Sketches Hint at Big Styling Changes for Future AcurasAcura is on an SUV roll (fortunately not a roll-over) for 2006. First,
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| RDX Prototype showed that as far as innovation goes, the wheel has just started to turn. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
the brand debuted the RDX Prototype at this year's Detroit auto show in January, an impressive product that's sure to strike hard in the compact premium SUV segment (BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander, etc). It came packed with plenty of surprising goodies that weren't expected, like the sublime Super Handling AWD system, first seen on the top of the line Acura RL, as well as a Honda of America first, a production turbocharged engine.
The
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| Here's its precursor, the RDX Concept. Note the slight differences. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
second step for Acura SUV lineup will be the evolution of the brand's midsize seven-seater premium luxury SUV -- in concept form, of course! The MDX Concept, like the RDX, the RL and the TL Concepts, is essentially a car that's just one step away from being a true production car or prototype. It serves to wet the appetite; a means to demonstrate the shape, proportions, styling cues and technologies that will be featured in the production model. Interestingly, the production version of the MDX debuted at the NYIAS, back in 2000.
In these preliminary renderings, it's clear that Acura's
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| Ah, yes, here's the new MDX. It's a bit different looking than most Acuras. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
designers penned it with similar styling cues to the RDX. The rear half features the same upward-canted tail lamps, as well as the vertical crease that runs from the bumper up through the rear tailgate. The front, on the other hand, takes the Acura nose in a whole new direction; the shape of the grille has been enlarged, stretched downwards, taking a much more prominent role. The headlamps are narrower, skinnier and more angular than before, too. All in all, the MDX Concept wears a thoroughly futuristic face.
On
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| Rear end has more resemblance to the RDX than the front. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
the subject of design, Dick Colliver, executive VP of Honda said, "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... 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."
Like the RDX, Acura will be launching the MDX as a 2007 model this
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| 2007 will be the year of the Acura SUV, starting with the RDX. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
year. While the RDX is scheduled to go on sale this summer, the MDX won't be shown in true production or prototype form until late this year, perhaps at the LA motor show, which has been relocated to November, 2006, from when it used to take place at the beginning of January each year. As for production, the MDX will continue to be a Canadian-built product, assembled at Honda's award-winning Alliston, Ontario plant.
On
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| Excellent products, such as this current MDX helped Acura surpass the 200,000 unit per year mark in North America. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
a related note, Acura is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a brand; it turned the big 2-0 on March 27th, just four days ago. Acura was the first Japanese brand to launch in North America, with its Legend luxury sedan, and since that time it has grown into a serious player in the luxury segment, selling over 200,000 vehicles per year in North America. In fact, roughly two-thirds of all Acuras sold in North America are built here. To commemorate the event, and the brand's historical achievements, Acura announced that it would be building its own design studio, located in Torrence, California, scheduled to open during the summer of 2007.
