Autoblog

2014 Acura MDX shows up exactly as expected

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, Acura, Luxury

Acura (and parent company Honda, for that matter) doesn't always leave a lot to be left to the imagination when they unveil prototypes at auto shows. Case in point: Take a gander at the Acura MDX Prototype that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this past January, and then look at the production-spec 2014 MDX pictured above. See what we mean?

Design-wise, there frankly isn't a whole lot to get excited about with this MDX. Sure, a lot of the chiseled, sharp lines from the previous-generation model have been smoothed out in favor of something that will likely have more mass-market appeal, but to our eyes, the MDX has simply lost a lot of its visual flair in the process. To quote Autoblog senior editor Seyth Miersma, this new one just looks like the old one after melting by 10 percent. The end result is something that more closely resembles the company's smaller RDX crossover than anything else, with other subtle design elements mimicking what we've seen on the ILX and RLX sedans. It's all fine, but again, not exciting. The good news, however, is that thanks to the use of new lightweight materials, the 2014 MDX is 275 pounds lighter than the outgoing model.

Updates to what's underneath the MDX's new skin are hardly surprising, but still welcome. Power comes from a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 making 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with both front-wheel drive and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive on offer. Acura estimates that front-drive models will achieve 20/28/23 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined), and says that adding the SH-AWD drops those numbers to 18/27/21. Acura will offer a new Integrated Dynamic System that allows the driver to choose between normal, sport and comfort settings, and the new MDX will ride on a choice of either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the MDX is loaded with comfort and technological features, including AcuraLink, a premium ELS audio system, and the dual-screen display that's similar to what we experienced in the company's new RLX flagship earlier this year. Up top is an eight-inch display that houses things like navigation data, while the seven-inch display below with haptic feedback works as a sort of command center for the whole infotainment system. Other new goodies for the 2014 MDX include Acura's Jewel Eye adaptive front lighting, a host of standard safety equipment and premium features like a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch screen complete with HDMI compatibility.

Have a look at Acura's press release below for the full list of changes for the 2014 model. We'll have live images straight from the New York Auto Show floor in a jiffy, too, so stay tuned.

Continue reading 2014 Acura MDX shows up exactly as expected

2014 Acura MDX shows up exactly as expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura MDX ready to S.H.I.E.L.D. the Avengers from harm

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Acura, Military, Celebrities, Specialty

Move over, Batmobile, and make room in the geekosphere for the latest comic book superhero ride.

Acura, as you may be aware, signed a multi-picture deal with Marvel to have its cars featured in a raft of superhero movies. The Japanese luxury brand's cars were there at the end of Captain America, they were there in Thor, and they'll be there in full force in the highly anticipated upcoming superhero spectacular, The Avengers.

Most prominent of these will be the NSX-like roadster Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has been spotted driving on set, but that won't be the extent of it for the Honda brand. Feast your eyes on the MDX which Acura has prepared for the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division - the fictitious government agency that brings the gang together.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. MDX with the Sentinel Package is, according to its ficticious Monroney, packs the same Palladium-powered titanium engine, nine-speed transmission and diamond quartz brakes as the Stark roadster, albeit packed into a more capacious form. It's got an aerial drone stored in a briefcase in the back, a cloaking device, bulletproof body, repulsor cannon and advanced targeting system.

So what would a fictitious vehicle like this set you back? MSRP (with destination and Sentinel package) is pegged at a nearly $6 million. Suck on that, Bugatti Veyron.

Acura MDX ready to S.H.I.E.L.D. the Avengers from harm originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend getting ready to announce its 2011 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year Award...on Facebook

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV

Motor Trend has been around since 1949, and during that time it has handed out a fair share of awards to various automakers and vehicle models. More recently, the print publication has gone online by way of its web site, Youtube page and various social media networks. One network in particular has stuck a chord with the buff book and it's choosing to leverage the power of Facebook to announce the winner of its 2011 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year award.

M/T has been steadily rolling out its top 15 contenders, with the announcement of the winner to be made on October 19th, 2010 at 12:01 a.m EST. Why Facebook?

"We want to foster a two-way dialogue with our audience," said Angus MacKenzie, Editor In-Chief of Motor Trend, "and Facebook was the next logical step to engage our community even further."

The currently revealed contenders are:

Past winners of this title include the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-9. Hop the jump to read M/T's press release.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend getting ready to announce its 2011 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year Award...on Facebook

Motor Trend getting ready to announce its 2011 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year Award...on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura prices refreshed-for-2010 MDX from $42,230*

Michael Harley — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura MDX - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With several improvements for the 2010 model year set to differentiate it from last year's model, Acura has announced pricing on its 7-passenger MDX sport-utility vehicle. The 2010 MDX receives new cosmetic enhancements inside and out, a new 6-speed automatic transmission, chassis improvements and even more standard equipment.

On the outside, the MDX sports new front and rear bodywork including a new front grille, revised taillights and new 18-inch wheels. The cabin is fitted with a new sport steering wheel, new gauges and upgraded trim including even more Milano premium leather. Mated to the standard 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 is a new six-speed automatic promising improved performance and better fuel economy (the 2010 EPA rating is 16/21, an improvement of 1 mpg in both city and highway).

Acura will offer five trim levels of the MDX, the least expensive of which will start at $42,230 (*plus $810 destination and handling) while the flagship MDX with Advance & Entertainment Packages is $53,755 (plus D&H). Note that the base price for a 2009 model was $40,990 minus the destination fee, which means that you'll be paying an extra $1,240 or 3 percent for all those updates. For full pricing information, check out the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Acura MDX

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading Acura prices refreshed-for-2010 MDX from $42,230*

Acura prices refreshed-for-2010 MDX from $42,230* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX gets new nose, powertrain improvements

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Acura, First Drives

2010 Acura MDX - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For the 2010 model year, Acura has updated the style and substance of the MDX, revamping the exterior to tie-in with the rest of the automaker's line-up and making a few upgrades to its powertrain to keep up with the competition.

Obviously, the biggest change is the adoption of Acura's new corporate fascia. If you can get passed the massive shield, you'll notice a modified lower valence and a set of reworked headlamps that, like the updated RDX, retain their shape but benefit from a few tweaks to the interior elements. Out back, the changes are noticeably more subtle, with a splash of chrome trim and re-shaped exhaust pipes that tie the exterior elements together.

Gallery: Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX

Continue reading Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX gets new nose, powertrain improvements

Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX gets new nose, powertrain improvements originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile

Chris Paukert — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Lincoln MKT

Ford has a major-league hit on its hands with the 2009 Flex crossover - with the media. Sadly, despite its varied and considerable charms, sales haven't met the Blue Oval's admittedly lofty expectations. Blame the recession, blame the marketing department, blame the Flex's divisive styling, blame what you will, but Dearborn is plainly going to have to find more volume for its D4 platform. Enter the 2010 Lincoln MKT.

It doesn't take more than a brief glance to realize that Ford's stylists have exacted much more than a quick nip/tuck on the rectilinear Flex en-route to minting this new Lincoln. But beyond the crossover's assertive looks, there is a host of new technology on offer inside and out that should help put the MKT on luxury crossover shopping lists. Follow the jump to learn more about the MKT and read Lincoln's official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile

Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorting out the automotive alphanumeric name-game

Joel Arellano — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Etc.

Quick: Is an RX a Lexus, or a Mercedes-Benz? It's a Lexus. What about an XG?* And is the "M" an Acura, BMW, Lincoln, or Nissan? Well, that depends on whom you ask (as explained here, Acura squares off with Lincoln, and here, BMW suing Nissan).

Kim Seung-hyun of the JoongAng Daily tries to clear which alphanumeric name belongs to which brand and how each company arrived at their respective nomenclature schemes. The Hyundai Grandeur L330, for example, refers to its engine capacity of 3300 cubic centimeters. Peugeot use a three-digit naming scheme where the first number indicates the vehicle's make like a compact, mid-sized sedan, etc., while the third number tells what generation it is. Details on the naming scheme for BMW, Renault, and others can be found at the link. Bonus points to anyone that can recall what Merkur's XR4Ti nameplate stands for.

For everyone else who is still confused, be sure to check out our own Chris Paukert's Alphanumeric Soup rant over at TheTruthAboutCars.com for a moment of clarity.

*The XG's, as in XG 30, XG 300, and XG 350, used to be Hyundai's flagship. The Azera has replaced it.

[Sources: JoongAng Daily, TheTruthAboutCars.com]

Sorting out the automotive alphanumeric name-game originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Apr 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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