Before unveiling the new Integra Prototype later this week, Acura’s dropped more details about a Type S performance variant of the MDX SUV. The MDX Type S, which is the first Type S SUV and Acura’s most powerful SUV ever, will have a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6, all-wheel drive, air suspension, and more sporty features.
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What Happened
Acura is preparing for the three-row MDX Type S to hit dealerships this December, so it released a few more details for potential customers to chew on. The new MDX Type S will possess an all-new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes a claimed 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to its Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
It also features double-wishbone independent suspension up front and multi-link independent suspension out back that’s tied to the chassis via air suspension and adaptive dampers. To reign in its power and 4,770-pound curb weight, 14.3-inch Brembo brakes have been fitted, and 275/40/21 Continental ContiSeal tires are mounted up at all four corners to keep it glued to the road.
Finally, some sporty styling accents have been thrown in to help it look the part, such as a pronounced front splitter, larger exhaust outlets, side vents that help aid cooling, and Type S badging.
Why It Matters
Performance luxury SUVs have been en vogue for a while now, but they have mostly been found in European and American brand lineups. There’s the Jeep Trackhawk, Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Maserati Levante, BMW X5M, Lamborghini Urus, etc., but no Japanese manufacturers have really thrown their hat into this ring since the original Infiniti FX and its respective successors that are no longer offered.
This is a classic case of Acura wanting to enter a portion of the new car market for far less money than the competition, and it’ll be interesting to see how this new Type S stacks up in regards to performance figures. Whereas the Type S is expected to start in the “high-$60,000 range,” which is certainly pricey, but not compared to the aforementioned European fare that starts around $80,000.
It’s also a sign that Acura is truly dedicated to offering trims that are geared towards enthusiasts. Besides the NSX Type S that’s due for a new generation in the coming years, the TLX comes in a Type S variant, and soon Acura will unveil a prototype of its Integra reboot, which is expected to also get a Type S variant (Stay tuned for coverage on Car Autance from the official reveal on Thursday).
What To Look For Next
The Acura Type S and performance resurgence storyline is still developing, and it’s to be seen if these revved-up vehicles will live up to the legendary badge. These upcoming vehicles will make or break the momentous excitement and buzz Acura has created. Interestingly, aside from the NSX, the TLX, MDX, and teased Integra are all four-door vehicles. It will be interesting to see if Acura offers a more affordable coupe Type S like the models that the Type S badge graced in the past. It will also be interesting to see if electrification plays a role at all in the future of Acura’s performance vehicles.
In Photos:
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