Acura to debut MDX concept in New York
With as long as
the MDX has been around, it's nice to know that Acura's finally got a pending refresh of its big 'ute. As
expected, Acura will debut the MDX Concept at the New York Auto Show, the design and innards of which will likely
become the 2007 Acura MDX. Honda's crew in the U.S. is responsible for this vehicle -- its research and development
units here in the States have been toiling to prep this luxo-ute baby for arrival.
Stay tuned to Autoblog for coverage of the MDX Concept and all of the other vehicles presented at the New York Auto Show in April.
[Source: AutoWeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh 1:31PM (3/23/2006)
The MDX was introduced in 2001. Feels like much longer than six years. Honda generally revises its trucks every six years, so this one is on schedule.
The BMW X5--now that's getting old. And yet it somehow seems fresher than the MDX. Perhaps because it lacks the MDX's awkward proportions--I sure hope they fix those. Aeshetically the MDX and Pilot have always been my least favorite SUVs.
My review of the MDX: http://www.epinions.com/content_116574686852
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Chris 1:46PM (3/23/2006)
Erin, the MDX was already refreshed in 2004. This is a full redesign. And 6 years is a pretty normal lifespan, especially when the vehicle is still flying off the lot.
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JGN 2:08PM (3/23/2006)
I always liked the design of the MDX. The Pilot did not do much for me, but the MDX is was one of the better looking SUVs. It appears stable, even for an SUV.
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s 2:25PM (3/23/2006)
I agree with Chris. MDX sales have been great since it's introduction. Last year sales fell some due to gas prices but that has happen to all SUV's.
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Tony 5:22PM (3/23/2006)
I personally can't wait to see the new MDX design. I'm an 04 TL owner who always toyed with the idea of having an SUV. The current MDX was always on my list of favs, and if they put out another great design with a few features from my wish list (a little more power & HID lights) I'll be all over it when I trade my car in.
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Shoaib 5:39PM (3/23/2006)
Finally! A redesign for this thing, as someone who has been inside both the 2001 and 2005 MDX's it is really getting old...
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alvin 5:51PM (3/23/2006)
Well i have seen the new 07 mdx up close and it is definitly a much different design. They have taken the best parts of all the lux suvs and put it into 1 vehicle. You can pretty much look at each part and match it up with one of these other vehicles. Engine should be 295 hp, 18 in rims, HID's along with a 10 grand increase in price.
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Doogs 6:50PM (3/23/2006)
Michael (#1) - BMW's launching the new X5 either late this year or early next year. The Spartanburg plant is currently retooling to prepare for it.
alvin (#6) - Not so sure I believe you. Acura has a pretty established design language. I'm betting it'll build off the RDX DNA.
Also - a $10K increase in price? The MDX is one of the best-selling SUVs in the luxury category - I want to say #2 behind the Lexus RX.
Acura would be insane to jack the price up by 25%. That'd put them several thousand dollars above their comparable (i.e. V-6 powered) German competition, and pretty close to their V-8 models. Nobody in their right mind would buy an MDX at that price, not when they could get into a Lexus RX, BMW X5, Mercedes ML, or pretty much anything but a Range Rover or Cayenne for less.
Acura's strategy has always been for value luxury, for being offer a nice and fully-loaded car for the same price as the competition's starting MSRP. There is NO WAY they are going to abandon that.
The price may go up, but it won't go above $40,000.
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Michael Karesh 9:41PM (3/23/2006)
As Doogs says, a significant price increase won't fly. Soft sales of the new RL ought to clue them in on that.
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Tony 10:53PM (3/23/2006)
I would anticipate a modest price increase, and possibly an elimination of the touring models to merge them into one range. (Like what they did from the 2G TL to the 3G TL, elimination of the Type S and a price slightly higher than the S). It makes sense, because this whole situation (brand new model RDX & redesigned MDX introductions) is very similar to the situation with the TL a few years ago (brand new model TSX & redesigned TL), where the modest increase will help to differentiate the models.
If I was to guess this will come in around 44-45k..which I guess if you think about isn't much more than a touring MDX right now. Actually, now that I look at it, a fully loaded MDX now is around 44. Definately seems reasonable to consolidate the line-up a little bit, because the RDX will help to take some of the sales for the lower end of the spectrum.
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whofan 7:24AM (3/25/2006)
The Acura and Mazda brands are the only good looking Japanese car brands.
I look at Acura and can`t see were the Luxury price comes into play.
The Mazda Tribute parked next to this looks as handsome if not better.
Arura is a good looking car in any model they don`t look upscale for their price.
Mazda has the this nicest line of cars of any asian auto maker. With high fuel prices Mazda has a the nicest cars of all foriegn or domestic.
Acura is nicer looking than Lexus but Lexus is richer looking than Acura.
Acura should be priced as your run of the mill car instead of an exclusive brand.
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Plantronics cS55 1:04AM (3/28/2006)
R&D in the USA? Should be be concerned...? LOL
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