2014 Acura MDX Prototype Teased Before Detroit Debut

Posted on 12.12.2012 15:00 by Simona Filed under: Acura | Detroit Auto Show | crossover | Acura MDX | utility vehicle | 2013 | Cars | Car News

Acura has been testing the next-generation MDX for quite some time now, but the official debut of the production version is still months away. Before we have the chance to see it on the market, Acura will debut the first prototype version in January 2013 at the Detroit Auto Show.

The first teaser image, which Acura revealed today, shows that the prototype version will be feature a new "Aero Sculpture" design language that will affect both form and function. Expect the prototype's alluring proportions with smooth, arching body lines to be carried over in the production version.

Acura offered no details on the new MDX's powertrain, but rumors say it will be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers a total of 310 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. There are also rumors about a hybrid powertrain which will combine a V-6 engine with three electric motors.

Full details on the 2014 Acura MDX prototype will be unveiled during the company's press conference in Detroit. Stay tuned!

2014 Acura MDX Prototype Teased Before Detroit Debut originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 December 2012 15:00 EST.

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Acura ILX Endurance Racer

Posted on 10.31.2012 20:00 by Simona Filed under: Acura | coupe | race cars | SEMA Auto Show | 2012 | Acura ILX | Cars | Car Reviews | Acura

Next to the ILX Street Build" Concept developed in cooperation with Evasive Motorsports, Acura has also unveiled the ILX Endurance Racer at the 2012 SEMA Show. This racer be will making its competition debut at next month’s 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race where it will compete against models like the Porsche GT3 and Mazda MX5 Miata.

The ILX Endurance Racer was built using a Acura ILX "body in white" bare chassis, with all the work done by Team Honda Research- West. The main focus was to reduce the vehicle’s weight and improve overall performance numbers. The race car still needed to include all of the safety equipments required by NASA, so Acura added a full roll cage, a Bride Gardis III race seat, an OMP competition steering wheel, a Schroth safety harness, Brockway Engineering D Gauge digital OBD2 gauges, and a Braille lightweight battery.

Exterior updates include a new set of Baja Designs LED lighting system for long winter night-running, a THR-W-designed front splitter, and an APR GTC-200 rear spoiler.

The Endurance Racer is powered by a K24Z7 engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. The engine’s cooling is ensured by new AEM air intakes and the luscious exhaust note will be enjoyed because of the custom-built AEM/120 Racing exhaust. The Acura ILX will also be equipped with a new set of Enkei RPF1 wheels fitted with BF Goodrich R1 race tires. Other updates include an H&R suspension, limited-slip differential, motor mounts, anti-roll bars, and rear upper suspension control arms.