ACURA CONTINUES ITS MEGA-TEAR OF POSH-MEETS-PERFORMANCE REDESIGNS, THIS TIME RETHINKING THE MDX AS THE MARQUE’S NEW FLAGSHIP – AND YES, ENTHUSIASTS, THERE WILL BE A TYPE S

BY EVAN MONROE

When Acura unveiled the reimagined RDX at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, the brand’s lofty ambitions were clear. The compact crossover, with its lithe lines and hyper-advanced performance upgrades, signaled a new direction for the Japanese luxury maker. Sales soared, and two years later, a new TLX zipped onto the scene, flaunting re-found performance zing led by the resurrected Type S. For 2022, Acura sets its sights on its Flagship MDX, revving up what is a clear renaissance for the brand that once rocked auto dom with the release of the first NSX in 1990 (though, to be more accurate, the famed mid-engine coupe wore a Honda badge everywhere outside North America). This parade of redesigns confirms Acura is doubling down on its commitment to premium performance, and to prove it, its three-row people mover is getting a Type S.

The MDX already holds the bragging title of best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, but in Minato City, laurels be damned. The SUV’s top-to-bottom renovation is anchored by a new ultra rigid platform that features an MDX first double wishbone front suspension. is change delivers a larger tire contact patch through corners for greater freedom of movement. Paired with a reimagined multi-link rear suspension and more powerful brakes, the platform gives the light truck sport sedan-level performance. Feeding the eager machine is a 3.5L direct-injected V6 that outputs 290 horsepower with 267 lb.-ft. of torque on the non-S, while a brand new 3.0L turbocharged six gives the performance model 60 additional ponies. Both motors are attached to a ten-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sport Shift. Type S features include an open diamond mesh grille, quad exhaust outlets, and gloss black trim replacing the standard chrome. Starting MSRP is $46,900; pricing on the Type S had not yet been confirmed at time of print.

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