AutoGuide.com Reviews the 2014 Acura MDX (Video)

2014 Acura MDX Foreshadows Next Honda Ridgeline

by Mark Williams

If ever there was a truck in desperate need of performance and styling updating it's the Honda Ridgeline. Essentially using the same chassis and powertrain strategy since its 2005 introduction (as a 2006 model), the Ridgeline is built off a modified version of the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey platforms.

So far Honda has been tight-lipped about what types of changes could be coming for a next-generation Ridgeline — that is if Honda decides to stick with the vehicle at all. Some reports we've heard have the Ridgeline taking a year or two off from production to give Honda engineers time to make the pickup trucklet a better midsize competitor and/or a better player against full-size competitors.

We recently had the chance to catch up some key Honda engineers during the introduction of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX. Although they never directly made comments about the next-gen Ridgeline, we were able to read between the lines. Sure, the MDX and Ridgeline are two very different vehicles with very different capabilities and customer profiles, but there are likely to be several clues in the new MDX that could impact a future Ridgeline — mostly because they will continue to be produced at the same Lincoln, Ala., plant where the Ridgline's siblings — the Pilot, Odyssey and MDX — will continue production. Just as the last-gen MDX structure had similarities to the current Ridgeline, the new MDX could be a preview of a new Ridgeline strategy.

Jim Keller is the large project leader for the new MDX, which means he manages the engineers (engine, body, electrical, etc.), many of whom are also working on other platforms in Alabama. Based on the last-generation MDX, Pilot and Ridgeline, we can expect a new, lighter and stronger substructure (now with plenty of high-strength steel) will make it into all similar vehicles, with each of the rear suspensions getting a unique design and tune.

The MDX has departed from its previous trailering arm/link strategy in favor of a new stiffer and less complicated three-link setup. With that said, the current Ridgeline did not exactly use the previous-gen MDX's rear suspension; instead it used a highly modified and reinforced setup over the rear axle for handling heavier loads and towing.

To be competitive, a new Ridgeline will have to get lighter, stronger, offer better fuel economy (possibly another powertrain choice), be more versatile and deliver additional, unique (we like the bed trunk) storage solutions. If Honda wants to increase the appeal of the Ridgeline, it's going to have to make it attractive to traditional pickup buyers who understand what trucks are designed for and can do.

From what we've heard from those who considered purchasing a Ridgeline (and we know how passionate Ridgeline owners are), the vehicle needs to get a little more traditional to capture the attention of prospective buyers. We'd also suggest stuffing more clever storage compartments inside and outside the truck. Of course, a little fuel-saving technology couldn't hurt either.

Source;
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2013/06/2014-acura-mdx-foreshadows-next-honda-ridgeline.html

2014 Acura MDX Production Begins in Alabama

The mass production of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX luxury SUV has begun at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, with the vehicle set to go on sale at US dealers nationwide in the coming weeks.

Designed, engineered and developed in the United States, the seven-seater vehicle received a new platform for 2014 and Acura says it will come with improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, class-leading fuel economy and enhanced dynamic performance. Also, the Japanese company claims the new MDX will achieve the highest available safety rating.

"What a beautiful vehicle we have created together," said Jim Keller, chief engineer for the 2014 Acura MDX at Honda R&D in Raymond, Ohio. "Today we celebrate not a finish line, but a starting line. Our race is just beginning, and to win this race takes a constant and committed focus on quality and on the customer."

Honda also announced that the 2014 Acura MDX will be offered for the first time with a more affordable and more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration, but pricing information has yet to be revealed. Besides the Acura MDX, the Alabama facility also builds Honda vehicles such as the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot SUV and the Ridgeline pickup.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2014-acura-mdx-production-begins-in-alabama-58912.html

All-New 2014 Acura MDX to Restake Luxury SUV Benchmark Status at the 2013 New York International Auto Show

With its sharpened performance, efficient design, and refined cabin, the third-generation MDX aims to redefine the 7-passenger luxury SUV segment

03/18/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif 

 

The production version of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX will be unveiled March 27, at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), which will further cement the model's position as the benchmark in the three-row luxury SUV category. Utilizing a completely new platform that has been optimized in every respect, the seven-passenger MDX will offer enhanced ride comfort, a more versatile cabin, and increased fuel efficiency, while also improving dynamic performance.

The new third-generation 2014 Acura MDX is equipped with a highly efficient direct-injected 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), and will be offered in both SH-AWD and 2-wheel-drive drivetrain variants, the latter configuration being a first for the model. The 2014 MDX features a longer wheelbase that raises ride quality, increases second-row legroom, and improves third-row seat access. In addition, the 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a collection of Acura signature technologies, including the next-generation of the AcuraLink® Connectivity System and Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps.

The 2014 MDX offers a collection of innovative driver assistive and visibility technologies such as the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and the available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and Blind Spot Information (BSI). The third-generation MDX is also equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure and the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems. Further, the 2014 MDX is expected to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS.

The Acura press conference is scheduled for 12:10 PM (EDT) on March 27, 2013 inside the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Shortly after, the recorded press conference will be available for view on www.acuranews.com and www.youtube.com/acura. For members of the media, press materials and photography will be posted at www.acuranews.com immediately following the press conference.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/all-new-2014-acura-mdx-to-restake-luxury-suv-benchmark-status-at-the-2013-new-york-international-auto-show