Acura MDX gets stability assist and more power

Automotive Industries,  March, 2003  by Andrea Wielgat

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The Basics

For 2003, Acura upgraded its MDX sport utility with the addition of several new under-the-hood features. While the look of the vehicle remains the same the performance and safety aspects of the vehicle are improved. The car-like, family-sized luxury SUV continues to compete with the BMW X5, Volvo XC9O and the ML320. "We positioned the MDX right in the middle of the family market target area," says John Watts, manager of Acura product planning.

Details

Engine: Acura increased the horsepower on the MDX from 240 to 260 while increasing torque and lowering emissions. To do this Acura reduced the intake port length. The shorter velocity stacks increase the intake flow at high rpms. The company also increased cam lift by 0.5 mm and replaced pintle type fuel injectors with orifice type injectors. A new high-flow exhaust system adds close coupled catalytic converters, which removes the need for double-walled exhaust pipes.

The '03 MDX also has a drive-by-wire throttle system that is similar to the system used on the Acura NSX. It controls the throttle during shifting providing for smoother shifts. It also allows throttle control to be integrated into the vehicle's four-wheel drive and stability assist systems.

Optional Features: The MDX gets Honda and Acura's voice recognition system and updated navigation system. As part of the navigation system a rear view camera is located under the lift gate and when the vehicle is shifted into reverse a picture of the area behind the vehicle is displayed on the system's screen. The camera provides visual proof that a driver is not backing over a bike, garbage can or, in the worst case, a child.

The numbers: Acura says demand has been strong for the MDX since it was launched in Oct. 2000. "Our supply of inventory has been about one week since the launch of the vehicle," says Watts. The company expects to sell about 50,000 MDX's during 2003. Some 25 percent will be equipped with the optional navigation system while 30 percent of buyers will choose the DVD entertainment system.

That we think

Installing VSA on the MDX helps it perform outstandingly on ice. On pavement, it is also a smooth and quiet ride -- much smoother than some of its sportier competitors. The rear view camera is a very handy, but expensive, addition. It is available only with the navigation system and to get the navigation system a buyer must also upgrade to the touring package. This pushes the price upwards of $40,000 compared to the base $35,700 MDX. *

RELATED ARTICLE: 2003 Acura MDX

What Is it: A car-like, family-sized luxury SUV

Engine: 3.5L. SOHC V-6

Horsepower. 260 hp at 5,750 rpm

Torque: 250 lbs-ft at 3,500-5,000 rpm

Redline: 6,300 rpm

Displacement: 212 cubic inches

Layout: Transverse mounted, front engine, four wheel drive

Transmission: All-new, shorter, quieter and smoother 5-speed automatic

Four-wheel-drive and vehicle stability assist: Acura remapped its VTM4 four-wheel-drive system and installed a new vehicle stability assist (VSA) system

Supplier Involvement

Alpine: Navigation System

American Showa: Steering Gear

Bosch: ABS

Collins & Alkman: Floor System

Intertec: Instrument Panel

Johnson Controls: Seat Assembly

Listowel: Floor Console

M-Tek: Door Trim Panel, Headliner

Omron: Keyless Entry Control Unit

North American Lighting: Headlamp Assembly

Stanley: Tail Lamp

Takata: Airbag Module

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