2018 Acura MDX Brings Updated Tech and Sporty Colors; A Perennial Best-Seller Gets Even Stronger

2018 Acura MDX Brings Updated Tech and Sporty Colors; A Perennial Best-Seller Gets Even Stronger

2018 Acura MDX Brings Updated Tech and Sporty Colors; A Perennial Best-Seller Gets Even Stronger

The powerful and sophisticated 2018 Acura MDX luxury SUV begins arriving at Acura dealerships tomorrow with a faster, more capable and modern user interface, vivid new colors and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)1 starting at $44,200, just $150 more than the outgoing model. The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time3 and has been recognized by Edmunds.com as the “Most Wanted Luxury Midsize SUV” (2017) and as “Best Luxury Three-Row SUV for the Money” (2017) by U.S. News & World Report.

For 2018, the Acura MDX features a redesigned dual-screen user interface(ODMD 2.0) with more intuitive menus and command structures complemented by a new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen (previously resistive type) with a 30-percent faster response time. It includes support for Apple CarPlay™, which seamlessly integrates compatible iPhones in the car, allowing users to get directions optimized for traffic, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music. It also supports Android Auto™ compatibility – putting some of the most useful Android phone apps on the MDX’s display.

Two new eye-catching exterior colors expand the MDX color palette for 2018: Basque Red, available on base and Technology trims, and sporty San Marino Red on Advance trims.

2018 Acura MDX Brings Updated Tech and Sporty Colors; A Perennial Best-Seller Gets Even Stronger

Powertrain
The 2018 Acura MDX features a 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC® 24-valve V6 engine rated at 290 peak horsepower (SAE net) and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque (SAE net) and is available in front-wheel drive or with Acura’s signature Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. The MDX with front-wheel drive and Idle Stop (included with Advance package) has an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined2, while the MDX with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) and Idle Stop (included with Advance package) is EPA rated at 19 mpg city/26 highway/22 combined2.

The 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model receives the same updates as the conventional MDX and will go on sale this winter. The MDX Sport Hybrid is the newest model in Acura’s lineup to utilize its revolutionary three-motor Sport Hybrid powertrain with electric torque vectoring, joining the NSX supercar and RLX Sport Hybrid as the third member of the Acura family to benefit from this proprietary technology.

Premium Features
The 2018 MDX offers a broad range of standard and available comfort and convenience features including an available Surround-View Camera System (a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera is standard), heated steering wheel, Smart Entry Keyless Access System and push-button start. The 2018 Acura MDX Technology and Advance packages add two 20-inch wheel and tire options, Bi-Directional Keyless Remote Engine Start, power folding side mirrors and HD Traffic.

In addition, the Advance grades include LED fog lights, genuine wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and a Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles. Advance models can also be equipped with two second-row captain’s chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports for third-row passengers. An ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System is also available on models with the Advance Entertainment Package.

2018 Acura MDX Brings Updated Tech and Sporty Colors; A Perennial Best-Seller Gets Even Stronger

Standard Safety and Driver Assistive Technology
Similar to other Acura models, the 2018 Acura MDX offers the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). The 2018 Acura MDX earned a 5-Star NCAP overall vehicle score from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is expected to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

courtesy: hondanews.com

Acura Earns Two Class Victories and Sets Record at 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura Earns Two Class Victories and Sets Record at 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura Earns Two Class Victories and Sets Record at 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura entries were victorious at the 95th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this past weekend. Making its first run to the 14,115-foot summit, the TLX GT, driven by long-time Acura race car driver Peter Cunningham, set a new Open Class record with a time of 9:33.797, finishing second overall and earning Cunningham “Rookie of the Year” honors for the annual event. The 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec, making its racing debut, won the top spot in the Exhibition Class with a time of 11:03.655, while the production-based NSX with GT3-inspired modifications earned a podium finish in 10:03.433, taking third place in the Time Attack 1 class.

“Just an incredible month of June was had by RealTime Racing in Colorado. Today’s result on the hill is the culmination of a ton of hard work by my team and the Honda Performance Development group,” said Cunningham. “The No. 42 Acura TLX GT achieved 100 percent reliability and great speed, including the time that mattered today on our one 12.42-mile run from the 9,390-foot start line to the 14,115-foot summit. “Congratulations to my Acura teammates Nick Robinson, securing the Exhibition Class title, and James Robinson, bringing home a podium in his Time Attack 1 NSX,” continued Cunningham. “A fantastic day for Acura at Pikes Peak!”

Acura Earns Two Class Victories and Sets Record at 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

“I couldn’t be happier with our finish today with the Time Attack 1 NSX,” said James Robinson. “Our time of 10:03 was very close to our goal to get a mass production NSX under 10 minutes. I think this speaks directly to the effectiveness of the Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. In addition, we were able to get a third place in the Time Attack 1 class, and 7th fastest car overall.

“I’m very proud to say that we were able to give the brand-new 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec its first win here at Pikes Peak,” said Nick Robinson. “Combined with Peter’s win in the Open Class, I think we’ve really shown the Precision Crafted Performance of the TLX here at America’s Mountain!”

This is the sixth consecutive year that Acura has raced vehicles in the Pikes Peak event.

courtesy: hondanews.com

Acura Precision Concept Points To Bold Future For Acura Design

Acura Precision Concept

The Acura Precision Concept model made its world debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show today, pointing toward a bolder, more distinctive future for Acura vehicle design. The Acura Precision Concept was developed by the Acura Design Studio in California to express the Acura brand DNA of “Precision Crafted Performance.”

“There is no more clear promise for the Acura brand than Precision Crafted Performance,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of Acura. “We’re committed to infusing this core Acura promise into every facet of our products and every aspect of our relationship with the customer.”

With an emphasis on high-contrast details and the intersection of modern, sheer surfaces and muscular, organic sculpting, the Acura Precision Concept communicates Acura’s focus on performance and prestige through its ultra-low and wide stance, long dash-to-axle ratio, deeply sculpted surfaces and the debut of a new Diamond Pentagon grille.

“The Acura Precision Concept is more than simply a concept vehicle, it is a design study model that literally will shape the direction of all future Acura products around our Precision Crafted Performance DNA,” said Dave Marek, Acura global creative director. “The Acura Precision Concept is the leading edge of a renewed commitment to delivering Precision Crafted Performance in every facet of the product experience and creating a powerful and very exciting direction for the next generation of Acura models.”

The Acura Precision Concept’s crouched and athletic stance is further emphasized by its deeply sculpted side surfaces pouring over swelling rear wheel arches covering 22-inch wheels and tires. The forward-looking concept also features signature lighting designs – in front with its Jewel Constellation LED headlights composed of organically arranged fractal elements, and in back with floating LED taillights.

A key design theme, dubbed “quantum continuum,” is seen in the seamless transition of materials and structure from the exterior to the interior of the vehicle, which is further highlighted by the absence of a b-pillar. The large door rocker panel flows into the interior side sill, transitioning into a cantilever for the floating rear seats. The rear center high-mounted stoplight becomes an architecture element piercing the rear glass and then flowing down to help form the structure for the metal airfoil shape of the rear headrests.
The elegant and powerful exterior is matched by its dramatic interior design, where cantilevered surfaces meet with striking tones, expressive surfacing and modern detailing. Of particular note are the double-layered instrument panel, the high-contrast front seat surfaces, the ultra-thin “floating” rear seats, evoking the look of modern lounge furniture, and the hand-crafted audio speaker grilles made of exotic wood.

The driver’s space is highlighted by a compact, race-inspired, sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) controls, a floating center meter, a driver’s head-up display, a cantilevered center stack and an ultra-wide, thin and curved center display screen.


New Acura HMI Concept

The Acura Precision Concept also explores a new approach for Acura’s digital human-machine interface (HMI), enabling a more intuitive, advanced and seamless connection between man and machine. The ultra-wide and curved center screen is operated by a floating touch pad suspended on the cantilevered center stack. Upon entry, the system scans each occupant and selects personalized features and functions, including maps, audio and customized vehicle performance settings.
Acura Precision Concept dimensions:

Width 84 inches
Length 204 inches
Height 52 inches
Wheelbase 122 inches
Wheel/Tire – 5-spoke machined wheels
– 22-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport Summer Tire

About the Acura Precision Concept

The Acura Precision Concept was created to explore new and challenging ideas for future Acura design, particularly Acura sedans. The concept was created by Acura’s California Design Studio under the direction of Acura global creative director, Dave Marek. The exterior design was led by Michelle Christensen, principal exterior designer, with the interior design created under the leadership of John Norman, principal interior designer. Both Christensen and Norman also played a key role in the creation of the next-generation Acura NSX supercar.

courtesy: www.acura.com