Next-Generation Acura MDX Prototype Set to Debut October 14
10-11-2020, 11:13 PM
#81
6G TLX-S
10-12-2020, 06:17 PM
#82
You'll Never Walk Alone
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The J35 is the ideal engine if you only have one. It's cheap, efficient and powerful. It's why Honda and Acura have kept it around so long - it's REALLY GOOD.
But the J can't stay around forever because things change: regulations, competition, etc. Acura has challenges specific to where they are at as a brand - in particular competing more directly with the Germans who have LONG surpassed the power output the J.. The 3.0t is their best opportunity, maybe in decades, to directly compete. If I'm Acura I am going to do everything I can to make the 3.0t a huge part of the MDX equation because it allows the brand to raise transaction prices while maintaining their value edge. Let me put what I'm saying in more direct terms:
The price difference between a 2.0t Q7 and a 3.0t Q7 is, essentially, $6,000. Based on what we know about the TLX and RDX the base price of the MDX is going to rise. Right now the MDX starts at $44,500. Let's say it rises to an even $46,000 for a base 2.0t FWD model. How much would a 3.0t model be in that scenario? ~$54,000 for a base SHAWD 3.0t MDX at most ($46+$6+$2 for SHAWD). That's a lot of dough...but look at the competition!!! The base turbo 6 Q7 is $61K. The base X540xi is $62,000. The base GLE450 4 Matic is $62,500. Even the new GV80 turbo 6 AWD - the least expensive model is $59,150.
The 2.0t FWD would be a competent enough base model to appeal to RDX buyers who want more space. Buyers would have a tech FWD 2.0t at $51K or they could step up to the base 3.0t SHAWD for just $3,000 more. I think a lot of people would be pretty damn interested in moving up to the 3.0t.
But the J can't stay around forever because things change: regulations, competition, etc. Acura has challenges specific to where they are at as a brand - in particular competing more directly with the Germans who have LONG surpassed the power output the J.. The 3.0t is their best opportunity, maybe in decades, to directly compete. If I'm Acura I am going to do everything I can to make the 3.0t a huge part of the MDX equation because it allows the brand to raise transaction prices while maintaining their value edge. Let me put what I'm saying in more direct terms:
The price difference between a 2.0t Q7 and a 3.0t Q7 is, essentially, $6,000. Based on what we know about the TLX and RDX the base price of the MDX is going to rise. Right now the MDX starts at $44,500. Let's say it rises to an even $46,000 for a base 2.0t FWD model. How much would a 3.0t model be in that scenario? ~$54,000 for a base SHAWD 3.0t MDX at most ($46+$6+$2 for SHAWD). That's a lot of dough...but look at the competition!!! The base turbo 6 Q7 is $61K. The base X540xi is $62,000. The base GLE450 4 Matic is $62,500. Even the new GV80 turbo 6 AWD - the least expensive model is $59,150.
The 2.0t FWD would be a competent enough base model to appeal to RDX buyers who want more space. Buyers would have a tech FWD 2.0t at $51K or they could step up to the base 3.0t SHAWD for just $3,000 more. I think a lot of people would be pretty damn interested in moving up to the 3.0t.
I was just thinking more....outside of the box..like a what if situation. The J series is old but the J35 has been getting updates throughout its lifetime that it's still a good engine. And I agree that the MDX has a huge price advantage right now. I don't know how much MDX buyers care about having a V6 or not though. If they really care about having a V6, and that they have to spend $54k to get a V6, that may turn them away. There are certain qualities that the J35 NA V6 that can provided that the 2.0T can't, like the engine note and NVH characteristics.
Anyways, it was just an idea where the MDX will be able to offer two different V6 engines - a J35 NA, and a 3.0T turbo. Most likely they will have a 2.0T and a 3.0T.
The RLX FWD had 310hp though. I'm sorry if I understood your point
10-13-2020, 07:52 AM
#83
I think some (perhaps a plurality of) MDX buyers are going to care very much about having 6 cylinders and if Acura tries to make the 2.0t the volume trim and only has ONE 3.0t Type-S trim (so one trim with 6 cylinders) and it’s priced at $65k that is a massive mistake. The 2.0t is the future but the MDX has always had 6 cylinders and they can’t totally screw with that - which is why they have the 3.0t! Transaction prices of the MDX right now are way off the sticker obviously - but MDX buyers are used to seeing $50K+ sticker prices. I also think the technology/fit and finish advances will push a “base” MDX fairly close to what a “tech” MDX is now. Just one data point but the current MDX tech only has 10 speakers.
The J35 has been a great middle ground engine for Acura that appealed very broadly. The 3.0t isn’t middle ground but I really think they can price it so that it has fairly similar appeal.
The J35 has been a great middle ground engine for Acura that appealed very broadly. The 3.0t isn’t middle ground but I really think they can price it so that it has fairly similar appeal.
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pilozm (10-19-2020)
10-13-2020, 10:03 AM
#85
mrgold35
10-13-2020, 12:11 PM
#86
Burning Brakes
1. Just hopeful they keep a hybrid in the line up
2. Whatever engine configuration they come up with has to be equal to or outperform the current hybrid (MPG's and acceleration) to keep me interested
3. They can't go off the rocker with price for the hybrid. This thread has been full of price speculation. If I am reading that correctly, a hybrid could be pushing the low to mid 60's, if not higher
2. Whatever engine configuration they come up with has to be equal to or outperform the current hybrid (MPG's and acceleration) to keep me interested
3. They can't go off the rocker with price for the hybrid. This thread has been full of price speculation. If I am reading that correctly, a hybrid could be pushing the low to mid 60's, if not higher
10-13-2020, 12:31 PM
#87
mrgold35
It always amazes me how my RLX hybrid is only 100lbs less with wider tires; but, the power/acceleration are incredible AND my city mpgs are always 28-30 compared to my MDX Hybrid. My MDX hybrid is always 2-4 mpgs less than my RLX on the same city driving routes? The current MDX 3.0L+hybrid system seems to run out of power in certain situations (+75 mph, hwy high altitude driving, limited to no EV mode in freezing temps that overworks the 3.0L compared to the 3.5L). I would take the 2.0T or 3.0T for the 4th Gen hybrid if Acura is getting away from NA engines.
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pilozm (10-19-2020)
10-13-2020, 01:57 PM
#88
I hope they keep the NVH road/wind noise down. The RDX road/wind noise is terrible for a "luxury" vehicle. The current MDX is decent.
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pilozm (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 08:43 AM
#92
However I will continue to argue for as many 3.0t trims as possible.
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10-14-2020, 11:51 AM
#94
2016 Acura TLX
A lot of MDX buyers started off in Hondas and moved on up. I don't believe this crowd would be happy with a 2.0t as the sole engine choice outside of the Type-S. It would definitely alienate a large portion of their customer base since as it stands, the MDX is one of quickest SUVs in its class. The 2.0t may work for the Europeans, but for many MDX buyers, the European brands are not even a consideration due to pricing/reliability etc. I know it was not for my parents when they were shopping. Also having a 2.0t in a large SUV is not going to improve fuel economy, and may actually worsen it since it will be in a higher power band more often.
10-14-2020, 11:51 AM
#95
Drifting
10-14-2020, 11:52 AM
#96
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WOW! If Acura is making the interior (the electronic gauges, steering wheel, fancy stitching of the seats etc) of the new MDX like this, why wouldn't the interior new TLX (which already is very nice!) be like this too? Mind boggling! This new MDX interior is instantly making the new TLX interior look rather plain....
10-14-2020, 12:04 PM
#98
2016 Acura TLX
Just noticed those are brembos on the concept. Wonder if those will be available on all the trims 
10-14-2020, 12:05 PM
#99
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https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases...s-global-debut
"Standard power will come from Acura’s 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC® valvetrain, connected to an incredibly responsive and refined 10-speed automatic transmission. The upcoming MDX Type S will feature a Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura SUV. All MDX Type S models will put power to the ground through Acura’s fourth-generation SH-AWD® system."
"Standard power will come from Acura’s 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC® valvetrain, connected to an incredibly responsive and refined 10-speed automatic transmission. The upcoming MDX Type S will feature a Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura SUV. All MDX Type S models will put power to the ground through Acura’s fourth-generation SH-AWD® system."
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10-14-2020, 12:06 PM
#100
Three Wheelin'
What a boring reveal video, didn't show us much at all! Acura's marketing department needs an overhaul...
But it looks pretty good and will make the TLX look even worse and more pointless. And this MDX is going to be pricey for sure.
But it looks pretty good and will make the TLX look even worse and more pointless. And this MDX is going to be pricey for sure.
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pilozm (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 12:07 PM
#101
A lot of MDX buyers started off in Hondas and moved on up. I don't believe this crowd would be happy with a 2.0t as the sole engine choice outside of the Type-S. It would definitely alienate a large portion of their customer base since as it stands, the MDX is one of quickest SUVs in its class. The 2.0t may work for the Europeans, but for many MDX buyers, the European brands are not even a consideration due to pricing/reliability etc. I know it was not for my parents when they were shopping. Also having a 2.0t in a large SUV is not going to improve fuel economy, and may actually worsen it since it will be in a higher power band more often.
If so I have NO INTEREST in this vehicle. It would be SLOW as heck and a HUGE DOWNGRADE!!! That would be Lexus slow. I dont care how good the vehicle is otherwise. No thanks. I'd take a 3G RDX over that since it would perform much better given the lower size and weight.
Honestly if the do this, we will likely abandon the brand and maybe look at a Genesis GV80 that really performs.
10-14-2020, 12:09 PM
#102
2016 Acura TLX
https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases...s-global-debut
"Standard power will come from Acura’s 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC® valvetrain, connected to an incredibly responsive and refined 10-speed automatic transmission. The upcoming MDX Type S will feature a Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura SUV. All MDX Type S models will put power to the ground through Acura’s fourth-generation SH-AWD® system."
"Standard power will come from Acura’s 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC® valvetrain, connected to an incredibly responsive and refined 10-speed automatic transmission. The upcoming MDX Type S will feature a Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura SUV. All MDX Type S models will put power to the ground through Acura’s fourth-generation SH-AWD® system."
YAYYYYYY. Finally this seems like a winner, although I had minimal doubt that they'd mess with their bread and butter vehicle. It does make me even more disappointed about the TLX though. Would have loved to stay with the brand as I have no need for an MDX at this stage in my life. Maybe the parents can replace theirs.
10-14-2020, 12:13 PM
#103
Are the SERIOUSLY putting the SAME 4 cylinder 2.0T Turbo as the 3G RDX and 2G TLX in the MUCH LARGER and HEAVIER next gen MDX???
If so I have NO INTEREST in this vehicle. It would be SLOW as heck and a HUGE DOWNGRADE!!! That would be Lexus slow. I dont care how good the vehicle is otherwise. No thanks. I'd take a 3G RDX over that since it would perform much better given the lower size and weight.
Honestly if the do this, we will likely abandon the brand and maybe look at a Genesis GV80 that really performs.
If so I have NO INTEREST in this vehicle. It would be SLOW as heck and a HUGE DOWNGRADE!!! That would be Lexus slow. I dont care how good the vehicle is otherwise. No thanks. I'd take a 3G RDX over that since it would perform much better given the lower size and weight.
Honestly if the do this, we will likely abandon the brand and maybe look at a Genesis GV80 that really performs.
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florissant (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 12:21 PM
#105
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YAYYYYYY. Finally this seems like a winner, although I had minimal doubt that they'd mess with their bread and butter vehicle. It does make me even more disappointed about the TLX though. Would have loved to stay with the brand as I have no need for an MDX at this stage in my life. Maybe the parents can replace theirs.
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bmoua15 (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 12:36 PM
#106
tehLEGOman
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I told my wife the mdx has massage capabilities in the seats and her eyes lit up with excitement. I'm pretty sure that function will help sales. 
10-14-2020, 12:43 PM
#107
10-14-2020, 12:45 PM
#108
The interior looks fantastic. Finally, a fully digital dash. I'm also a huge fan of them keeping the V6 around. Even though I think the 2.0T would have been fine...the V6 is arguably better for this particular car.
Overall I like the styling, but the rear end does look a little plain (same complain I have with the RDX, front and side looks great, rear looks boring as hell). I guess they're going for the more elegant look in the back, but I just wish they kept it as aggressive as the rest of the car.
The Type-S model at just 354hp is going to be a bit interesting. I get the feeling by the time the Type S models launch the power figures will climb up a bit, because as it currently is the gap between the base and the Type-S is just too close (290 vs 354). If you look at the competition, the power bump betwen the base and the next level up is significantly larger. Gap between the GLE350 and GLE450 is 255 vs 365, gap between the Q7 45 and Q7 55 is 248 vs 335 (let's not even mention the GLE580 or SQ7).
Overall I like the styling, but the rear end does look a little plain (same complain I have with the RDX, front and side looks great, rear looks boring as hell). I guess they're going for the more elegant look in the back, but I just wish they kept it as aggressive as the rest of the car.
The Type-S model at just 354hp is going to be a bit interesting. I get the feeling by the time the Type S models launch the power figures will climb up a bit, because as it currently is the gap between the base and the Type-S is just too close (290 vs 354). If you look at the competition, the power bump betwen the base and the next level up is significantly larger. Gap between the GLE350 and GLE450 is 255 vs 365, gap between the Q7 45 and Q7 55 is 248 vs 335 (let's not even mention the GLE580 or SQ7).
Last edited by fiatlux; 10-14-2020 at 12:52 PM.
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Tony Pac (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 12:53 PM
#109
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"Upmarket means moving it closer in price, features, and performance to the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and Audi Q7. Until now, the MDX has lived in the heart of the segment with the Lexus RX, Infiniti QX60, Cadillac XT6, and the soon to be introduced Genesis GV80. "The heritage of the MDX was at risk," says the Acura's global development leader, Tom Nguyen. "The vehicle was dangerously close to becoming mainstream. We had to go big.""
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-mdx-revealed/
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-mdx-revealed/
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florissant (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 01:00 PM
#110
Three Wheelin'
"Upmarket means moving it closer in price, features, and performance to the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and Audi Q7. Until now, the MDX has lived in the heart of the segment with the Lexus RX, Infiniti QX60, Cadillac XT6, and the soon to be introduced Genesis GV80. "The heritage of the MDX was at risk," says the Acura's global development leader, Tom Nguyen. "The vehicle was dangerously close to becoming mainstream. We had to go big.""
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-mdx-revealed/
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-mdx-revealed/
10-14-2020, 01:01 PM
#112
I'm very interested to see how this engine and transmission pairing turns out and compares to the 2.0T. This is the same powertrain that's in the Odyssey (minus the SHAWD), and in that application it's pretty responsive and pulls really good. Good enough to drag a 4600lb FWD car to 60 in around 6 and a half seconds. I got a chance to drive one for a couple days and it's absolutely bananas how fast a minivan can be. Now, if the MDX has the same issues that we see in the RDX and TLX with regards to responsiveness and power delivery, I don't think there's any way we can argue that the SH-AWD system isn't the limiting factor, as has been posited by a lot of folks here.
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bmoua15 (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 01:02 PM
#113
What's the problem with parking it outside?
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florissant (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 01:03 PM
#114
Are the SERIOUSLY putting the SAME 4 cylinder 2.0T Turbo as the 3G RDX and 2G TLX in the MUCH LARGER and HEAVIER next gen MDX???
If so I have NO INTEREST in this vehicle. It would be SLOW as heck and a HUGE DOWNGRADE!!! That would be Lexus slow. I dont care how good the vehicle is otherwise. No thanks. I'd take a 3G RDX over that since it would perform much better given the lower size and weight.
Honestly if the do this, we will likely abandon the brand and maybe look at a Genesis GV80 that really performs.
If so I have NO INTEREST in this vehicle. It would be SLOW as heck and a HUGE DOWNGRADE!!! That would be Lexus slow. I dont care how good the vehicle is otherwise. No thanks. I'd take a 3G RDX over that since it would perform much better given the lower size and weight.
Honestly if the do this, we will likely abandon the brand and maybe look at a Genesis GV80 that really performs.
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10-14-2020, 01:04 PM
#115
Maybe they heard all the angry fans calling out the marketing team for grossly overselling the TLX and decided they needed to reign it in a bit.
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honda_nut (10-14-2020)
10-14-2020, 01:05 PM
#116
Showed my dad the press release and he about stroked out when I told him about the new sound system. He said "holy shit imagine what it's gonna cost to fix that" lol. I think he's still salty about the sub in his 05 MDX requiring a dozen trips to the dealer for its defect.
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pilozm (10-19-2020)
10-14-2020, 01:35 PM
#117
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I think some (perhaps a plurality of) MDX buyers are going to care very much about having 6 cylinders and if Acura tries to make the 2.0t the volume trim and only has ONE 3.0t Type-S trim (so one trim with 6 cylinders) and it’s priced at $65k that is a massive mistake. The 2.0t is the future but the MDX has always had 6 cylinders and they can’t totally screw with that - which is why they have the 3.0t! Transaction prices of the MDX right now are way off the sticker obviously - but MDX buyers are used to seeing $50K+ sticker prices. I also think the technology/fit and finish advances will push a “base” MDX fairly close to what a “tech” MDX is now. Just one data point but the current MDX tech only has 10 speakers.
The J35 has been a great middle ground engine for Acura that appealed very broadly. The 3.0t isn’t middle ground but I really think they can price it so that it has fairly similar appeal.
The J35 has been a great middle ground engine for Acura that appealed very broadly. The 3.0t isn’t middle ground but I really think they can price it so that it has fairly similar appeal.
The exterior is as expected - I don't think Acura wanted to change it too much since the MDX has been selling very well.
10-14-2020, 01:45 PM
#118
Presumably it's going to be longer than the outgoing model, as is the case with pretty much every new generation of cars. The MDX isn't particularly long to begin with; it's only an inch or so longer than the TLX. Unless you live in the city and have a tinyass garage, it should be fine.
What's the problem with parking it outside?
What's the problem with parking it outside?
1) We live in an area that gets brutally hot with frequent torrential downpours.
2) In our area, vehicles that park outside experience paint failure MUCH faster.
3) Do not want neighbors or other "observers" to know if were home or away based on vehicle normally parked outside.
4) Want to be able to easily load and unload from inside. We back our current MDX right to a door to the house. Makes unloading groceries so much easier. Makes loading and unloading from trips discrete and much more comfortable, with shorter distances outside of the elements.
DO NOT want anything that parks outside.
If this is over 200" long it will not fit with the back hatch open.
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Gen4MDX (10-16-2020)
10-14-2020, 01:46 PM
#119
what does that have anything to do with it? the FWD RLX is 310hp and its FWD. you could very well be right about the 290hp but FWD isnt the limiting factor.
10-14-2020, 02:13 PM
#120
Parking outside?? No thanks:
1) We live in an area that gets brutally hot with frequent torrential downpours.
2) In our area, vehicles that park outside experience paint failure MUCH faster.
3) Do not want neighbors or other "observers" to know if were home or away based on vehicle normally parked outside.
4) Want to be able to easily load and unload from inside. We back our current MDX right to a door to the house. Makes unloading groceries so much easier. Makes loading and unloading from trips discrete and much more comfortable, with shorter distances outside of the elements.
DO NOT want anything that parks outside.
If this is over 200" long it will not fit with the back hatch open.
1) We live in an area that gets brutally hot with frequent torrential downpours.
2) In our area, vehicles that park outside experience paint failure MUCH faster.
3) Do not want neighbors or other "observers" to know if were home or away based on vehicle normally parked outside.
4) Want to be able to easily load and unload from inside. We back our current MDX right to a door to the house. Makes unloading groceries so much easier. Makes loading and unloading from trips discrete and much more comfortable, with shorter distances outside of the elements.
DO NOT want anything that parks outside.
If this is over 200" long it will not fit with the back hatch open.
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