- The MDX is the most powerful, refined, sophisticated and technologically advanced Acura SUV for everyday driving
- New Sport Hybrid system delivers decisive power and control, gaining instant torque, 31 horsepower, and resulted in a 25 percent higher NRCan city fuel economy rating compared to the conventional MDX SH-AWD
- Model-exclusive active dampers deliver a superb blend of handling performance and ride quality
- MDX is the third model to apply Acura's ground-breaking 3-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, also found in the NSX and RLX
MARKHAM, Ont., April 7, 2017 – Acura's first-ever hybrid SUV, the 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid, will arrive at showrooms this spring with more than 30 additional horsepower and a 25 percent higher NRCan city fuel economy rating as compared to the conventionally-powered MDX SH-AWD. With a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $69,990, the MDX Sport Hybrid applies Acura's innovative three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, a ground-breaking technology first offered in the RLX Sport Hybrid and more recently, the NSX supercar.
The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is engineered for customers who desire the ultimate in driving refinement, technological sophistication and prestige in a three-row Acura SUV. Taking full advantage of the immediate, high-torque performance of its three powerful electric motors, along with the always-on capabilities of electric torque vectoring, the MDX Sport Hybrid substantially expands dynamic performance and fuel efficiency for luxury SUV customer's everyday driving needs – all without sacrificing interior space or cargo volume.
Unique elements of the MDX Sport Hybrid's design and engineering versus its non-hybrid counterpart include the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® powertrain with three electric motors and 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT), an advanced Electro Servo braking system, new and model-exclusive Active Damper technology, and an expanded-range Integrated Dynamics System with four distinct modes, including new SPORT+ mode.
The MDX Sport Hybrid's Integrated Dynamics System engages with nine different dynamic systems within the vehicle, including its electric motors, throttle, steering, transmission and Active Dampers, to provide the driver with an expanded range of selectable performance characteristics to suit their varied driving needs and desires.
New Features
- Three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® powertrain
- 3.0-liter, SOHC VTEC V-6 engine
- 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT)
- 4-mode Integrated Dynamics System with SPORT+ mode
- Active Dampers
- Electric Servo Brake System
- Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® badge on rear and Hybrid badges on front fenders
Powertrain
The MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain boasts a total system output of 321 horsepower and 289 lb.-ft. of torque, up 31 horsepower over the non-hybrid MDX, making it the most powerful Acura production SUV ever built. NRCan fuel economy ratings of 9.1/9.0/9.0 L/100km (city/highway/combined) yield a 3.1 L/100km improvement in the city and 1.7 L/100km improvement for the combined rating over the non-hybrid variant.
A 3.0 liter, 24-valve, SOHC V-6 power plant with VTEC® valvetrain and selectable idle-stop capability provides primary motive force, with a peak output of 257 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,300 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) at 5,000 rpm. Three electric motors – a front motor built into the 7DCT, and a rear Twin Motor Unit (TMU) – provide instant torque for a more responsive and vivid driving experience.
An advanced 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) is standard, a feature in common with the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® sedan and in 9-speed form in the NSX. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the DCT offers ultra-quick gear changes and operates without a torque converter, improving efficiency. The 7DCT can operate in fully automatic mode, or it can be shifted manually via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The hybrid powertrain also features several advancements as part of the on-going development of Acura hybrid technology, including improvements in cooling and packaging of the IPU and PCU, as well as increased hybrid battery power density.
Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
The MDX Sport Hybrid employs groundbreaking technology offered in the Acura NSX supercar and RLX Sport Hybrid sedan. The MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system is optimized to provide both outstanding performance and class-leading fuel efficiency. Depending on the driving mode (COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+), the system utilizes the V-6 engine, 7DCT with built-in motor, TMU and battery pack to provide exhilarating and confidence-inspiring performance while maximizing efficiency.
The MDX Sport Hybrid's electric SH-AWD® system operates independently of the gasoline engine as the two rear-mounted electric motors dynamically apportion both positive and negative torque directly to the rear wheels. This system provides for dynamic, immediate and always-on torque vectoring capabilities while eliminating the weight and energy losses associated with a conventional driveshaft and differential mechanism.
When cornering, the MDX Sport Hybrid delivers positive torque to the outside rear wheel, much like mechanical SH-AWD®, to create a yaw moment. In addition, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® can simultaneously apply regenerative brake torque to the inside rear wheel during cornering to further enhance cornering control, a function unique to the Sport Hybrid powertrain. As the MDX Sport Hybrid doesn't rely on engine torque, the electrified SUV can create a larger torque difference between the left and right rear wheels, even during small throttle applications, at low engine speeds or when decelerating. This substantially magnifies the positive handling benefits of SH-AWD® across a much wider range of driving conditions.
Safety Performance
All 2017 Acura MDX models come equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies: Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). The MDX Sport Hybrid is further equipped with the Surround View Camera system, Blind Spot Information system, and Cross Traffic Monitory system.
Combining AcuraWatch™ with Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2017 MDX delivers intelligent safety and confident driving performance at the top of the competitive segment, and targets top safety ratings; a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already been achieved, and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is anticipated.
2017 MDX Sport Hybrid Pricing and NRCan Fuel Economy Ratings
|
TRIM |
MSRP |
NRCan RATING |
|
MDX Sport Hybrid |
$69,990 |
9.1/9.0/9.0 |
The MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time. The 2017 MDX was designed by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif. and the MDX Sport Hybrid is manufactured at the company's Lincoln, Ala. plant using domestic and globally-sourced parts.
About Acura Canada
Acura is the luxury-performance division of Honda Canada Inc. and is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, an original approach to technology and design that creates a new driving experience. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the Acura MDX seven-passenger luxury SUV. Acura launched its next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance. Acura celebrated its 30th anniversary in Canada in February 2017 and has grown to include 51 locations in its dealer network across the country.
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