2008 Acura MDX Press Kit
Overview
The 2008 Acura MDX
The original Acura MDX, produced from 2001 to 2006 model years, broke new ground in the emerging luxury SUV segment. Now, the 2008 MDX takes its predecessor's best qualities and radically expands them, pushing performance and sophistication in the luxury SUV segment to new levels.
Benchmarked against some of the best performance SUVs in the world and tuned on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany, the new MDX clearly establishes itself as a driver's SUV. Outfitted with Acura's tenacious Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) systems and an available Elite package with an Active Damper System, the MDX yields a combination of handling and comfort that is truly on the cutting edge.
The Canadian-built 2008 Acura MDX advances its styling direction and is thorough in its safety and environmental responsibilities. Included as standard equipment is the largest array of safety features in Acura history. Also, the MDX's class-leading 300-hp VTEC V-6 makes as much power as some competitive V-8s, yet delivers ultra-low emissions and excellent fuel economy. Inside the 7-passenger interior, the MDX offers thoughtful luxury and an unmatched range of advanced available technologies, including the Acura Bilingual Voice Recognition Navigation System, a spectacular 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium Sound System and XM® Satellite Radio.
Altogether, the 2008 MDX embodies Acura's commitment to performance, luxury, quality and style, together with a global mandate for safety and environmental care. The MDX is the sixth Acura project to be designed in North America. Other North American-designs include the '97 CL, '99 TL, '01 CL, '01 MDX, and '04 TL.
BODY & CHASSIS
The 2008 MDX sets new standards for Acura from styling, engineering, handling and safety standpoints. Its dramatic styling utilizes large surface areas, sweeping curves and decisive angles. Longer, wider and lower (and with a longer wheelbase) than the original MDX, the new dimensions create a more athletic appearance.
The 2008 MDX maintains the same weight as the 2006 MDX, proof of the hard work that engineers invested to keep mass out of the new vehicle in spite of added feature content. Contributing to this success on the MDX is widespread use of high-strength steel, as well as aluminum and even magnesium. In addition, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) unit body structure brings new levels of front crash safety to the MDX.
Befitting its position as Acura's flagship SUV, the MDX is equipped with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) low-beam headlights, a dramatic array of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in the tail lamps and center high-mounted stoplight, and exterior mirror-mounted turn signals. The new grille also reflects a fresh look for Acura SUVs. Careful aerodynamic tailoring reduces drag noise and high speed dynamic stability. The 2008 MDX has an all-new chassis to complement its 300-horsepower VTEC® V-6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™). Engineers targeted the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne when developing the MDX chassis, and then tested and refined it at the Nürburgring circuit. The Active Damper System, available in the Elite Package, has proprietary fully active dampers that adjust to road conditions on a real-time basis – in less than five milliseconds (0.005 sec.). The MDX is also at home off-road, where its excellent engine torque, responsive suspension and generous ground clearance enable it to cross-step through rough terrain with ease.
For family recreation, the new MDX tows as well as it goes. With its 2,268-kg (5,000-lb) towing rating, standard trailer pre-wiring, high-capacity radiator with twin cooling fans, ATF cooler and Trailer Stability Assist, the MDX needs only a dealer-installed hitch and wiring harness to tow a substantial trailer.
INTERIOR
Acura reinvents the MDX's luxurious interior for 2008 while adding to its appeal as a "Driver's SUV." The cockpit environment is focused on the driver with a host of technologies to make driving simultaneously more rewarding and relaxing. The interior styling and functionality perfectly co-exist with a driver's cockpit that features a 10-way power seat including power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver, electronic tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a 2-position custom memory system, and a Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions.
The interior design is as dynamic and contemporary as the exterior, with a "4+3 seating" concept that luxuriously hosts four passengers in the first and second row seats, while also offering comfortable accommodations for three additional passengers (one in the second row and two in the third row). The front passenger enjoys an 8-way power seat of their own, while everyone on board will appreciate the MDX's Tri-Zone automatic climate control system and new 253-watt, 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA changer, AM/FM tuner, and XM® Satellite Radio. An auxiliary jack for personal audio devices is also included. Standard convenience features include HomeLink®, Smart Maintenance, and adaptive and flexible cargo space with six configurations. Included in the Elite Package is a power tailgate – the first on an Acura SUV.
SAFETY
A new Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) unit body structure, plus several new passive-safety technologies, help bring the 2008 MDX to the next level of safety. The ACE™ unit body structure more evenly distributes collision forces and helps maintain the integrity of the passenger cabin in the event of a severe frontal collision. The MDX is also less intrusive to smaller vehicles in a head-on collision thanks to a special frame member located below the front bumper that's designed to engage the front bumper of smaller vehicles. The 2008 MDX meets two newly upgraded U.S. federal collision regulations, FMVSS 208 and FMVSS 301, which will begin to be required for the 2008 model year.
Also new are active head restraints and dual-stage knee bolsters for the driver and front passenger. The driver and front passenger are protected by dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and side airbags with front passenger Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). Occupants in all three rows of outboard seats are protected by side curtain airbags. A rollover sensor adds a further level of protection.
The 2008 Acura MDX continues its "Safety Through Innovation" with pedestrian protection features such as a deformable aluminum hood and hood hinges, and breakaway windshield-wiper pivots.
MANUFACTURING QUALITY
Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario, was chosen as the assembly plant for the new MDX. A special dynamic quality-control process will be used to ensure the highest possible level of attention to detail for every MDX produced. After assembly is completed, each MDX will enter a special Acura Quality line. The ability to immediately respond to the smallest quality issue positions the MDX to excel in quality and in customer satisfaction.
