New York Auto Show: Acura MD-X Concept
The new Acura MD-X won’t be out until this fall, but to sate our appetites Acura has offered up this MD-X Concept that strongly hints at what the new ute will look like. The concept SUV features a wider track and longer wheelbase than the current MD-X and has a wide stance that rests on massively flared fenders. 20-inch five-spoke alloys are housed in those oversized wheel arches and the vehicle is tipped with a five-sided front grille and Xenon HID headlights.
Acura revealed the production version is currently being track tuned on the Nurburgring in Germany and will feature the most powerful V6 in its class and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
More live shots, a load of press shots and Acura’s official release after the jump.
Acura “MD-X Concept” Debuts at New York International Auto Show
Production Model to Goes on Sale This Fall
NEW YORK, April 12, 2006 – The Acura “MD-X Concept” luxury performance SUV made its world debut today at the 2006 New York International Auto Show featuring bold, sleek exterior styling indicative of the next generation MDX production model.
“Every aspect of the MD-X Concept design conveys performance while still retaining SUV functionality,” said John Mendel, senior vice president, auto operations. “The styling signifies a bold direction for the next generation MDX, both in appearance and substance.”
The MD-X Concept is fashioned as a true driver’s SUV, with its low, wide stance and aggressive design. Its sleek surface lines are modeled after a high-powered megayacht.
The MD-X Concept features a wider track and longer wheelbase that give the vehicle a sportier, performance look. The profile of the concept reveals a refined SUV with smooth, chiseled lines and an elegant form. A dominant character line runs from the front quarter panel to the rear, evoking the feeling of forward movement. The sharply raked D-pillar creates a stealth, aerodynamic appearance while still retaining the third row seating functionality and cargo carrying capability of the current generation MDX.
The Concept sits low to the ground despite the large 20-inch five-spoke custom alloy wheels, while the large wheel arches and flares add to the Concept’s muscular appearance. The sleek cabin features flush mounted windshield glass, which improves aerodynamics while adding to the MD-X Concept’s smooth and flowing design.
“The smooth lines and sleek shape of the MD-X Concept challenge the conventions of SUV design,” said Ricky Hsu, chief designer for the MD-X Concept. “Our goal was to create the image of a sports sedan while maintaining generous interior volume and utility of a SUV.”
The front hood is accented with pronounced character lines culminating in an aggressive five-sided grille, which gives the MD-X its bold presence. The commanding front grille features a dominant center bar running through a solid aluminum face. The narrow, Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights appear to grow out of the massive grille, giving the overall front-end a strong, distinct look.
“The front end of the MD-X Concept communicates power and prestige,” explains Hsu. “We want drivers to do a double-take when the vehicle passes them on the road.”
In the rear, the MD-X Concept has an integrated rear hatch, which sits flush against the bumper to create a smooth, clean appearance. LED taillights wrap around the cargo hatch adding to the vehicles wide and low appearance. A rear spoiler improves aerodynamics and the integrated dual exhaust pipes add to the SUV’s sporty style.
The next generation MDX production model will be available this fall, bringing a whole new level of performance and sophistication to the Acura light truck lineup. Track-tuned at the famed Nurburging in Germany, the all-new MDX will feature outstanding performance and handling. Equipped with a powerful, class leading V6 engine and coupled with Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All -Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™), the next generation MDX will re-invent the luxury SUV segment just as it did when it first debuted.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
JG 3:20PM (4/12/2006)
That has to be the ugliest thing I think I've ever seen in my life. Just when you thought they've hit the lows, Acura throws this abomination in your face.
Reply
Kowell 3:21PM (4/12/2006)
generaly the lines are nice but front end look like some fat guy'S face with 2-3 potatoes stuffed im his mouth as he tries to smile with his eyes closes.....
Reply
Source1 3:22PM (4/12/2006)
They had to do something. I am not sure this was what they needed to do, but the Lexus RX is outselling it mightily. We all know that the concept will be toned down for production so who knows what we'll see. Just when we thot the squared off edges were 'it' we see designers back to smoothing out the edges.
Reply
donald douglas 3:23PM (4/12/2006)
Could someone wake it up it appears to be sleeping, but love the rear much better than current, but gosh who designed that front end..
Reply
JC 3:26PM (4/12/2006)
Please tell me this is a smoke screen? It's going from classy and style, to junky and cheap. I'll look elsewhere.
Reply
whofan 3:28PM (4/12/2006)
They stole from Cadilliac. Scrap it!
Reply
mr 3:41PM (4/12/2006)
The current MD-X is a relentlessly classy car. Acura seems determined to screw it up.
The Highlander looks better and better...
Reply
Shoaib 3:43PM (4/12/2006)
Its a piece of s**t. The current generation one set the entire crossover suv phenonema in motion. If this thing goes into production, Acura is going to lose loads of sales to the new GM crossovers (Saturn Outlook, etc.)
Reply
bernie 3:44PM (4/12/2006)
Okay, what whale species were they sketching when this design jumped out? I expect to see baleen stretched across the opening in the gille with a few crill stuck to it.
Yecch - and the Acura sedans are the best looking things on the road.
Reply
Presto 3:46PM (4/12/2006)
Autobots!... Transform!
Reply
Michael Karesh 3:48PM (4/12/2006)
I suspect that the sheetmetal is virtually production, but the front end will become more conventional. That grille will never make it to production.
This said, the proportions remain atrocious, with a wheelbase too short for the length of the vehicle, and overly large overhangs. The wheel flares, which seem to be the current dumb cliche, also don't work. Recent Hondas/Acuras have had such excellent styling, I expected much better.
My review of the current MDX: http://www.epinions.com/content_116574686852
Reply
tyson 4:04PM (4/12/2006)
"chubby bunny." "chubby bunny." "chubby bunny."
Reply
Alex 4:06PM (4/12/2006)
Reminds me of the movie Babe, for some reason.
I feel for some bacon......
Reply
1st gen owner 4:08PM (4/12/2006)
i own a 2002 mdx, and i love the car...but i'll have to agree with the comments about, this concept is ugly. does anyone else think its a bit extreme? also, not everyone likes the bling bling 20inch chrome wheels...those things are ugly!
Reply
Richard Warren 4:14PM (4/12/2006)
The new Batmobile tank has just arrived
Reply
Scott 4:25PM (4/12/2006)
Huh, not what I was expecting. Looks like a Kia Sorento or new Mercedes SUV from the side, front is clearly concept-only but still hideous. Just an overall unattractive vehicle.
Reply
Gardiner Westbound 4:34PM (4/12/2006)
The front end looks like something out of a Japanese sci-fi movie. The basic body shell and perhaps the rear end will make it into production; the grille, headlights and 20" wheels are goners.
Acuras bright lights should avoid another RL debacle by ensuring the cars are properly screwed together before they are released to the public and restraining themselves from pricing it $5,000 to $10,000 too high.
Reply
Corey W. 4:40PM (4/12/2006)
It looks like a sleeping Stay Puff Marshmallow Man!!
I seen a comment earlier on this but all the crossover type vehicles are starting to looking the same.
Reply
Paul 4:47PM (4/12/2006)
What a complete mess.
It's like the Dodge Caliber, but way way way uglier.
Reply
James Fabin 5:10PM (4/12/2006)
It looks better in person - much better. It does look a lot like the RDX - but these photo's really don't do it justice. Keep an eye out for the auto show videos to show up tonight or tomorrow.
James
Reply