Popular Acura MDX luxury SUV adds more luxury and safety

features for 2005

The 2005 Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle receives an

assortment of new features designed to help it maintain its position

as a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment. The standard VSA system has

been enhanced, an assortment of technology has been applied to the

interior, including XM Satellite Radio, and three new colors have

been added to the exterior color palette.

“Each year, we make some specifically targeted enhancements to

keep the MDX ahead of the competition,” said Dick Colliver, executive

vice president, auto sales. “Two years ago, we added horsepower, last

year we gave the styling an aggressive edge and this year we’ve added

leading-edge interior features like XM Satellite Radio and the

HandsFreeLink wireless phone interface that our customers will really

appreciate.”

The interior of the MDX emphasizes the vehicle’s versatile yet

refined character with standard-setting levels of luxury and

functionality. Three uniquely transformable rows of seats allow the

MDX to comfortably seat up to seven passengers. A convenient walk-in

feature provided at the right (curb) side of MDX’s second-row seat

slides the whole second seat forward with the touch of a lever.

Second and third row seats split and fold flat into the floor

providing 82 cubic feet of cargo room. Even with all three rows in

use, the MDX still offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the

third row seats.

The MDX is one of the most comprehensively equipped vehicles in

its class. Standard features including a power moonroof,

multi-function digital trip computer, a synchronized climate control

system, two rows of leather trimmed seats, premium sound system,

heated front seats and steering wheel mounted cruise control and

audio controls. An optional Touring Package adds a variety of premium

features. These features include a roof rack, exclusive alloy wheels,

upgraded sound system, two-position memory for the driver’s seat and

sideview mirrors, and a front passenger’s eight-way power seat.

The MDX features a premium sound system tuned specifically for its

acoustical characteristics. For 2005, XM Satellite Radio (and a

complimentary 90-day subscription) becomes a standard feature on all

MDX models. XM offers more than 100 stations of commercial free,

CD-quality programming. Touring Package Models are equipped with an

upgraded 225 watt, eight-speaker Acura/Bose Music system. In

addition, all Touring Package models come equipped with a six disc

In-Dash CD changer, which allows extra discs to be stored without a

separate magazine.

For 2005, all MDX models equipped with the Touring Package also

receive HandsFreeLink, which enables a Bluetooth wireless interface

with mobile phones allowing calls to be made and received using the

MDX’s voice recognition and audio interfaces. To make a call, drivers

push the steering wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink button, which connects

their phone to the system. The driver then says the number to call or

indicates an entry stored in the system’s phone book. The voice

recognition system responds, confirms the number or phone book entry

and dials. The number being dialed as well as other calling

information is shown on the navigation system screen. The

HandsFreeLink system can be programmed to accept up to six different

phones, and up to 50 numbers may be stored in the system’s phone

book.

The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition is available as

a factory-installed option on models equipped with the Touring

Package. For 2005, the navigation system has been enhanced with

expanded memory and a faster processor to provide quicker start up

and route search times, more points of interest and access to the

Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide. This easy to use system features a

menu of 560 voice commands, an eight-inch display, a comprehensive

destination guide with more than seven million points of interest,

3-D graphics for freeway interchanges, on and off-ramps and

turn-by-turn voice guidance. In addition, all U.S. cities and street

names (1.7 million) may now be accessed through the voice recognition

system. The navigation system can be used through the steering

wheel-mounted voice recognition button or by using the menu on the

touch screen.

For 2005, all models equipped with the navigation system also

feature the OnStar Digital/analog tri-modal system. A three-month

subscription to the Safe and Sound plan is included in the purchase

price, and may be extended at the purchaser’s discretion.

The Acura DVD Entertainment System is also available as an option

on Touring Package-equipped models. The seven-inch LCD screen is

mounted to the headliner, just behind the front seats for use by rear

seat passengers. The DVD player mounts below the standard audio

system and plays over the MDX’s sound system or through a pair of

cordless infrared headphones. The system can be controlled either by

using the MDX’s audio controls or from the rear seats through the use

of a remote control or the screen’s control panel.

The MDX features sporty styling designed to reflect its high

performance powertrain. The signature Acura family grille serves as

the centerpiece for a smoothly tapered front fascia. A lean, angular

headlight treatment encases projection-type headlights that enhance

illumination while accenting the bold styling. The front bumper

includes an integrated chin spoiler that moves air smoothly to the

sides of the car for increased aerodynamics. For 2005 three new

exterior colors, Desert Rock Metallic, Bullet Silver Metallic and

Steel Blue Metallic, replace Midnight Blue, Burnished Bronze,

Starlight Silver and Sandstone.

The MDX’s 3.5 liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum, VTEC V-6 engine

utilizes a high flow dual exhaust system that helps to generate 265

horsepower and 253 lbs.-ft. of torque. This exhaust system utilizes

two close-coupled primary catalytic converters, a secondary

underfloor catalytic converter, and large diameter exhaust pipes. The

MDX meet stringent LEV-2 ULEV emissions standards. For 2005, a

larger, redesigned gas tank increases capacity by more than one

gallon, and extends driving range while at the same time helping the

MDX meet LEV-2 evaporative emissions requirements. With estimated

city/highway ratings of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway, the MDX delivers

better combined fuel economy than most of its luxury competitors.

The MDX features a compact five-speed automatic transmission with

components engineered to provide the durability needed for on-road,

off-road and towing use. A wide-ratio design affords a first gear

with extra pulling power to start heavy loads and a high top gear for

quiet highway cruising. This four-shaft gearbox utilizes a unique

shaft layout that not only reduces size, but also trims gear noise,

clutch drag and hydraulic friction.

A drive-by-wire throttle system eliminates the need for a

mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine,

and modulates the throttle during transmission shifts for improved

smoothness. It also allows for throttle control to be seamlessly

incorporated into the MDX’s VSA logic and directs the vehicle’s

cruise control function.

For enhanced traction on low friction surfaces, the MDX utilizes a

unique VTM-4 four-wheel drive system. Unlike conventional automatic

four-wheel drive systems, which react only to wheel slippage, VTM-4

proactively apportions torque from the front to the rear wheels

before wheel slippage can occur. When cruising, the system

automatically reverts to front-wheel drive for improved fuel economy.

In addition to ample power, the MDX delivers sport sedan-like

handling and a smooth, compliant ride. It features a four-wheel fully

independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS,

dual piston calipers in the front, standard 17-inch alloy wheels and

specially designed P235/65R-17 all-season tires to provide stability

and responsiveness. For 2005, Brake Assist, which helps drivers apply

full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation, has been

added. Front and rear stabilizer bars, a wide track and a low center

of gravity give the MDX predictable cornering response and help

maximize cornering capabilities.

Handling is further enhanced through the application of a standard

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system that works in concert with the

VTM-4 and drive-by-wire throttle systems to provide enhanced control

during acceleration, braking and cornering. This four-channel system

orchestrates the throttle and each of the vehicle’s four disc brakes

to seamlessly integrate traction control, anti-lock braking, and

stability enhancement for increased driver control during

acceleration, braking and cornering.

Active yaw control has been added to the VSA system for 2005.

Active yaw control determines when the vehicle is not traveling in

the intended direction of travel, and uses the ABS to help bring the

MDX back on course.

The MDX offers an assortment of the latest safety features. A side

curtain airbag system helps reduce injury to occupants in all three

rows of seats during a sufficient side-impact collision. It deploys

from a module in the roof in the event of a sufficient side impact,

providing an important and significant level of head protection in

the window area. This system also includes a series of rollover

sensors designed to trigger the system in the unlikely event of a

rollover. Should the MDX begin to tip, the rollover sensors monitor

the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly.

The MDX also features dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and

front passenger front airbags. The driver’s airbag adjusts deployment

force to one of two rates according to input from sensors which

monitor the severity of the impact, seatbelt usage and the position

of the driver’s seat. The front passenger airbag’s deployment takes

into account the severity of the crash, seatbelt usage and the

passenger’s weight. The MDX also offers driver’s and front

passenger’s side airbags with occupant position sensors in the

passenger’s seat; and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for

Children) system on the second row of outboard seats to simplify

attachment of compatible child seats.

A direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses sensors in

the valve stem of each wheel to alert the driver when tire pressure

drops significantly below the recommended level. If the system

detects that tire pressure is low (32 psi is recommended), the low

pressure indicator notifies the driver, while a schematic of the

vehicle located in the center meter indicates which tire or tires

require air. Like all Acura vehicles, the MDX comes equipped with a

comprehensive four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty that includes

Acura’s customer service package.

For details about Acura vehicles, visit South Coast Acura at 2925

Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa. (714) 979-2500.