2001 Acura MDX

Slated to go on sale this fall as a 2001 model, the new Acura MDX combines high performance with an expected five-star safety performance rating, class-leading fuel economy, 50-state ultra-low vehicle emissions (ULEV) and a uniquely transformable seven-passenger interior.

The Acura MDX combines a highly rigid unit body structure, advanced all-aluminum 3.5 liter VTEC V-6 engine and four-wheel independent suspension to deliver sports sedan-like driving performance in a luxury sport-utility vehicle capable of transporting seven passengers.

An innovative new fully automatic four-wheel drive system combines the best elements of full-time and automatic four-wheel drive to deliver a truly superior level of driver control in all types of weather and road conditions.

The MDX delivers 240-horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque from an all-aluminum, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with VTEC (Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology, mated to a five speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Engine enhancements similar to those found in Acura’s new high-performance coupe, the 3.2 CL Type S, provide for a broad, flat torque curve (95-percent of peak torque available from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm).The horsepower connects with the pavement through standard 17-inch alloy wheels and specially designed P235/65R-17 all-season tires.

The Acura MDX will be the first sport-utility vehicle to meet California’s Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) requirement in all 50 states and the first SUV equipped with an on-board vapour recovery system to reduce emissions from fuel evaporation during refueling. The MDX also boasts the best fuel economy performance of any vehicle in its class with an estimated EPA city/highway rating of 17/23 mpg.

Delivering power to all four wheels is Acura’s new VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management-4WD) fully-automatic four-wheel drive system. VTM-4 monitors the vehicle’s dynamic condition and proactively transfers engine torque from front to rear to counteract wheel slippage and other undesirable handling characteristics like torque steer and snap oversteer. Unlike conventional automatic 4WD systems, VTM-4 proactively distributes engine torque during acceleration before wheel slip occurs. The MDX will be assembled at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Ontario, Canada. SSGM