Wouldn't it be nice.... a Next Generation Honda/Acura Integra....

 

 

 This is not official, but wow, does it look nice.

Shout out to the automotive designer on Instagram who goes by @jrubinsteintowler.

Honda NSX SUV Rendered

 

Nothing official, looks basically like a HR-V with a quasi NSX front, not sure what to think about this one.

Source;

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-nsx-suv-rendered-seems-like-a-bad-idea-151025.html

Top Gear: The new Honda NSX GT3 is carbontastic

Honda’s Frankfurt motor show stand was an all-you-can-dribble-over buffet of good things.

From its cutesy throwback Urban EV concept, to the Honda Civic Type R customer racing car that gave us a glimpse of a Type R touring car, we stood there for literary minutes agog at the thought of potential hot stuff on the horizon. Then we saw this carbontastic NSX GT3 car which reminded us of the potential for a hardcore NSX road car.

See, that sinister carbon-bodied brute above can be yours for £415,000. A steep price over a normal NSX, we admit. But this is a full-bore GT3 racing car, eligible for championships across North America, Europe (N24 and Blancpain), Asia, Japan (GT300), Australia and the Intercontinental GT championship.

It’s completed more than 50,000 miles of on track development over the last year, racked up a couple of race wins, and will be built alongside the production NSX, with the final GT3 stuff bolted up in Italy.

It ditches the hybrid setup used on the road car – so no three electric motors and associated stuff – and instead uses the 500bhp, 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 driving the rear wheels only. It features a six-speed sequential ‘box, carbon clutch, adjustable dampers, Brembo brakes, and weighs in at a featherweight 1,240kg. A far cry from the road car’s 1,725kg.

So, a proper racer that looks the nuts, for a cool €465,000. End of story.

Source;
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/frankfurt-motor-show/new-honda-nsx-gt3-carbontastic

Does this patent rendering hint at a new Honda S2000?

Interesting, would be nice, if true, how about a nice hardtop 'Prelude' Edition....we can dream....

by Wesley Wren of www.autoweek.com

The Honda S2000 is closing in on its 20th birthday and the 10th anniversary of its death. While Honda does make some small roadsters for the Japanese market, there's no Mazda MX-5 Miata competition stateside. However, if these patent drawings are any hint, it looks like Honda is scheming up another open-air sports car.

If you look at the gallery above, you'll see that the styling is more dramatic than that of the familiar Honda S2000 -- and might be a sign that this Honda could, in fact, be slotted underneath the Acura NSX in Acura’s lineup. That’d make sense, judging by the likely mid-engine layout of this patent drawing. Last year, Honda patents for a similarly styled fixed-top coupe dubbed “ZSX” popped up, which could be another sign that this roadster will get Acura badges if it hits production.


Even if this does get the Acura badge, it wouldn't eliminate hope of a new Honda S2000. The Acura platform could trickle down into a less-luxe package and that could revive the rev-happy roadster. With budget sports cars like the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata roadsters drawing enthusiasts onto lots, we hope it makes sense for Honda to bring a budget-friendly sports roadster back to market.

Source:

 http://autoweek.com/article/rumormill/could-be-new-honda-s2000#ixzz4sTZDmUC9

Refreshed 2017 Acura MDX Launches with Bold New Styling, Premium Features and Standard AcuraWatch™ Technology

Jun 21, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• 2017 MDX showcases next evolution of the Acura Precision Concept-inspired new Acura Diamond Pentagon grille and exterior styling
• Most premium and technologically advanced MDX in history now available with 20-inch wheels, second row captain's chairs, HD traffic, SiriusXM Radio® 2.0, heated steering wheel and Surround View Camera
• Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) variant launching later this year
• MDX is America's best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time

The restyled and refreshed 2017 Acura MDX, the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, goes on sale tomorrow at Acura dealerships nationwide with a starting MSRP of $43,950. The 2017 Acura MDX raises its game with bold new exterior styling, larger wheel and tire options and an expanded complement of premium features and technologies, including the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, now offered as standard equipment on all 2017 MDX models, a first in the luxury SUV segment.

Featuring refreshed exterior styling inspired by the Acura Precision Concept, the 2017 MDX is highlighted by the new face of Acura, the bold and distinctive Diamond Pentagon grille. Integrated with a more sculpted hood, front fascia, front fenders and revised Jewel Eye™ headlights, the result is a more "executive athletic" appearance for Acura's class-leading luxury SUV. Additional styling updates include new chrome rocker panel trim, a revised rear bumper and skid garnish, and the return of visible dual exhausts with bright finishers.

"We're raising the Acura MDX's game for 2017 with premium new features and technologies that luxury SUV buyers want, complemented by bold, new styling we know they're going to love," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager, Acura Division. "Backed by its high-performance credentials, the 2017 MDX has advanced its competitiveness and will continue its legacy of leadership as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV in America."

Premium Content
All 2017 MDX models benefit from increased standard luxury and technology features, including an Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, Auto High Beam headlights, SiriusXM Radio 2.0, four 2.5-amp USB charging ports and capless fuel filler. Technology and Advance packages add Bi-Directional Keyless Remote Engine Start, two new 20-inch wheel and tire options, power folding side mirrors, and HD Traffic.

In addition, Advance grades add LED fog lights, genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles. Advance models can also be equipped with two second-row captain's chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports for third-row passengers. An ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System is also available on models with the Advance ENT Package.

Safety
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 (LSF) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). All models also come equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera, and upper grades add blind spot information (BSI), front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and new Auto High Beam.

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.

Powertrain
The 2017 MDX leads its class with its combination of refined and responsive power and outstanding fuel efficiency. The 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC® 24-valve V-6 engine is rated at 290 peak horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque. The 2017 MDX with front-wheel drive and Idle Stop has an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined, and MDX with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and Idle Stop is EPA rated at 19 mpg city/26 highway/22 combined. The MDX also meets the stringent EPA Tier 3/Bin 125 and CARB LEVIII ULEV-125 emissions standards.

An available Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) powertrain variant will be available later in the year, making MDX the third model in Acura's lineup to utilize its revolutionary three-motor Sport Hybrid powertrain with electric torque vectoring.

For More Information
Additional media information including pricing, features and high-resolution photography is available at www.acuranews.com/channels/mdx. Consumer information is available at www.acura.com. To join the Acura community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/Acura.

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, an original approach to technology and design that creates a new driving experience. On March 27, 2016, Acura celebrated the 30th anniversary of its launch as the first luxury nameplate from a Japanese automaker.

The Acura lineup features five 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 seven-passenger Acura MDX, America's all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV. This spring, Acura launched its next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/releases/refreshed-2017-acura-mdx-launches-with-bold-new-styling-premium-features-and-standard-acurawatch-technology

The Motley Fool: Is This Electric Racing Car a Hint That Honda Will Challenge Tesla Motors?

Honda's Acura EV Concept is a battery-electric race car that will compete in the Pike's Peak Hill Climb. It includes technology that Honda might be refining for upcoming electric cars

Honda's latest concept car is a battery-electric Acura-NSX-based racer with four electric motors. Honda has been late to the battery-electric car race, but the new race car's technology hints that it might be gearing up to launch a Tesla rival.

by John Rosevear of www.fool.com

Honda (NYSE:HMC) said on Monday that it will enter a battery-electric concept car into this year's Pike's Peak Hill Climb, a fiercely contested event in which racers compete for the fastest time up a steep and winding mountain road in Colorado.

The Acura EV Concept, as the car is called, is based on the hybrid Acura NSX supercar and builds on technology that Honda used in another experimental race car at last year's event. It's a strong hint that Honda may be planning its own entry into the upscale battery-electric car market currently dominated by Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA).

That's of interest to future-minded investors watching the automotive space. Here's why.

A four-motor electric race car that is based on production technology

When we think of big automakers that might step up to challenge Tesla with "premium electric vehicles" with entries of their own, we typically think of the German luxury brands, all three of which are known to be working on battery-electric models. We might also think of one or two others -- perhaps General Motors (NYSE:GM), which has moved to embrace advanced technologies more aggressively than most of its mass-market rivals.



Needless to say, Honda isn't exactly the first one to come to mind, and that perception has probably hurt it with future-minded investors.

Honda has dabbled with "green" technologies like fuel cells and produced well-regarded hybrids for years, but it hasn't (yet) made a big splash in the world of battery-electric cars, much less premium once.

The Acura EV Concept might be a sign that that's set to change. While Honda didn't share much detail, it did note that the concept builds on the electrified part of the "sport hybrid" powertrain system that's part of the new Acura NSX sports car. Simply put, it uses a system of four electric motors, one for each wheel. That allows the car's computer to "vector torque" -- to fine-tune the power applied to each wheel on the fly.

Done right, it should make for electrifying (so to speak) handling that goes far beyond what can be accomplished with traditional gas-powered drivetrains, and a step beyond anything that Tesla has so far attempted. It should be ideal for a for a tight, twisty race course like Pike's Peak -- and it might make for a very fun-to-drive premium sports-luxury car.

So will Honda build it or something like it?

That's unclear. But there are a growing number of clues that Honda is finally making an aggressive move toward battery-electric cars.

Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo has had the top job for less than a year, but he's already taken big steps to reorient the company toward the emerging electric future. Honda hasn't yet announced detailed plans for specific electric vehicles. Hachigo, citing concerns about recharging and hydrogen-refueling infrastructure, has said that Honda will focus the bulk of its efforts on plug-in hybrids in the near term.

But Hachigo recently told Autocar magazine that he expects that battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles will together make up about 15% of the company's total global sales by 2030 and a majority by 2050.

That and the Acura EV Concept race car suggest that something is coming. And that in turn could reassure investors concerned that "disruption" will overtake the historically innovative Japanese automaker.

Source;
http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/20/is-this-electric-racing-car-a-hint-that-honda-will.aspx

First Serial Production 2017 Acura NSX Rolls off the Line at Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio

First customer Rick Hendrick takes delivery of VIN 001 with proceeds from his $1.2 million winning bid going to two children’s charities

 

May 24, 2016 - MARYSVILLE, Ohio 

 

Acura today celebrated the highly anticipated line-off of the first serial production 2017 Acura NSX at the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. The PMC is the exclusive manufacturing home to Acura's next-generation NSX, the only supercar made in America.

"Today marks the realization of a big dream here at the PMC and the culmination of more than 30 years of manufacturing experience and expertise here in Ohio," said Clement D'Souza, engineering large project leader for the Acura NSX. "Our world class team of expert technicians, through their passion, has realized major innovations in the design and manufacturing of a next-generation Acura supercar that truly delivers incredible precision crafted performance."

The first customer, Rick Hendrick, earned the right to custom order the first production NSX with a winning bid of $1.2 million at the Barrett-Jackson auction in January. All proceeds from the sale went to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.  Hendrick drove his Valencia Red Pearl Acura NSX off the line. VIN 001 features exclusive interwoven wheels, carbon ceramic brake rotors, leather and Alcantara interior trim and carbon fiber upgrades including the engine cover, roof, and rear decklid spoiler.

"The NSX is a pure expression of the Precision Crafted Performance DNA and challenging spirit that defines the Acura brand," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of Acura. "We can't wait to give our clients a chance to experience this dream product, and will carry this day's momentum forward as we continue to invest in and grow Acura."

"Taking delivery of this first new Acura supercar and knowing the proceeds will benefit two remarkable organizations for children makes this a very special moment for me and everyone on our team," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group. "It's especially rewarding to see this incredible supercar coming to life in the United States, which is a real testament to the company's commitment to innovation and manufacturing here."

The PMC was designed to blend human craftsmanship and advanced technologies to assure superior build quality and precision crafted performance. The PMC is home to master technicians who developed 12 patent-pending technologies and other advanced methods of producing a made-to-order supercar. PMC associates created sophisticated new manufacturing methods around the unique capabilities and specifications of Acura's next-generation NSX. Innovations to the NSX construction, painting, assembly and quality confirmation process include fully robotic MIG welding of the aluminum-intensive space frame, 14 hours of meticulous hand assembly by 16 highly skilled manufacturing technicians, and a dynamic performance testing and confirmation process drawn from the company's extensive race experience.

In nearby Anna, Ohio, at the company's largest engine plant, master builders hand assemble the NSX's 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, which is then mated to its advanced 9-speed dual clutch transmission and rear direct drive electric motor.  Each NSX engine is machine balanced, bench tested and broken-in to the equivalent of 150 miles of service to ensure that every NSX engine is track-ready upon customer delivery.  The engine is installed at the PMC, along with its revolutionary front-mounted Twin Motor Unit, which enables electrically powered torque vectoring, a world's first capability in the sports car realm.

Development of the Acura NSX involved a global R&D team led by engineers at the Ohio Center of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Raymond, Ohio, roughly a mile from the PMC.  The final design was created at the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif., based on an original concept from the Wako Studio in Japan.

About the Acura NSX
Created to bring a new experience to the supercar segment, the next-generation Acura NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars, with cutting-edge and world-first technologies. Much as the first generation NSX did a quarter century ago, the 2017 NSX breaks the mold through a first-of-its-kind Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive power unit, a multimaterial body structure, advanced aerodynamics and a cockpit that supports performance driving on every level without sacrificing comfort. The 2017 Acura NSX is the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. and is produced exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio using domestic and globally sourced parts. The NSX engine is manufactured at the Anna, Ohio engine plant, also using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/releases/first-serial-production-2017-acura-nsx-rolls-off-the-line-at-performance-manufacturing-center-in-ohio

Second Generation Automated Acura RLX Development Vehicle Revealed in California

May 18, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Acura has revealed its second generation automated development vehicle in California, a modified version of the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD™ luxury performance sedan.  The RLX has been fitted with a new suite of radar, Lidar, camera and GPS sensors, complemented by higher performance CPUs and GPUs, and improved cabling, heat management and circuitry.  These enhancements have been combined with new, more intelligent software algorithms to support more complex testing scenarios.

The development vehicle is designed to achieve high reliability by fusing overlapping information together from various sensors.  This concept, known as sensor fusion, allows test engineers to validate information from each signal with a higher degree of accuracy than can be obtained from any one of the sensors independently.  For example, the vehicle's radar sensors are adept at detecting the relative position and velocity of off-board objects with pinpoint accuracy, while the camera system is best suited to help detect and identify objects based on size and shape.  This same concept is applied in the AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive suite available on all model year 2016 Acura sedans and SUVs.

The vehicle will be tested by Honda Research Institute USA at GoMentum Station, a 5,000-acre automated and connected vehicle proving ground in the San Francisco Bay Area.  GoMentum Station contains 20-miles of paved, city-like roadway grids, buildings and other urban infrastructure, providing a realistic environment that will help accelerate the development of automated and connected vehicle technologies.  This testing program is aligned with the company's goal to introduce automated driving technologies around 2020.

About Acura Active Safety
Safety performance has been a core element of Acura's commitment to excellence since the brand was founded three decades ago.  All model year 2016 Acura sedans and SUVs are available with AcuraWatch™, one of the most advanced suites of safety and driver-assistive technologies in the class. AcuraWatch includes Adaptive Cruise Control, a Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation and a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (an AEB technology) with pedestrian-sensing capability.

About Honda Research Institute USA
Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) conducts research in the areas of computer and materials science, and develops strategic partnerships with public and private institutions to foster innovation. HRI-US was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Silicon Valley. 

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/releases/second-generation-automated-acura-rlx-development-vehicle-revealed-in-california

Acura CDX compact crossover debuts at 2016 Beijing Auto Show (not intended for North America)

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran of www.motorauthority.com  

It was roughly three years ago that Acura previewed a new compact crossover with its SUV-X concept car.

Today at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show we were graced with the unveiling of the production version, the CDX.

The CDX is the first Acura manufactured in China and may at some point be exported to other markets, judging by previous comments made by a senior engineer. However, at the unveiling Acura said the vehicle was designed primarily for the Chinese market.

The CDX is related to Honda’s HR-V already on sale in the United States, so there’s a chance we may see it yet. If sold here it would target the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lincoln MKC and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

It features the latest take on the Acura’s Precision Crafted design principles, though on the tiny form of the CDX the enlarged grille, Acura symbol and headlights look a little out of proportion. We haven’t been shown the interior just yet but expect it to resemble the layout and design of the HR-V’s cabin.

Power comes from the new turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine of parent company Honda. The engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and can power either the front wheels only or all four.

Sales commence in China in July of this year.

Honda also had a new crossover in Beijing.  Called the Avancier, the new crossover is a mid-size model whose design has been inspired by the Concept D unveiled a year ago, a rakish crossover not unlike the unsuccessful Honda Crosstour.

The Avancier features a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and has been developed exclusively for sale in China. It’s due to go on sale by the end of the year.

For more from the Beijing Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.

Source;
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1083417_acura-cdx-compact-crossover-debuts-at-2016-beijing-auto-show

Honda, Acura prep crossovers for Beijing auto show

TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co., which is already outpacing industry growth in China, aims to spur sales by tapping the shift to crossovers with two new entries at this month’s Beijing auto show.
The Honda brand will introduce the production version of a new crossover developed for the China market. The vehicle is based on the ruggedly sculpted Concept D shown as last year’s Shanghai show.

At the time, Honda said the production version will be a top-end crossover positioned as the brand’s “new flagship model” in China. It will feature high-quality driving dynamics and a spacious cabin.

The vehicle is expected to be sold through the carmaker’s two local channels, Guangqi Honda and Dongfeng Honda. At the Beijing show, press days for which begin April 25, the vehicle will be displayed on the Guangqi Honda stand, Honda said.

Meanwhile, Honda’s premium Acura brand will amplify the crossover theme with its own new compact crossover.

Acura did not disclose its name or details. But the vehicle is expected to be developed for China, possibly sharing some underpinnings of the Honda HR-V compact crossover.

The company says it will be the first Acura vehicle manufactured in China, the world’s largest auto market.

Gaining traction in China is key to generating the volume needed to support development of Acura’s pricey, technology-heavy lineup. The brand is sold mainly in the U.S. and spreads limited resources across a six-vehicle lineup, including the r&d-intensive NSX sports car that went on sale in February.

The Acura entry is expected to showcase the brand’s new “precision crafted performance” design language. The styling debuted in the Precision Concept at January’s Detroit auto show.

At the 2013 Shanghai show, Acura unveiled the Acura Concept SUV-X which possibly foreshadows the upcoming crossover. That marked the first time Acura premiered a concept model outside of North America. The company said then that a production version of the SUV-X would go on sale in China in about three years.

Honda Motor Co. is among the Japanese auto companies booking solid sales gains in China, despite cooling demand there.

Honda brand passenger vehicle sales climbed 40 percent to 139,015 units in the first two months of the year, thanks partly to its solid crossover lineup, according to LMC Automotive. The overall passenger vehicle market rose only 7 percent.

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20160407/OEM03/160409835/honda-acura-prep-crossovers-for-beijing-auto-show

2X 2017 Acura MDX Reveal Video's

Refreshed 2017 Acura MDX Makes World Debut in New York with Bold New Styling, Upgraded Features and Sport Hybrid Powertrain

Mar 23, 2016 - NEW YORK

• 2017 MDX showcases new diamond pentagon grille first seen on the Acura Precision Concept
• New Sport Hybrid powertrain delivers the ultimate in power and control while gaining 35 horsepower and anticipated to add 7 mpg to city fuel economy rating
• AcuraWatch™ safety and driver assist technology to be offered as standard equipment on all 2017 MDX models

Acura today unveiled the restyled and refreshed 2017 MDX luxury SUV featuring bold new styling, added luxury features and available Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) powertrain technology. The 2017 Acura MDX will be equipped with AcuraWatch™ on all grades, making MDX the first luxury SUV in its class to offer these advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including automatic emergency braking, as standard features. The 2017 MDX is slated to go on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide this summer and will be joined by the MDX Sport Hybrid later in the year.

Showcasing the new face of Acura, the restyled 2017 MDX is highlighted by the bold and distinctive diamond pentagon grille, first seen on the Acura Precision Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January. The new Acura grille is integrated with a more sharply sculpted hood, front fascia and front fenders coupled with new LED fog lights and restyled Jewel Eye™ headlights, which enhance the MDX's distinctive and sporting demeanor. A new chrome rocker panel design adds an element of contrast to the MDX's profile, while a revised rear bumper, body colored skid garnish and the addition of twin tailpipes further emphasizes the performance character of the 2017 Acura MDX.

"Upping the performance pedigree of the MDX with bold styling, our exclusive Sport Hybrid powertrain and the standard application of AcuraWatch technologies that many in the industry refer to as semi-autonomous, represents a major injection of Acura's Precision Crafted Performance DNA," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These changes will continue to advance MDX's competitiveness and its legacy as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time."

All 2017 MDX models benefit from increased standard luxury and technology features, including an Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, Auto High Beam headlights, SiriusXM Radio® 2.0 and four 2.5-amp USB charging ports. Technology and Advance packages add Bi-Directional Keyless Remote Engine Start, two new 20-inch wheel and tire options, power folding side mirrors, and HD Traffic. In addition to these features, Advance grades add LED fog lights, genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles. Advance models can also be equipped with two second-row captain's chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports, replacing the three-person second-row seating found on lower grades.  An ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System is also available on models with the Advance ENT Package.

MDX Sport Hybrid
The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is the third model to feature Acura's innovative three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain, joining the Acura NSX supercar and RLX flagship sedan to deliver the ultimate in power and control. The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) with an integrated electric motor powering the front wheels, and a Twin Motor Unit with two electric motors providing power to the rear wheels. Additionally, the system delivers electrified torque vectoring for improved straight line performance and cornering precision in combination with all-wheel-drive power application. Peak powertrain output of 325 horsepower is up 35 horsepower over the non-hybrid model. The MDX Sport Hybrid is anticipated to receive EPA fuel economy ratings of 25/26/26 (city/highway/combined), an estimated 7-mpg city fuel economy rating increase over the (non-hybrid) MDX with SH-AWD.

The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid will be available with Technology and Advance packages. Both add a new Active Sport Suspension that delivers improved ride quality, handling performance and is integrated with the Integrated Dynamics System featuring the dynamic modes of Comfort, Normal and Sport, and exclusive to Sport Hybrid models, a new Sport+ mode.

AcuraWatch Standard
All 2017 MDX models receive the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technology as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with automatic emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). AcuraWatch uses a millimeter wave radar and monocular camera sensing technology to detect other vehicles as well as lane markings and can help intervene to prevent or mitigate the severity of a collision. Moreover, with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist, AcuraWatch can significantly decrease the driver's workload during freeway cruising by maintaining a set speed and following interval, initiating both braking and throttle inputs, and adding steering input to help the driver maintain their position in the detected lane.

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and Acura's best-selling SUV, with sales topping 50,000 units in each of the past three years. The 2017 MDX was designed by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif., developed and engineered at the R&D center in Raymond, Ohio, and will continue to be produced at the company's Lincoln, Ala. auto plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. In early 2017, an additional production source for MDX will be added at the East Liberty, Ohio auto plant.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/releases/refreshed-2017-acura-mdx-makes-world-debut-in-new-york-with-bold-new-styling-upgraded-features-and-sport-hybrid-powertrain

2017 Acura MDX facelift spied ahead of New York debut

The 2017 Acura MDX has been spied ahead of its debut at the New York Auto Show on March 23rd.
Looking instantly recognizable, the facelifted crossover has been equipped with a new front fascia that features a more prominent grille and restyled headlights.  The styling changes are less noticeable out back but the model appears to have a new rear bumper with vents at both sides.

Spy photographers couldn't get close enough to snap interior photos but Acura has previously said the model will be equipped with additional luxury, comfort, and convenience features.  There's no word on specifics but buyers can expect to find an upgraded infotainment system and some new driver assistance systems.

The current model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque but Acura has suggested the facelifted variant will have "advanced new powertrain technology."  That's not much to go on but it the model could gain a new hybrid variant or possibly a new engine.

The 2017 MDX will go into production later this year and the model will be built in Lincoln, Alabama as well as East Liberty, Ohio.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/1160317105242/2017-acura-mdx-facelift-spied-ahead-of-new-york-debut

Top Gear: First drive: the brand-new Honda NSX

by Charlie Turner of www.topgear.com

What’s this then?
Honda’s V6 hyper-hybrid that’s been a decade in the making. Developed in the USA and built as a showcase for Honda’s engineering might, it’s a thorn in the side of the Audi R8, Ferrari 488 and McLaren 570S.

Why have we been waiting so long?
It’s fair to say the NSX has had a troubled gestation. In 2007, two years after the Ayrton Senna-developed first-gen model ceased production, Honda announced it would be developing a replacement powered by a naturally-aspirated V10. A year later the project was cancelled with Honda citing challenging economic conditions. In 2011, following signs of the beginning of a recovery, Honda announced the NSX was back on the cards and backed it up with a concept car at the 2012 Detroit show.
Since then it’s fair to say the NSX has been something of a unicorn: we’ve seen endless testing pictures, and speculation has kept online communities buzzing. It’s been the most tantalising tease in supercar history. And then there’s the back story…

Tell us more.
Having decided to ditch the V10 in favour of a V6 hybrid the team initially developed the car with a transverse-mounted normally aspirated motor. After extensive development the decision was made to add twin turbos and rotate the powerplant though 90 degrees for better packaging, weight distribution and heat management. That’s a colossal change to make mid-way through development. But it’s this deep-rooted obsession to get it right that defines the NSX.

OK, so where did the drivetrain actually end up?
Under the nose. Only joking. The NSX now has a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo generating 500bhp. Wedged between it and the nine-speed twin-clutch ‘box lies a brushless electric motor, which fills in power as the turbos spool up. It also serves as the starter motor, which in turn saves weight.
At the front two further motors, sharing a single clutch, are mounted inboard, driving a front wheel each and allowing the NSX to indulge in the black art of torque vectoring, while at the rear a limited slip differential divvies up the torque. All three motors are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack running down the centre of the car and across behind the seats, forming a ‘T’.
The battery is charged by the V6 and regen braking. All told we have an AWD supercar with a combined output of 573bhp and enough computer processing power to make NASA blush.

Sounds complicated - and complicated normally means heavy.
Yes, complexity adds weight. The NSX tips the scales at 1,725kg, which is chunky compared to the Audi R8 and Ferrari 488, at 1625kg and 1475kg respectively.

What about the styling?
Styling is always a fiercely personal thing, but the NSX has remained relatively true to the original concept’s design, which was first created in Japan, then further refined in Honda’s LA studio. It’s Manga meets Tony Stark with a sharp origami precision.
The final bodywork is predominantly aluminium stretched over the structure to manipulate the airflow and cool the battery cells and complex hybrid drivetrain. Not that it helped my laptop, which was mildly boiled having spent the afternoon in the trunk. Incidentally, the trunk is large enough to accommodate the ubiquitous automotive unit of space measurement, the golf bag. As long as you like your seven-iron lightly baked.

So, styled in the USA but developed in Japan?
Nope, US influence doesn’t end in the styling. The whole development of the NSX has been lead by a hugely enthusiastic team in the US (the decision presumably taken as it will be the car’s biggest market).
The nine speed ‘box, rear motor and other hybrid systems will be manufactured in Japan, then shipped to Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Centre in Columbus, Ohio, where they meet the locally-built V6 and are hand-assembled by a team of 100. To give you some idea of the detail and time that goes into making one, at full production capacity the team will produce eight units a day. In Honda’s factory next door they will create 850 Accords in the same time.

What about the chassis, I’m guessing carbon-fibre?
Wrong, actually. The chassis is constructed using “mixed materials”, predominantly aluminium, with carbon fibre for the floor. While Honda won’t get drawn on specific numbers they say this method delivers a chassis stiffer than anything the opposition has, sighting the Audi R8, Porsche 911 Turbo S and Ferrari 458 as reference points (which talks to the length of the car’s gestation).
The other area they won’t be drawn on is aerodynamic efficiency or downforce. All they will say is that the NSX uses a number of clever aerodynamic channels to ‘attach’ air to the bodywork and develop ‘significant’ downforce without the need for complex deployable spoilers.
This keeps the car looking uncluttered, although you can option a carbon fibre rear wing and more aggressive front splitter. I’d be tempted, as the matte carbon weave adds an additional layer of intent.

OK, enough tech already. What’s it like to drive?
Hang on, interior first. As you approach the NSX the door handles come to life and project outwards. There’s no swan, gullwing or other avian trickery here, just standard doors, and the seats are plush, comfortable and designed to hold you tightly when the NSX starts upping its game.
It all looks suitably modern and stylish, but my biggest issue is with some of the materials used – what looks metal is often plastic, removing a layer of authenticity from some of the key touch points, most notably the door handles, dynamic mode selector and paddle shifts. Honda says some of this may get addressed before final production begins.

So what’s it like to drive?
Despite the complexity of the drive train, or perhaps because of it, the NSX has only four drive modes: Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track, all controlled through the dynamic mode wheel in the centre of the dash.
You can configure which of these settings the car starts in so you can make a stealthy exit in the morning or let the neighbours know you’re off. Quiet mode allows you to leave in silence using pure EV drive, a nice party tricky for a supercar. It’s good for about 2 miles before the V6 kicks in to help things along and act as a generator for the batteries.
Sport turns the NSX into a hybrid with the V6 and E-motors working together to optimise efficiency. Flick it to Sport+ and the car comes alive, the third-gen magnetorheological dampers stiffen and the steering and throttle response become more eager, the whole car becomes more focused and purposeful. Lower down the rev range the V6 doesn’t make the most satisfying noise, but push the NSX harder and above 4000rpm it starts to sing.

And the acceleration?
The combined thrust is mighty - think Audi R8 with a more instant shove at the bottom end and you won’t be far off. The gearshifts are instantaneous and with nine to play with there are plenty of opportunities to flick around and push to the 7500rpm redline.
We threaded the NSX along the famous Palms to Pines highway. A road as open and inviting as this is perfect for settling into fast flow, piling into corners and then jumping on the throttle earlier than you’d dare in many competitors. That allows the torque vectoring to work its magic and pull you out of the corner, delivering impossible exit speeds and firing you down the next straight. It’s effortless and addictive and delivers on the brief to create an accessible supercar, or as Honda would have it “a New Sportscar Experience.”
There’s a suppleness to the ride which is reminiscent of the McLaren Super Series and testament to the effectiveness of the adaptive dampers and the hours spent optimising them. Even more pleasing is that the NSX does an impressive job of hiding its mass. There’s initial understeer as a safety warning system, but push further and the NSX deploys its giant processing power to swallow tarmac at an alarming rate.

Did you get to drive it on track, too?
Yep. And in full-attack Track mode and wearing Pirelli Trofeo R tyres. To spice things up a bit Indycar legend (and NSX development driver) Dario Franchitti set the pace. After a few laps following his lead I start to dig deeper into the NSX’s capabilities.
You can brake impossibly late (our test car was on the optional carbon ceramics), turn in and after initial understeer the car begins to rotate. Even with the traction on it will allow a decent amount of angle before the nannies kick in. Most of the time it does a staggeringly good job of hiding its extra mass, although it’s most obvious mid-corner. The trick is to lay off the throttle, allow the car to settle, then jump back on it letting the torque vectoring weave its magic. It’s brutally effective.
In track mode the NSX opens a valve in the intake manifold, which directs sound into the cockpit and increases the noise by 25db, so even with a helmet on you can hear the V6 charging to 7,500rpm and blipping beautifully on downshifts.

Any other tricks?
Yep. The NSX has one of the most undramatic but effective launch control systems I’ve experienced. In Track mode and with your left foot on the brake turn the Dynamic dial to the right until it beeps and notifies you in the dash that LC is enabled. Push the throttle and the revs rise to 2,500rpm, step off the brake and all three electric motors fire you off the line, the V6 joins the party once the turbos have spooled up and the combined effect is violently effective. No wheel spin, no violent dumping of the clutch, just dramatic, effective thrust.

So you’re impressed?
In a word yes, more than I had expected to be if I’m honest. The scale of achievement in making this immensely complex car feel so immersive is what sticks in the mind. The braking, steering and integration between the V6 and three motors could have been a recipe for a car that constantly interrupted your enjoyment. In the NSX you learn to drive with the systems not against them, and in return it delivers a fascinatingly engaging experience.
In many ways it would be wrong to compare the NSX to an R8 or 488 although those are the benchmark competitors. In fact it feels more directly related to a Porsche 918. Both took years to get right, both hide their additional mass with trick electronics and both represent a new kind of performance car that’s hard not to admire.
Supercars used to be one trick ponies, but the NSX represents a new generation. For some, Quiet mode will be anathema, but for others that, and the breadth of the NSX’s capabilities, represent a new and attractive proposition. Honda describe the NSX as an articulation of the brand as a whole and more importantly “not the finish line, just the start point”. Having been so long in the making it would have been painfully easy for the NSX to disappoint, but for my money, it was well worth the wait.

Source;
http://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/honda/35-v6-2dr-auto/first-drive