Honda Car Forum

Benchmarked against some of the best performance SUVs in the world and tuned
on the world famous Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, the completely redesigned
2007 MDX expands on the capabilities - and the appeal - of its highly
successful predecessor. With substantial advances in power, handling, traction,
luxury, and style, the MDX pushes performance and sophistication in the luxury
SUV segment to new heights. The largest and most powerful V-6 engine in Acura
history gives the MDX class-leading power and excellent fuel economy while Super
Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) offers all-weather traction
coupled with exceptional steering response and cornering prowess. An optional
Active Damper System included in the available Sport Package helps give the
MDX outstanding chassis control in performance driving, while retaining the
comfortable, quiet ride that drivers of luxury vehicles demand. And, in traditional
Acura fashion, the 7-passenger MDX has industry-leading standard and available
electronics that make the luxurious driver-oriented interior a comfortably connected
place.

"The MDX will once again set a new standard in the luxury SUV segment,
just as it did when it was first introduced," said Dick Colliver, executive
vice president, sales. "Bold styling, track tuned performance and the
latest technology make the MDX one of the most advanced SUVs on the road."

Driving the MDX's newfound performance is an all-new 3.7-liter VTEC®
V-6 that is the most powerful normally aspirated 6-cylinder SUV powerplant currently
available in America. Rated at 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 275 lbs.-ft. of
torque at 5000 rpm, it features a dual-stage intake manifold and an electronic
Drive-by-Wire Throttle System™ to help it deliver V-8 like performance
with the fuel economy of a V-6. The MDX returns an EPA-estimated 17/22 mpg (City/Highway),
placing it among the leaders of its SUV class. Despite gains in displacement,
horsepower and torque, the MDX meets tough CARB LEV-2/ULEV emissions standards.

The MDX has a standard 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and Grade
Logic Control designed to maximize acceleration and fuel economy. Operated via
a console-mounted shifter, the Sequential SportShift transmission can function
in conventional fully automatic mode, or in manual mode for maximum driver control.
With its standard fluid cooler, the MDX's upgraded transmission is a key
component supporting the MDX's increased 5000 lb. tow rating.

The all-new MDX features Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™
(SH-AWD™). Mechanically similar to the system in the RDX, this innovative
full-time all-wheel-drive system actively distributes the optimum amount of
torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and
right rear wheels. By distributing power to help control yaw throughout a turn,
SH-AWD™ improves traction and reduces understeer to improve handling precision.
Working in conjunction with the MDX's standard cooperative Vehicle Stability
Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, SH-AWD™ provides enhanced
traction and driver control, on- or off-road, in rain, snow or ice. When towing,
special Trailer Stability Assist algorithms built into the VSA® logic help
stabilize the vehicle after sensing oscillations of the vehicle and trailer
system. For optimum stopping performance, the MDX has a standard 4-wheel anti-lock
braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

With its new emphasis on sporting performance, the second-generation
MDX targeted the dynamics and driving feel of its strongest European SUV competitors.
This led to the development of a platform with a longer wheelbase, new suspension
geometry and calibrations that were tuned on Germany's demanding Nurburgring
Nordschleife race circuit.

For an optimized combination of ride comfort and fine handling control, the
available Sport Package includes the Active Damper System. Tuned specifically
for the MDX, these active dampers can individually adjust from minimum to maximum
damping force in as little as five milliseconds (0.005 sec.) to provide improved
transient handling, road isolation, and body control. To increase strength while
minimizing weight, the MDX takes full advantage of greater use of high strength
steel and lightweight aluminum than its predecessor.

The all-new MDX has distinctive exterior styling that builds on the themes
embodied in recent Acura products. Framed by high-intensity discharge (HID)
headlights, the grille retains Acura's trademark pentagon shape, but is
30% larger than that of the previous MDX. The MDX rides on standard 18-inch
alloy wheels, and is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor. The body's
cleanly sculpted shapes echo those of a high-end megayacht.

The MDX interior blends purposeful sport sedan intensity with the best elements
of SUV utility. Soft leather, highly supportive front bucket seats and a driver-oriented
cockpit make it clear that the new MDX is focused on the driver, without compromising
passenger comfort. The outboard second-row seats echo the style and lateral
support of the front seats, giving the interior a unique 4+3 seating design,
highlighting its blend of sport and utility. There are many possible configurations
for the MDX's three rows of seating, providing a maximum useable cargo
volume of 83.5 cubic feet with the second and third row seats folded to provide
a flat load floor.

True to form for Acura, the MDX has an impressive selection of standard electronic
features that are designed for convenience and ease of use; a Tri-Zone automatic
climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, a Multi-Information
Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions, and the HandsFreeLink®
wireless telephone interface that connects with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones
(sold separately). In addition, a 253-watt Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM
tuner, 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA changer, XM® Satellite Radio, 8 speakers,
and an auxiliary jack for personal audio devices comes standard.

Three optional packages are offered on the MDX; Technology, Entertainment
and Sport. The Technology Package features a spectacular 410-watt, 10-speaker
Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc CD/DVD-Audio
changer, AM/FM tuner, and XM® Satellite Radio. Engineered by Grammy®
award-winning recording engineer and producer Elliott Scheiner, this advanced
410-watt system delivers six discreet audio channels (instead of the usual two)
when playing DVD-Audio discs (DVD-A). The Technology Package also includes the
Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, which can display up-to-the-minute
traffic information including freeway flow, accident, construction and weather
conditions in 44 major metro areas (where available). In addition, the 8-inch
(diagonal) Navigation screen displays the image from a rearview camera when
the transmission is placed in reverse. Also featured is AcuraLink™ Satellite
Communication System with Real Time Traffic which allows for 2-way communication
between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers the latest information specific
to their vehicle. The final element of the Technology Package links climate
control to GPS to automatically adjust the temperature and fan speed according
to the position of the sun.

The Entertainment Package focuses on enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.
A large 9-inch (diagonal) flip-down TFT (Thin Film Transistor) color screen
is mounted in an overhead console to provide on-the-road entertainment for the
second and third row passengers. Audio plays through the MDX's speakers
in Dolby Digital surround sound, via two wireless Personal Surround headphones
and three audio jacks. The package also includes a 110-volt AC power outlet
on the center console, second-row heated outboard seats and a remote power-operated
tailgate.

The Sport Package includes all of the upgrades of the Technology Package and
adds additional upgrades such as exclusive alloy wheel design and auto-leveling
headlights. As the center focus of the Sport Package, the Active Damper System
features proprietary fully active dampers that adjust to road conditions on
a real-time basis to boost handling precision while maintaining a smooth and
controlled ride. Inside, premium full-grain leather seating surfaces and unique
textured metallic accents on radio, cupholder and shifter trims are included.

The new MDX provides state-of-the-art safety for its passengers. A new Advanced
Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) unit body structure evenly distributes
collision forces and helps maintain the integrity of the passenger cabin in
the event of a severe frontal collision. A special frame member located below
the front bumper is designed to engage the front bumper of a lower vehicle,
allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more
efficiently.

Inside the handsomely appointed interior, passengers will find more advanced
safety features, including the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold
airbags for the driver and front passenger. There are also side airbags for
the driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor
for all outboard occupants. Front active head restraints help reduce the chance
of neck injury and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) mounting systems
in the second row of seating allow quick and secure installation of child seats.

Developed at Honda Research of the Americas, the MDX will be assembled at
Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario. Like all Acura models, the
2007 MDX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited
warranty and a 6-year/70,000 powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership
benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour
roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For
media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.