Product Information: 2010 Acura MDX
Updated Exterior Styling, New 6-speed Transmission, Added Content,
Revised Chassis, Engine Refinements, and New Advanced Technologies
T
The Canadian-built Acura MDX luxury SUV features a fresh new exterior look
for the 2010 model year, along with a revised powertrain that includes a new 6speed automatic transmission, refined V-6 engine, chassis refinements, more
comfort new advanced technologies, including Blind Spot Information System, and
more.
technology make MDX an even smarter vehicle choice for Canadians."
The 2010 MDX exterior gets a fresh new look as a result of Acura's signature design
front grille, a new front fascia, revised hood, new side sills, a new rear fascia matched
with rolled edge polished stainless-steel exhaust finishers, revised taillights with brighter
LED lights, many new trim pieces, and standard 19-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminumalloy wheels on the MDX Elite Package.
Under the hood, the MDX receives a more refined 3.7-litre V-6 engine that teams with
an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission for better performance and improved fuel
efficiency. Inside, the MDX receives a host of new features and technologies that make
it more luxurious.
Ride and handling have been enhanced as a result of a revised power steering system,
stiffer rear trailing arm mounting, body rigidity improvements and reduced overall NoiseVibration-Harshness (NVH). Thanks to Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel
Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, the MDX's handling provides confident on- and off-road
handling in addition to excellent winter weather performance.
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The 2010 MDX exterior gets a fresh new look as a result of Acura's signature design
front grille, a new front fascia, revised hood, new side sills, a new rear fascia matched
with rolled edge polished stainless-steel exhaust finishers, revised taillights with brighter
LED lights, many new trim pieces, and standard 19-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminumalloy wheels on the MDX Elite Package.
Inside, the 2010 MDX benefits from the expanded use of Milano leather, a new thicker
sport steering wheel with racing-inspired paddle shifters, new gauges, easier-tounderstand button placement for centre stack functions, power tailgate, and upgraded
interior trim. Other available features include ventilated front seats, a new full VGA 8inch navigation screen, a new rear view camera with three unique view choices,
upgraded rear entertainment system, an updated audio system with a dedicated 15-GB
hard disk drive (HDD) and USB port connectivity, even more LED lighting and more.
In keeping with Acura's leadership in customer-relevant features, standard items on the
2010 MDX Elite Package include advanced technologies such as an all-new Blind Spot
Information System (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and enhanced safety with
Acura's unique Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™).
Powertrain
For 2010 the MDX receives a new 3.7-litre VTEC® V-6. The engine continues Acura's
longstanding mission to provide V-8 level horsepower and torque while retaining the
size and fuel efficiency of a V-6. Based on the previous MDX's powerplant, the newly
refined 3.7L V-6 develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque to provide
immediate throttle response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque, and excellent highrpm power.
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To widen the powerband while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency, the latest 3.7litre engine has the patented Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®)
system applied to the intake valves, revised high-lift camshaft specs during VTEC®
operation, a computer controlled dual-stage induction system and an electronic Driveby-Wire™ throttle system.
Internally, the new 3.7L V-6 makes use of special heavy-duty components including a
more rigid cylinder block, high-strength crankshaft, heavy-duty connecting rods, high
compression-ratio pistons, cylinder heads with improved cooling, new intake valve
springs, a new EGR system, unique long-reach spark plugs, a larger throttle body and
other features.
The 3.7L V-6 is coupled with a brand-new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic
transmission along with a new multi-clutch torque converter. With comparatively "short"
gearing in the first five forward gears, acceleration is enhanced while fuel efficiency and
quiet cruising are optimized with a relaxed Sixth gear ratio.
The new transmission offers two automatic shift modes, or can be operated manually
via steering wheel paddle shifters. Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, Cornering G
Shift Control and Hill Start Assist make the new 6-speed the most advanced automatic
transmission ever offered by Acura. To support the MDX's 5,000-pound towing capacity,
a special front-mount transmission fluid cooler is employed.
The MDX puts power to the ground through Acura's acclaimed Super Handling AllWheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, an innovative full-time all-wheel-drive system that
uses torque vectoring to actively distribute the optimum amount of power not only
between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels.
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The SH-AWD® system reduces understeer to greatly enhance handling precision and
optimal cornering ability. Working in conjunction with the MDX's standard Vehicle
Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, SH-AWD® provides enhanced power
delivery and driver control whether it be on-road or off-road, in dry, rain, snow or ice.
When towing, special Trailer Stability Assist algorithms built into the VSA® logic help
stabilize the vehicle after sensing oscillations of the vehicle or trailer. The MDX's SHAWD® system is further enhanced with hill logic that automatically adjusts the front/rear
torque distribution based on the incline of the hill grades.
Chassis
With an emphasis on top-level handling performance, MDX engineers targeted the
world-class dynamics and driving feel of the top European SUV competitors. This led to
the development of a long wheelbase platform and a sophisticated suspension system
tuned at Germany's famed Nürburgring race circuit.
The MDX's 4-wheel fully-independent suspension makes use of MacPherson struts in
front teamed with a multi-link rear suspension design that is mounted to a rigid unit body
structure with isolated subframes. The front suspension also uses unique hydrocompliance bushings that provide superior ride isolation and chassis vibration control.
The rear suspension features aluminum-alloy uprights to reduce unsprung weight for
improved response, while special trailing-arm mounting points reduce body squat during
acceleration. For 2010, the MDX uses stiffer rear trailing arm mounts, incorporates
numerous body rigidity improvements and delivers reduced overall NVH.
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As part of the available Elite Package, the Active Damper System gives the 2010 MDX
an elevated level of handling precision designed to satisfy the most discriminating
drivers- all while maintaining a smooth ride. The MDX's Active Damper System features
a new algorithm which provides two driver-selectable settings – Comfort and Sport –
that tailor the suspension dampers for a more comfortable or more sporty ride.
Using "active" Magneto-Rheological fluid dampers and predictive computer algorithms,
the MDX's Active Damper System can respond in as little as five milliseconds (0.005
sec.) to individually adjust the damping force of the shock absorbers ahead of actual
body movements to provide improved transient handling, road isolation and body
control.
The Comfort mode allows for a more relaxed driving experience by prioritizing road
isolation and reduced passenger fatigue caused by road inputs, while the Sport mode
prioritizes handling response and vehicle body control to allow for spirited driving with
high levels of precision and vehicle composure.
For 2010, new (lighter) 18-inch diameter 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels are standard
with 19-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels available as part of the MDX Elite
Package.
For excellent stopping power and control, the MDX employs large 13.0-inch diameter
ventilated front brake rotors and 13.2-inch solid rear brake rotors along with anti-lock
brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
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Interior
For 2010, new attention to detail and added luxury further distinguish the MDX interior.
Expanded use of Milano premium leather to the available Technology and Elite
Packages, improved look and feel of interior trim materials, relocated front seat
headrests for improved comfort, more detailed leather stitching (such as the Lanciastyle stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob), thicker steering wheel grip,
increased use of LED interior lighting and revised cockpit controls make it clear that the
MDX is focused on the driver, but not at the expense of passenger comfort.
The power driver seat adjusts 10 ways for optimum comfort, and the front passenger
seat is 8-way power adjustable. The second-row outboard seats mirror the style and
lateral support of the front seats, giving the interior a unique feel that highlights the
MDX's blend of sport and utility. Convenience and cargo features abound, including
under-floor storage in the rear cargo area and a standard power-operated rear tailgate.
There are multiple configurations of the MDX's three rows of seating thus enabling a
maximum useable cargo volume of 2,225 litres (83.5 cu.ft.). Additionally, a load flat
floor is available when the second and third row seats are folded down.
The MDX offers a long list of standard equipment including items such as a leather
trimmed interior, power moonroof, power windows, leather-wrapped multi-function
steering wheel, a Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows access to multiple
electronic functions, a tri-zone climate control system with humidity control and
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface. Other standard features
include steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with
integrated rear view camera screen, and backlit LED instrumentation.
Also standard with the MDX is an 8-speaker, 253-watt Acura Premium Sound System
that features an AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, WMA player, MP3 capability,
XM® Radio and an auxiliary jack for connecting personal audio devices.
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The available Technology Package adds a range of advanced features designed to
offer drivers increased connectivity to the world around them along with added driving
enjoyment. In addition to using luxurious full-grain Milano premium leather for the
seating surfaces, the Technology Package includes items such as multi-view backup
camera, rear entertainment system, and the Maintenance Minder™ system.
The Technology Package's Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition™
uses a new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution colour display positioned high up in the
centre of the instrument panel where it is close to the driver's line of sight. A new
rearview camera system offers three different rear view angles – normal rear view, wide
angle rear view and a tow-friendly top view.
With data now stored on a built-in 60-GB hard disk drive (HDD) media storage device,
the navigation system boots up and operates with impressive speed.
A popular aspect of the Technology and Elite Package is Acura's renowned Acura/ELS
Surround® premium audio system featuring a 410-watt Digital Sound Processor
amplifier, a 10-speaker surround sound array, along with a built-in 15-gigabyte hard disk
drive (HDD) media storage system that allows the MDX owner to download and store
about 3,500 songs for later playback. The Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system
offers DVD-Audio, DTS™, CD, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, along with
USB port and AUX jack connectivity.
Rich with luxury, comfort, performance and technology upgrades for the 2010 MDX is
the Elite Package. Building on the items in the Technology Package, the Elite Package
adds ventilated front seats, a sport steering wheel with unique design racing-inspired
paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and textured metallic interior accents.
-8The Elite Package also includes the Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™),
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), blind spot information system (BSI) and the Active
Damper System. In addition, the Elite Package delivers 19x8-inch 7-spoke aluminumalloy wheels and auto-leveling HID front headlights.
An entertainment package on MDX Technology and Elite Packages includes a new
Rear Entertainment System (RES) complete with a DVD player, power folding 9-inch full
VGA color screen (with 400-percent improved resolution), dual wireless headphones, a
wireless illuminated remote control and 115-volt plug located in the centre console.
Safety
In keeping with Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative, the 2010 MDX provides
state-of-the-art safety for its passengers, including the application of Acura's Advanced
Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.
ACE™ employs a network of front frame structures that work to absorb and more
evenly distributes collision forces throughout the vehicle and also helps maintain the
integrity of the passenger cabin in the event of a severe frontal collision. A special frame
member located below the MDX's front bumper is designed to engage the front bumper
of a lower vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash
energy more efficiently.
Numerous standard "active safety" features that help the MDX driver reduce the risk of
collision include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) along with an anti-lock braking system
(ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. An additional active
safety feature included in the available Elite Package is the Collision Mitigation Braking
System™ (CMBS™) which helps the driver reduce the likelihood of a collision by
alerting the driver to potential collision situations and activating the brakes if the system
determines a collision likely is unavoidable.
-9Acura’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) on the MDX Elite Package has been re-tuned
for enhanced safety to deliver a 10-per cent improvement in performance during hard
acceleration on slippery surfaces.
Inside, occupants will find advanced safety features including the latest generation of
dual-stage, multiple-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger.
There are also knee bolsters, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system with
integrated load limiters, side airbags for the driver and front passenger along with side
curtain airbags (with a rollover sensor) for all outboard occupants. Active front head
restraints help reduce the likelihood of neck injury for front seat passengers and LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) mounting systems in the second row seating
allow quick and secure installation of child seats.
The 2010 MDX is engineered to surpass the existing FMVSS 216 [U.S. government]
roof crush test standard of 1.5 times the curb weight of the vehicle. However, the MDX
is so well engineered that it is anticipated to already meet the upcoming roof crush
standard of 3.0 times curb weight. Efficient use of high-strength steel creates a body
structure with the stiffness to allow such results, while still permitting the use a large
glass moonroof.
The 2010 MDX was designed and engineered in North America and will be built at the
Honda of Canada Mfg. facility in Alliston, Ontario. It is scheduled to go on sale across
Canada at the beginning of December. Pricing will be announced in late October.
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