The all new 2001 Acura MDX
NEW YORK - Acura took the wraps off its all-new MDX luxury sport-utility vehicle at the
New York International Auto Show today. Slated to go on sale this fall as a 2001 model,
the MDX is a fully-featured luxury SUV that combines exhilarating performance and
outstanding all-weather handling with an expected five-star safety performance rating,
class-leading fuel economy, 50-state ultra-low vehicle emissions (ULEV) and a uniquely
transformable seven-passenger interior.
"The Acura MDX redefines what a luxury SUV can be," said Tom Elliott,
executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Before MDX, if you wanted
an SUV with a flexible interior capable of seven passengers, you could expect to drive a
gas-guzzling monster truck. If it was European handling and performance you desired, a
lofty price bought you limited space and utility. The MDX is the first luxury SUV to
deliver the sport and the utility consumers desire in one thoroughly refined
vehicle."
An innovative new fully automatic four-wheel drive system combines the best elements of
full-time and automatic four-wheel drive to deliver a truly superior level of driver
control in all types of weather and road conditions.
The MDX delivers more performance than any of its direct luxury competitors, providing
240-horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque from an advanced, all-aluminum, 3.5-liter V-6
engine with VTEC (Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology mated to a five
speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Engine enhancements similar to
those found in Acura's new high-performance coupe, the 3.2 CL Type S, provide for
exhilarating power and a broad, flat torque curve (95-percent of peak torque available
from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm).
A four-wheel fully independent suspension, standard 17-inch alloy wheels and specially
designed P235/65R-17 all-season tires further enhance the MDX's sporty performance and
all-weather handling capabilities.
A uniquely transformable interior delivers unprecedented levels of flexibility and
utility in a luxury SUV and is capable of accommodating seven passengers.
Second- and third-row seats that split and fold flat into the floor make for an
interior that can be quickly and easy reconfigured to accommodate anywhere from one to
seven passengers and a wide variety of cargo, from recreation to gardening equipment,
including a six foot ladder. A wide track and flat floor design further enhance the
vehicle's passenger and cargo carrying capabilities.
- Ultra-Low Emissions and Best-in-Class Fuel Economy
In keeping with the company's role as a leader in environmental technologies, the Acura
MDX will be the first sport-utility vehicle to meet California's Ultra-Low Emissions
Vehicle (ULEV) requirement in all 50 states and the first SUV equipped with an on-board
vapor recovery system to reduce emissions from fuel evaporation during refueling.
The MDX also boasts the best fuel economy performance of any vehicle in its class with
an estimated EPA city/highway rating of 17/23 mpg, making it one of the cleanest, most
fuel-efficient, sport-utility vehicles on the road.
MDX engineers targeted the highest levels of safety for all passengers and equipped the
MDX with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features. Internal crash test data
confirms an expected NHTSA five-star rating in safety performance for all passengers in
frontal and side collisions.
Advanced safety features include dual-threshold front airbags; dual-stage passenger
airbag; driver and passenger advanced side air bags with passenger size and position
sensors; energy-absorbing body structure with passenger compartment safety shell;
side-impact door beams and four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock brakes. The front structure
of the MDX was also designed to attain crash compatibility with passenger cars in frontal
collisions.
- Acura VTM-4 Four-Wheel Drive
Delivering power to all four wheels is Acura's innovative new VTM-4 (Variable Torque
Management-4WD) fully-automatic four-wheel drive system. Using advanced electronic sensing
and exclusive control mechanisms, VTM-4 monitors the vehicle's dynamic condition and
proactively transfers engine torque from front to rear to counteract wheel slippage and
other undesirable handling characteristics like torque steer and snap oversteer. Unlike
conventional automatic 4WD systems, VTM-4 proactively distributes engine torque during
acceleration before wheel slip occurs.
Test engineers logged thousands of miles achieving the optimal balance between the
chassis, engine, tires and the VTM-4 system. The result is a vehicle that delivers
tremendous levels of agility and controllability in all types of weather and varying road
conditions.
An optional Acura Navigation System with DVD (digital versatile disc) contains mapping
of the continental US on a single disc and features a new line trace function that leaves
"electronic bread crumbs" on the navigation screen for tracing your steps during
off-road excursions in unmapped areas.
The MDX, like all Acura vehicles, comes equipped with a comprehensive
4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty that includes Acura's TLC (Total Luxury Care) customer
service package.
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