We already
filled you in on the fact that the next Acura MDX will be venturing up to the Big Apple to make an appearance in concept
form, but we wanted to share Honda’s official concept drawing with you because it’s so darn cool. Check
out Autoblog this April 12 to get the skinny on the MDX and all of the other excellent concept and production vehicles
gracing the show with their respective presences.
Honda’s full release after the jump.
[Source: Honda]
Acura To Debut New MDX Concept
At New York International Auto Show
TORRANCE, Calif 03/27/2006 —
Celebrating
its 20th anniversary as a brand, Acura today announced plans to debut a concept version of the all-new MDX luxury
sport-utility vehicle, April 12, at the New York International Auto Show and released an artist’s rendering of the new
vehicle. Scheduled to debut later this year, the 2007 Acura MDX will be the second generation of Acura’s luxury SUV to
be designed, developed and manufactured exclusively in North America.
“The 2007 MDX will speak clearly to
the advanced image of Acura and promises to put MDX solidly at the front of the pack with a striking new image, new
technology and performance unmatched in the segment,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American
Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The designers and engineers working on this new MDX have a tremendous passion for this
product that will be evident in all aspects of its design and performance.”
The company made the
announcement on the 20th anniversary of its creation as the first Japanese luxury nameplate. “The pioneering
spirit that gave birth to Acura two decades ago is driving our continued advancement and innovative approach to
luxury,” said Colliver. “Acura is twenty years young today – stronger, faster, more nimble and more on the
cutting edge of automotive design and technology than at any time in its 20-year history.”
The company also
celebrated the groundbreaking for a new Acura-exclusive design facility – the Acura Design Center – scheduled to open in
the summer of 2007. This new facility, located at the company’s Torrance, California, headquarters will play a critical
role in the research and design of future Acura products and will serve to ensure that Acura continues to produce
distinctive designs that communicate the advanced style, performance and character of Acura.
Launched on March
27, 1986, Acura was the world’s first Japanese luxury nameplate and the first to challenge established European and
American luxury marques with its world-class engineering, product quality, value and advanced powertrain technology.
Its 20-year history of innovation includes the first Japanese exotic sports car, the highly-acclaimed Acura NSX, and
numerous technology firsts including the first automotive applications of in-dash navigation, Bluetooth(R) phone
integration and DVD-Audio surround sound. Acura was also the first Japanese luxury automaker to develop and
manufacturer its vehicles in North America, beginning with the 1997 Acura 2.2CL coupe. Today, nearly two-thirds of all
Acura vehicles sold in America are designed, developed and manufactured in North America.
In 2005, the Acura
Division recorded its third consecutive year of record sales, topping the two-hundred thousand mark for the first time
in the Division’s history. It’s class leading products include the Acura TL sedan, America’s best-selling luxury sedan
in 2004; the award-winning Acura MDX sport-utility vehicle; and the highly popular TSX sports sedan, three-time
recipient of Car and Driver magazine’s 10Best honors. Its top-of-the-line RL performance luxury sedan boasts numerous
technology innovations including AcuraLink Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic, Super Handling
All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and the first North American application of advanced Collision Mitigation Braking System
(CMBS) technology.
In 2006, Acura will introduce two all-new models – the 2007 Acura MDX and the completely new
RDX premium entry SUV. Equipped with an innovative new 2.3-liter turbocharged engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive,
the RDX combines sport-utility function with sports sedan handling and performance. The RDX will launch this summer as a
2007 model.