INTRODUCTION
To pursue a new direction in the luxury SUV segment, Acura designed the MDX as the first SUV to combine a car-like ride and handling with a family-sized SUV interior. By avoiding some of the compromises that other manufacturers have accepted, MDX combines dynamic performance, utility and luxurious accommodations with the value expected of all Acura vehicles. The MDX concept rests on these four fundamental principles:
- Interior and exterior designs that are consistent with Acura philosophies of intelligent design, elegant styling, thoughtful features, packaging efficiency and high value
- Exterior styling that subtly expresses the vehicle's athleticism and complements the surprising flexibility and functionality of the interior
- The versatility to quickly and easily adapt the interior space to a variety of useful and practical layouts that reflect the varied and often contradictory needs of SUV buyers
- Well-balanced vehicle dynamics to reward the driver with a feeling of exhilaration during sporty driving, the capability for medium-duty off-road driving, the competence needed to conquer winter conditions and the power required for towing
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The Acura MDX design concept was born at Honda's R&D
facilities
in Torrance, California. Designers selected the freedom of the
Southwest as a conceptual theme for the exterior design. MDX is
purposely different from conventional SUVs - a theme that
carried
through from the very initial stages of development.
The MDX adopted a clean, strong and elegant exterior design to complement a functional and versatile interior space. The lines create a natural flow from front to rear, as if MDX was sculpted from one solid piece, reinforcing the sense of strength and ruggedness. The individual surfaces of the hood, fenders and doors are finely sculpted with detailed character lines that are both attractive and functional - simultaneously strengthening the panels and managing airflow over MDX's aerodynamically efficient shape. The solid front is anchored by the familiar pentagonal Acura grille, and continues with an intricately detailed greenhouse area that culminates in a D-pillar that sweeps gently forward. This D-pillar design is important to the overall shape of MDX - it finishes the look of this finely sculpted shape while providing a functional design for MDX's rear liftgate. Form and function work hand-in-hand as the forward upper edge of the liftgate allows the rear hatch to open with minimum clearance required behind the vehicle. This simplicity and elegance of design is a metaphor for MDX as a whole - each design element has been carefully thought out to produce a vehicle that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to drive.
To make this product a significant leap forward in environmental awareness and, ultimately, the intelligent SUV choice for sophisticated buyers, MDX designers shaped the vehicle's exterior to minimize aerodynamic drag and specified the use of recycled materials where possible. The aerodynamically efficient shape results in low wind noise and improves highway fuel economy for this environmentally conscious vehicle.
MDX designers mapped out a fresh set of proportions to meet these development goals, incorporating a full-size interior into a mid-size SUV's exterior space. That meant stretching exterior width to maximize the available interior space and benefit dynamic stability. They made the cabin as long as possible in the interests of interior roominess. They selected a short hood and a strong frontal appearance and they shaped the vehicle's corners to refine MDX's aerodynamic performance. To enhance off-road capability, they specified a high ground clearance but also provided a low door opening to ease entry and egress. In the side view, the body-to-glass proportion was optimized for a sporty demeanor. Windows were maximized for excellent outward visibility.
BODY STRUCTURE
MDX's body structure meets the rigorous design requirements -
including best-in-class collision performance targets. Several
advanced unit body concepts have been applied to yield a
structure
with outstanding levels of occupant protection. High rigidity is
another top priority. A stiff structure is essential to achieving
balanced and predictable handling and assuring that the ride is
smooth and quiet for the life of the vehicle. For 2003, the MDX
receives a series of structural reinforcements that increase
dynamic
torsional rigidity by 35 percent compared to the 2002 model. This
enhanced torsional rigidity helps provide the MDX with precise
handling by minimizing any unwanted movement of suspension
components
and changes in geometry.
Reducing weight is a key to the well-rounded performance demanded of MDX - dictating the use of high-tensile steel in many critical areas. To achieve their high goals for safety and performance, MDX engineers used powerful computer simulation and analysis tools to optimize body design and conduct virtual collisions before the first prototypes were even constructed.
To meet the MDX's ambitious strength, stiffness, and weight targets, body engineers selected a unit body design with rubber-isolated front and rear subframes. The high level of bending and torsional rigidity designed into the MDX body structure helps improve handling precision by providing a rigid platform for mounting the suspension components.
Like all Acura products, MDX's body is designed to deform progressively in front, side and rear collisions. Engineering front, side and rear sections that help absorb the energy of a collision reduces the likelihood of occupant injury. A highly rigid passenger section is reinforced laterally and longitudinally to maintain its size and shape for omnidirectional protection.
Much of the MDX's rigidity and resiliency comes from its robust floor construction. Two longitudinal rails run the length of the vehicle, from bumper to bumper. These rails are buttressed by a total of eight box-section crossmembers at critical points along the vehicle's platform and further reinforced by two bumper bulkheads. This provides the strength needed to resist standard barrier impacts at the front and rear, offset crashes, and side impacts. For 2003, both the rear floor and wheel house have been reinforced for increased rigidity.
A passenger compartment safety shell design is used to protect occupants with structural "rings" at the A, B, C, and D pillars that run continuously around the circumference of the vehicle to help minimize intrusion during side impacts. Reinforced steel stiffeners inside the doors at the beltline provide a continuous horizontal connection between the first three pillars. High tensile-strength steel tubular beams inside the door structure at wheel height provide additional intrusion resistance. A single-piece side-ring design is used to assure tight and consistent fit and finish in the critical closure areas (doors and windows), and the doors are made using laser-welded tailored blanks. This innovative door design uses higher-gauge steel in high-stress areas and lighter gauge steel in other areas to save weight yet maintain structural integrity for durability and safety. About one quarter of MDX's steel body parts are high-tensile steel. Longitudinal rails, floor crossmembers, and pillar reinforcements that carry heavy loads are made of the stronger heavier gauge steel. A roof-mounted reinforcement is provided to secure the center passenger's upper-shoulder belt.
One of the toughest challenges facing an SUV body-structure engineer is achieving adequate stiffness in the rear hatch opening. For 2003, reinforcements were placed on the right and left of the tailgate opening to enhance body rigidity even further.
The use of high-strength, closed-section steel bumper beams enhances occupant safety and decreases damage sustained during rear end collisions. In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the MDX received the highest ratings given.
AERODYNAMIC DESIGN
A low aerodynamic drag coefficient was essential to achieving
MDX's
goal of outstanding highway fuel efficiency. Toward that end,
MDX was
styled with a sloped and tapered front-end. The windshield is
tilted
at a low angle to help air flow smoothly over the roof. At the
trailing edge of the roof, a tapered surface minimizes wake
turbulence. A chin spoiler integrated below the front bumper
deflects
air to the sides that would otherwise flow under the vehicle. A
strake (air deflector) is also positioned ahead of each front tire to
direct air to the smooth sides of the vehicle. The coefficient of
drag of the MDX is 0.36. As a result, highway fuel efficiency is an
impressive 23 mpg.
LAMP DESIGN
Front-of-vehicle illumination is integrated into attractive and
aggressively styled halogen lamp assemblies. Following the
lines of
the grille, the lamp assemblies wrap around to the forward edge
of
the front fenders, providing a natural transition from the vehicle's
front to its side. A clear outer lens provides a clean look and
allows smooth air flow around the vehicle's front corners. The
innermost lamp is for high-beam illumination; and uses a round
reflector. In the middle position, a multi-faceted,
rectangular-shaped low beam provides for excellent near-vehicle
illumination. Turn signals, marker lamps, and reflectors occupy
the
outboard position.
Fog lamps are standard MDX equipment. For a consistent appearance, a clear lens and a multi-faceted reflector are used for this lamp. The fog lamps are positioned just below the bumper surface adjacent to the lower air intake.
Four lights and a reflector are integrated into one lamp assembly positioned at each rear corner of the MDX. At the top is a combination stop and tail-lamp. Directional signals and back-up lamps reside in the middle position. A tail/stop lamp is located in the bottom half of the assembly. At the lower edge is a reflector. A circular back-up-lamp reflector provides extra illumination at the rear when backing.
GLASS
Excellent visibility, giving drivers a commanding view of the road
ahead and passengers a pleasant open feeling, was a high
priority in
designing the MDX. To that end, MDX provides an outstanding
286
degrees of outward visibility.
To control the migration of water over the front door glass, windshield side moldings were extended to create a dam that helps channel rain and sleet up and over the roof. Squaring the rear edge of the outside rearview mirror's mounting base benefits air flow patterns and reduces wind noise.
DOOR DESIGN
Many SUVs have plastic cladding on their lower body surfaces. A
damage analysis study by MDX engineers revealed that cladding
positioned low on the side of the vehicle actually offers little
protection from parking lot and garage scarring because contact
is
far more likely to occur at the mid-point of the door or higher. For
this reason, and in the interests of providing customers with a
clean, strong, and elegant appearance, MDX is not equipped
with
side-surface cladding.
Another discovery was that dirt and mud can build up on vertical sill surfaces below the door seals. This is an annoyance because the dirt often soils pants, dresses or other clothes as occupants enter the vehicle. To avoid this problem, an extra seal has been included at the lower interior edge of each door. These seals rest against the side sill garnish and block the build up of dirt and debris, ensuring clean and hassle-free entry and egress - no matter what outside conditions might provide.
Special measures have been taken to make MDX highly resistant to intrusion by thieves and vandals. The liftgate is not equipped with an exterior lock cylinder and can be unlocked with either a remote key fob or the interior switch. Reinforced steel guards have been installed to deflect break-in tools away from the front door lock rod and latch mechanism. Double thick steel around the driver's door key cylinder stops vandals from prying their way into the vehicle - and for added security only the driver's door is equipped with a traditional key-lock cylinder.
The window sashes are equipped with continuous window frame guides that completely surround the door glass and limit access through this sometimes vulnerable area of the vehicle. Rear lock rods are positioned behind the center sashes so they are inaccessible from outside the vehicle.
AUTO ON/OFF HEADLIGHTS
New for 2003, the MDX features auto on/off headlights. A sensor
at
the front of the instrument panel senses outside illumination
levels;
when darkness occurs during automatic mode, the headlights,
taillights, and instrument panel lighting turn on automatically for
nighttime convenience. When the vehicle is parked at night, the
lights remain lit after the ignition switch is turned off, but
extinguish automatically when the driver's door is opened.
SIDE MIRRORS
The MDX features "diffuser" side mirrors that smoothly channel
air
between the mirror and the side window glass resulting in less
wind
noise and improved aerodynamics.
The use of blue-tinted side mirror glass greatly reduces sun and headlamp glare to the driver. Owners of the MDX with optional Touring Package, receive two keyless remote key fob units that can be pre-programmed so the mirror (and driver's seat) settings automatically match the memory settings of that particular driver.
The MDX Touring Package adds another handy feature - when the transmission is shifted into reverse, the right-side mirror angles down 15 degrees for better visibility near the vehicle. This feature can be disabled by moving the power mirror adjuster switch out of the center position. MDX engineers provided electrical heating to the outside mirrors not only to defog them in winter but also to reduce the likelihood their surfaces will be damaged by contact with ice scrapers.
WASHER AND WIPER SYSTEMS
As part of the MDX's "defeat winter" goal, engineers invested
extra
effort in the vehicle's window washer and wiper systems. For
2003,
the MDX with Touring Package features rain-sensing front
windshield
wipers that, when in the "automatic" position, adjust wiper speed
depending on the amount of rain that is falling on the windshield.
A
sensor located on the windshield behind the rearview mirror
monitors
the amount of rain on the windshield and adjusts wiper speed
accordingly. For individual preference, the driver can adjust the
sensitivity of this sensor. The driver can also select either of two
pre-set wiper speeds.
The wiper arm is a clean, one-piece design. A jet-type washer nozzle is positioned to help distribute the fluid for quicker and more thorough rear-window cleaning. Fluid is delivered almost the instant the wash button is touched thanks to use of a check valve in the delivery line.
Single-piece wiper arms are used on the front windows. Fluidic nozzles are fitted here for several reasons: they have a large orifice that covers more surface area, they are less likely to clog than a conventional nozzle and they clean the windshield with fewer wash cycles.
ROOF RACK
Designed to accentuate both the styling and utility of the MDX, the
integrated design of the roof rack (standard on the MDX with
touring
package and available as an option on the MDX) consists of two
fixed
cross bars that mount in the rain channel of the roof. The cross
bars
are designed to carry items weighing up to 150 pounds when
properly
loaded. Engineers optimized the location of the bars for loading
convenience and the roof rack cross-bars have an airfoil-shaped
cross-section to avoid wind noise. They are made of
plastic-sheathed
steel for high stiffness and durability. The adjustable end stays
are
sturdy zinc die-castings covered with stylish trim. Accessory
components are offered to facilitate transporting skis and
bicycles
or a variety of other items.
RADIO ANTENNA
The MDX's antenna is a short, flexible, damage-resistant design
positioned at a rear-center location on the roof. This antenna
provides excellent reception, with the security and enhanced
appearance roof-mounting as opposed to more common fender
or A-pillar
type mountings.
SPARE WHEEL AND TIRE
A compact spare tire is carried under the rear load floor and can
be
lowered by turning a hex-head mounting bolt with the provided
lug-wrench. The mounting bolt is neatly concealed under a cover
conveniently located inside the rear hatch trim area. This
arrangement guarantees the security of the spare and keeps it
readily
accessible without disturbing luggage or cargo carried onboard.
Room
is provided to stow a flat or a full-size spare in the compact
spare's location. All spare tire mountings and hardware are
made of
stainless steel and polymer materials to minimize corrosion.
MOONROOF WIND DEFLECTOR
Wind noise can be annoying when the sunroof is open in a
vehicle with
large interior volume. MDX engineers solved this problem by
providing
a wind deflector that automatically rises into the air stream when
the glass moonroof is opened. An aluminum blade and
composite end
pieces are used to save weight. As a result of the wind deflector,
the MDX is one of the quietest SUVs on the market with the
moonroof
in either the open or closed position.