer moms budget vehicles. My brother and sister both have minivans (Dodge and Honda). They both loved the tech/sportiness/safety in my MDX and wished he could get that mix of features available to go with the excellent mpgs and room they already have. The Pilot comes close; but, not the same amount of interior room, heavy, lacks tech, and mpg hit.

My large SUV days are coming to an end when my son graduates from H.S. in 18 months (Acura coupe/convertible please). Might have to reconsider a large SUV/minivan when grand-kid(s) show up (no sooner than) 7-10 years later.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

actually the loaded Oddy comes out to $49k

so, the Acura one would be priced well above that.
if there were to be an Acura minivan, which I dont think will happen

PhilB81

Me...



They aren't quite that high, we bought our Odyssey Touring Elite, with towing package and a few other additions for $43k or so.

The way it worked out for us, we wanted a vehicle to haul the whole family when we go out. My kids in the 2nd row, and my parents in the 3rd row. We test drove an MDX, I liked it a lot but 3rd row was useless for adults. Great for the neighbor's kids but not so much for adults.

Regarding the comment about re-badging. If that's all they do, yes that's stupid and if that's all it is, nobody would buy it.
However, our van is the 'road trip' car, so I would LOVE a cabin as quite as it gets. The more it resembles the inside of a Lexus LS460, the happier I'd be. Also the seats in the Acura are more comfortable. As far as extra gadgets, honestly the Odyssey has plenty of those, only extra thing I wish it had was radar cruise control. I also really like the sliding doors. Our kids aren't that old, but they can operate those without problems. Plus when I pick them up / drop them off from school I can operate the door from the buttons on the dash.
I do prefer the looks of the MDX, I also prefer the cabin comfort and noise levels, but for us, practicality won over looks and to a degree comfort.

If things go the way I hope they will with our Odyssey, I might be looking at the 'Acura ODX' (or whatever they'll call it) after its MMC.

With that said, I look forward to having older kids and going to a 2 sedan garage or sedan + wagon. (I have a thing for wagons, don't ask, I'm just weird).

The other manufacturer that would be a great candidate for a minivan is Volvo. I drove a volvo V70 back in 2010, I could care less for the styling (inside and out, and the navigation system was worse than charting stars) BUT the seats were the most comfortable I've ever sat in and the cabin was very quiet. 75mph cruise was fantastic. If only they could put that package in a minivan, I would strongly consider it. It'll probably be quite ugly unfortunately, but I have nobody I need to impress right now. I just want to be comfortable. Once I lose my hair and my belt is struggling to contain my gut I could change my mind though.

Edward'TLS

Provided that Acura doesn't fuck up the exterior styling again.

Remember how the "Power Plenum" front end absolutely ruined the 4G TL.