thomillian24

Love it!

Fibonacci

As Acura inches closer to launch date, am curious as to how many prospective owners have had the same thought as I have: What kind of hiccups will they have at new Alabama Manufacturing plant?

<--- Money Moogelino, no fear

<--- Fiddy may wait for second full year production run

phile

I think the general rule of thumb is to never buy the first year models.

F23A4

I'd have to wait until the lease on my 12 MDX expires anyway. So that'll put me in line with a 15 MDX.

Yumcha

From Motor Authority: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...im-in-new-york

Moog-Type-S

Poor blacks in Alabama can't build you a decent Acura?
Why so racist?

F23A4

...and I'll be there in a couple of weeks.

Fibonacci

Homey, why you gotta play me like that?! You still owe me two stacks!

http://globalgrind.com/music/50-cent...ollars-details


Was no racial tone to my post, I'd say the same thing if they were moving to a new plant in North Dakota. On the other hand, if the plant was going anywhere near NuttyPro in South Carolina, you should probably definitely wait a year.

Moog-Type-S

Fixed and

fsttyms1

Must be a typo? 3.5 making 310??? Shouldnt it be 3.7

EhkoXC

Nope, no typo. The new Earth Dreams (such a dumb name for an engine btw) 3.5 makes 310 HP, same engine they dropped in the RLX.

I misread it the first time I saw that too. As far as I know the 3.7 has been dropped completely.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Yea, the J35 now gets DI and it replaces the 3.7L unit.

Edward'TLS

This is the magic of implementing DI technology on the J-series V6 motors. Every major auto makers have been, for years, enjoying the fruitful benefits of incorporating DI technology, cranking out DI-V6 motors with more output hp and also better fuel economy.

Why Honda was so reluctant in producing V6-with-DI much earlier, and why Honda prefers to stay behind the competition and becomes the last top auto maker in releasing a DI V6, just beat me.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

The benefits are not exactly magical though. It's pretty well documented that the typical gains with a NA application is about 5-10% increase in power, torque, and fuel efficiency. The drawbacks would be the added cost, complexity, reliability, potential carbon build-up. We have seen the above issues, especially the carbon build-up part with many cars with DI, it will be interesting to see how Honda is dealing with that issue.

I'm more impressed with the new version of VCM. That works very well in the real world without sacrificing power and smoothness.

csmeance

it's because honda does so much R&D on their motors to ensure they can get to a million miles without a problem!

IMO, the 3.5L with DI and 310 HP is a good start for honda, I'm sure they have another series in the works to replace the aging J series. After all it still uses a timing belt and is SOHC!

Edward'TLS

I just wish Honda could pay as much attention to it's V6 auto trannies as it's million-miles-V6 engines.

First the 5AT from hell for the 2G TL/CL, and now 4G TL owners are discovering problems with their 5AT (software and torque converter), and even suspecting maybe similar issues with their 6AT.

Costco

Get a manual, problem solved



though doing a clutch on a transverse AWD is probably a major PITA

fsttyms1

Id say no different than fwd other than you just have to unbolt and remove the drive shaft from the trans (yes the pic is from an auto but the output is the same)

thunderbt3

03/27/13

The production version of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX will be unveiled today, at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), which will further cement the model's position as the benchmark in the three-row luxury SUV category. Utilizing a completely new platform that has been optimized in every respect, the seven-passenger MDX will offer enhanced ride comfort, a more versatile cabin, and increased fuel efficiency, while also improving dynamic performance.The new third-generation 2014 Acura MDX is equipped with a highly efficient direct-injected 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), and will be offered in both SH-AWD and 2-wheel-drive drivetrain variants, the latter configuration being a first for the model. The 2014 MDX features a longer wheelbase that raises ride quality, increases second-row legroom, and improves third-row seat access. In addition, the 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a collection of Acura signature technologies, including the next-generation of the AcuraLink® Connectivity System and Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps.The 2014 MDX offers a collection of innovative driver assistive and visibility technologies such as the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and the available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and Blind Spot Information (BSI). The third-generation MDX is also equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure and the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems. Further, the 2014 MDX is expected to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS.

thunderbt3

A little bit bigger image:

TSX69

CCColtsicehockey

Really like the back. The front seems a bit bland but not bad. The interior looks cheap though. The wood accents on the dash should be what the center console is made from. That black matte plastic just looks cheap like something in a base model Honda and not a luxury SUV.

thunderbt3

NEW YORK, March 27, 2013 – Acura today unveiled the all-new 2014 MDX luxury SUV at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Built on a completely new platform, the seven-passenger MDX offers improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, increased fuel efficiency and enhanced dynamic performance. The MDX will also be offered for the first time in a more affordable and even more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration.

“Building on the award-winning dynamic performance of the previous model, the third-generation MDX adds new levels of luxury comfort, family functionality and fuel efficiency to once again set the luxury SUV benchmark,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. “From Nürburgring-tuned dynamics and thoughtful interior appointments, to the addition of a new two-wheel-drive model, the all-new MDX continues Acura’s direction of creating vehicles that advance the synergy between man and machine.”


Powertrain
The 2014 Acura MDX is powered by an all-new direct-injected 24-valve 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™), producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. The MDX’s engine architecture is shared with two racecars that recently finished First and Second in the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Employing a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, the new MDX will be offered in both Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) and two-wheel-drive drivetrain variants, both featuring Acura’s new Agile Handling Assist technology.

Matched to the highly efficient Earth Dreams Technology engine and the SH-AWD drivetrain, the 2014 MDX has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18/27/21 mpg1 (city/highway/combined), while the new front-wheel-drive model is EPA rated at 20/28/23 mpg1 (city/highway/combined).

While achieving even higher fuel economy ratings, the MDX remains a true driver’s SUV with enhanced dynamic performance, including quicker acceleration, more responsive braking and even more precise steering feel. Tuned and tested on the grueling Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany, the lighter and more dynamic new 2014 MDX with SH-AWD bests the previous model’s lap time by eight seconds.

To satisfy the preferences of multiple drivers in any family, the 2014 MDX features an all-new Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) with three modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. IDS adjusts steering effort, throttle response, SH-AWD and active sound to suit the tastes of the driver. The MDX’s new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, MacPherson strut front suspension and new multi-link rear suspension enable its more nimble and responsive handling and improved ride quality. 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/60-18 tires come standard on the MDX. Technology and Advance grades are equipped with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/55-19 tires.

Body and Styling
The 2014 MDX body applies more than 55 percent advanced lightweight materials – including high strength steel, aluminum and magnesium – resulting in a vehicle that is both more rigid and lightweight, with total vehicle weight reduced 275 pounds from the previous model. Measuring 193.6 inches in overall length, 77.2 inches in overall width (excluding door mirrors), 67.6 inches in overall height, and riding on a 111-inch wheelbase (up 2.75 inches from the previous model), the new MDX boasts an “Executive Aero Sculpture” exterior design that lends it a sleek, tailored and sophisticated appearance. The aerodynamic body design – refined by engineers in a new wind tunnel at the company’s Ohio R&D center – helps the MDX achieve a more than 17 percent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, making it one of the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient luxury SUVs on the road.

The 2014 MDX also takes a big step up in luxury comfort and quiet. The MDX’s dynamically tuned platform, more airtight body and triple path isolated dampers, along with the use of new sound-deadening materials, such as acoustic glass and expanding body sealers, and Active Noise Control technology, make this the quietest and most composed MDX yet.

Interior
Equally adept at carrying clients and kids, the new MDX boasts a luxurious and versatile interior. The revised body dimensions and new, more compact multi-link rear suspension, combined with innovative new technologies on the second-row seats, significantly improve third-row access and all-around passenger comfort. Third-row ingress and egress is significantly improved by a two-inch lower step-in height and three-inch wider entryway, and by the introduction of a new One-Touch Walk-In feature. With a single press of the illuminated One-Touch Walk-In button, the second-row seats automatically fold and slide to their forward-most position. The second-row seats now feature a four-position recline and a new Extended Slide capability that provides six inches of total fore-aft seat adjustment for optimal balance between second- and third-row legroom. Rear cargo capacity is also improved and includes a new underfloor storage area.

Up front, there is a 10-way power adjustable and heated driver’s seat and an 8-way power and heated passenger seat. The MDX also addresses a major shortcoming of many luxury SUVs – available front-seat storage space – with a spacious new center console that can accommodate a purse, laptop case, or a pair of iPads®. The MDX’s luxury quotient is further boosted by its upgraded interior appointments, including premium leather-trimmed interior, silver plated accents, LED overhead and cabin accent lighting, along with new optional luxury features, such as Smart Entry, second-row sunshades, remote engine start, and auto-linked air conditioning and climate-controlled seats.


Acura Signature Technology
In addition, the 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a range of Acura signature technologies, including Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, more powerful Acura/ELS Studio premium audio system, and the next-generation AcuraLink™ connectivity system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™, featuring freeway traffic and surface street conditions (free for the first three years). In addition to the traffic services, the AcuraLink™ cloud-based connected car system offers an assortment of media, convenience, information and security features via an embedded cellular system and compatible web-enabled smartphones.

Both the AcuraLink™ and Acura/ELS Studio system take advantage of a 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen with haptic feedback and an 8-inch Color Information Display. The addition of the ODMD, along with other interior changes, allowed engineers to reduce the number of hard buttons in the center stack from 41 to just nine. The available Entertainment package adds a DVD Rear Entertainment system with a 9-inch full VGA screen for the rear seats, while the Advance package replaces the 9-inch monitor with an ultra-wide, 16.2-inch full VGA screen with HDMI compatibility for devices such as a game console.

The 2014 MDX offers a host of innovative driver assistive and visibility technologies, including a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).


Safety
The third-generation MDX is expected to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including the highest possible rating of GOOD in the Institute’s new small-offset frontal collision test.

The new MDX is equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and airbags (front, front side, driver’s knee and side curtain with rollover sensor), as well as the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems.
The 2014 Acura MDX is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide this summer and will be available in four grades – the well-equipped MDX, the robust MDX with Technology package, the rear-passenger-friendly MDX with Technology and Entertainment packages, and the top-of-the-line MDX with Advance and Entertainment packages. The 2014 MDX was designed and developed in the U.S. and will be built at the Lincoln, Alabama plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

F23A4

Although it's still not as hot as the BMW E70, the 3G MDX is still a good looking vehicle (clearly a larger version of the RDX stylewise) and a sensible evolution from the current generation.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

16/21 mpg to 18/27 mpg.

275lb less weight.

8 seconds faster at the Nurburgring.

Moog-Type-S

Lower front and lower rear bumpers really got the old cheap production treatment.

As usual wait for the MMC for the icing on the cake treatments that showed up in the "concept".

MTEAZY

It's okay with the 19's.. wish it was more aggressive like the concept. Needs a bigger wheel option.

phile

boy they did not want to mess with success.

F23A4

The only thing I'm not digging is the fact that the exhaust tips are not exposed. (No doubt to maintain a tree hugger image. )

CCColtsicehockey

I feel like the previous interior was more luxory. I hope that is a base model interior or something.

I think the 2nd Gen had a better dash.

Moog-Type-S

2nd gen dash was a HORRIBLE mess of buttons galore.

phile

I like the 2nd gen interior too.

dom

Does it mention if that is comparing the old SH-AWD to the new SH-AWD model or is that in comparison to the new FWD model? Somehow I doubt they dropped 275 pounds in the new AWD model.

F23A4

...and really the buttons only cause problems for those with more extreme forms of ADD.

F23A4

Good point, though the 8 seconds shaved off the Ring time bodes well no matter how you slice. I suppose we'll have to weight (pun) for the specs to hit up on Acura's website to find out. (The current MDX's curb weight range is 4,594 - 4,669lbs.)

Moog-Type-S

That's why it was the only car on the market with that many buttons galore...and why they drastically changed course with far fewer buttons on the newer interiors....not just on the MDX, but on other Acura/Honda models.

Be honest, it was a poor design in terms of ergonomics.

TiggaMan909

^^ I personally love the buttons... not a fan of the spartan like interior that some of the competition offers.

This go around, they just replaced the phsyical buttons with a screen full of virtual buttons!

TiggaMan909

Driving Footage:

F23A4

This.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Jeff@TOV said it's for the AWD model. I guess we will find out when the specs are released.

But yes, having less power/torque, while shaving 8 seconds off the Ring and having such big gains in mpg are more than enough IMO.