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A smoother operator | 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid First Drive

There's a lot to unpack when trying to understand the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid. Acura is billing it as a three-row crossover infused with NSX technology via a sport-oriented hybrid drivetrain. So it's a hybrid crossover, sure. But it doesn't comport itself like a traditional crossover, nor is it a conventional hybrid. What it is, underneath, is an intentionally subtle blend of impressive technologies doing their best to appear transparent – and it's too subtle, I fear, to be appreciated by those who'd like it the most. This is a lot of foreshadowing, but if you're not familiar with the MDX Sport Hybrid's powertrain, let's fill you in. The MDX Sport Hybrid uses the same basic system as the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid, with some newer NSX battery tech sprinkled in, packaged neatly into the refreshed third-generation MDX platform. The system improves handling and efficiency – but more important, it smoothes out the harshness of shifts and engine stop-starts. We do need to examine the system in some detail to understand how all this affects the MDX as a whole, so let's go toe to tail. Up front is a transversely-mounted 3.0-liter V6 making 257 horsepower and 218 pound-feet of torque, as well as featuring i-VTEC and cylinder deactivation. It's slightly smaller than the 3.5-liter V6 found in the conventional MDX and many other Honda and Acura products. Attached alongside is a Honda-produced 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that has a 47 hp, 109 lb-ft electric motor-generator stuffed inside. Amidships are the battery pack and the electronics to control it, and stretching aft from there are large cables feeding power to a pair of electric motors that reside in single housing, one for each wheel. Together, they produce electron witchcraft and torque-delivery wizardry – and add 72 hp and 108 lb-ft of torque to the mix. The total system output is 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque – a gain of 31 hp and 22 lb-ft over the conventional MDX SH-AWD. Beyond the raw numbers, there's the remarkable subjective benefit of the Sport Hybrid's drivetrain. Engine start-stop events are quiet and smooth, nearly imperceptible when under way – in stark contrast to the too-perceptible shudder of competing engines kicking on. The electric motors (mainly the one residing in the transmission) add in power to make up for the lull during a shift, making shifts up or down seamless, as well as providing regenerative capacity.

Acura recalls 10k RLX models for headlight replacement

Acura is recalling 9,700 examples of the 2014 and 2015 RLX in the US to replace their headlights. The problem is that the reflective backing material inside the units can potentially delaminate. If this happens, then the luxury sedans no longer conform to federal safety guidelines. The automaker knows of no injuries or crashes related to this issue, though. The 2014 RLX has been subject to two other recalls. One covered loose bolts in the rear suspension, and the other was to replace the front seat belts. RLX owners should receive mailed notification of the recall around February. This campaign comes hot on the heels of Acura issuing a stop-sale for the TLX V6 for a risk of possible rollaway. Scroll down to read the company's entire announcement of its latest recall. Statement by Acura Regarding Headlight Recall: 2014-2015 Acura RLX Approximately 9,700 model-year 2014-2015 RLX vehicles affected in the U.S. Headlight assemblies in affected vehicles to be replaced, free of charge TORRANCE, Calif. – Dec. 11, 2014 – Acura will voluntarily recall approximately 9,700 model-year 2014-2015 RLX vehicles in the United States to replace both headlight assemblies, free of charge. The reflective film backing material inside the headlights may delaminate, which may result in the vehicle no longer conforming to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue. Acura is announcing this recall to encourage all owners who purchased an affected vehicle to take it to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Acura. Mailed notification to customers will begin in early-Feb. In addition, owners of these vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair by going to recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 382-2238 and selecting option 4. # # #

Acura product roadmap leak points to 'compact Type S' and MDX Type S

The Type S moniker is back along with the 2021 Acura TLX Type S sedan. And today, the internet has sprouted some more Acura Type S news. We caught wind of a forum post on Acurazine through a thread on Reddit that includes a link to a video allegedly shown during Acura’s 2020 dealer meeting webcast. That video doesnÂ’t appear to be live anymore, but an enterprising individual happened to screenshot the most important slide from the video: AcuraÂ’s product roadmap to 2022. HereÂ’s the link youÂ’re looking for. Take this information with a grain of salt. ThereÂ’s a good chance that this intel is correct, but plans change. Most imminent is a redesigned Acura MDX with a Type S variant. We expect an MDX Type S to follow the same formula as the TLX Type S. AcuraÂ’s new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 would be a fine candidate for this duty. With that powerplant (horsepower unknown, but likely around 400 ponies), it could punch up against SUVs like the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, or punch down to the Ford Explorer ST. tuned suspension, plenty of appearance add-ons and sportier interior would also likely be along for the ride. ItÂ’s placed directly after the TLX on the chart timewise, so thereÂ’s a good chance that we see a new MDX soon. Next up is the one that weÂ’re especially excited about. A new Type S “compact sedan” is on the way. Acura neglected to give this one a name, which is odd, unless thereÂ’s a big secret it wants to keep. Right now, AcuraÂ’s small sedan is called the ILX. In past (and better) years, Acura named its small cars Integra and RSX. Might we see the return of the Integra name? Or perhaps RSX? ThereÂ’s precedent for an RSX Type S, and this small Acura appears to be getting the Type S treatment.  So, what might a small Acura Type S look like? The car could borrow hardware from the Civic Si, or it could borrow from the Civic Type R. A more luxurious Civic Type R with AcuraÂ’s delightful and sharp styling would be splendid. ItÂ’d be dialed back to fit the Type S name, but nearly anything would be better than the ILX wallowing at the bottom of AcuraÂ’s lineup today. WeÂ’re left to guess at the details for now, but the roadmap shows that car arriving by 2022. There are two other small nuggets of info weÂ’ll point out on this roadmap. Acura doesnÂ’t list an RDX Type S anywhere on it. That could be because the RDX was recently redesigned, so itÂ’s not one of the completely new vehicles listed in the step ladder of new product.