Acura to Showcase new MDX Concept at New York
Acura is on an SUV roll (fortunately not a roll-over) for 2006. First, the brand debuted the RDX Prototype at this years Detroit auto show in January, an impressive product thats 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 werent 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 second step for Acura SUV lineup will be the evolution of the brands 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 thats 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, its clear that Acuras 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.