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Acura MDX design lead details the crossover from beginning to today

Catalin Matei, principal designer at Acura, was the exterior design lead for the original 2001 MDX and had the same job for the new MDX Prototype. That’s just plain cool, and it makes him the MDX person of record when it comes to design.  Thankfully, Acura put him in front of a camera with the original and the new Prototype to talk design. That video is at the top of this post. MateiÂ’s background gives him a unique perspective on how MDX design has changed throughout the years. In the video, he walks us through his and AcuraÂ’s thinking and rationale for the three-row crossoverÂ’s design both then and now. ItÂ’s a great watch, as you learn how AcuraÂ’s crossover design philosophy has changed over the years. Where the original design tried to be elegant and clean, the new MDX takes a stab at sportiness and performance. This line of thinking is in tune with all of AcuraÂ’s most recent designs following the “Precision Crafted Performance” mantra. 2001 Acura MDX View 11 Photos Specifics on how the carÂ’s design has changed are called out by Matei. For example, grille design — itÂ’s much bigger now! The character line that wrapped around the original MDX has moved upward in the new MDX. This gives the new crossover a broad-shouldered and strong look that the old MDX just didnÂ’t have. And you probably wouldÂ’ve never guessed this, but the bodyside sculpting was inspired by the rocks in the Antelope Canyon. WeÂ’re not totally convinced.  One downside from the slick and “sporty” design may be unintentionally called out. The third row of seats is almost entirely shrouded by the body, as opposed to the massive windows in the original MDX. Those in the rearmost seats will have a much more claustrophobic experience than everybody else in the car. If you want all the details we know about the upcoming next-gen MDX, check out our reveal post here. Also, bookmark this page. WeÂ’ll check back in with Matei 20 years from now for the 2040 Acura MDX reveal. Related gallery: MDX Prototype View 35 Photos

Acura already planning NSX Type R?

Acura just took the wraps off the production version of its long-awaited new NSX, but rumors are already circulating of an even hotter version to follow. Meeting up at the Detroit Auto Show this week, Auto Express asked the NSX's chief engineer Ted Klaus about the prospect of a Type R version in the future, to which he reportedly answered: "I think everyone who loves cars wants to see a version that we say is pure red. The NSX has always been silver first, moving towards red later. Someone asked me, 'when will you be satisfied?' Probably never. What you do today, you can improve on tomorrow." That doesn't mean that tomorrow will actually come tomorrow, but it does speak to a spirit of improvement on the NSX team that could stand to keep the American-made Japanese supercar on the knife's edge and out in front of the competition, which Klaus identified as including the Ferrari 458, Audi R8 V10 and Porsche 911 Turbo. The previous model bred the NSX-R two years after its release (in the Japanese domestic market anyway), benefiting from a 265-pound weight reduction, a stiffer suspension, and though never officially confirmed, a long-suspected bump in output. Related Video:

Acura ZDX returning as brand's first EV

Well this is unexpected. Not the fact that Acura will have an electric vehicle in the next couple years, but rather the name: ZDX. The name will appear on the Japanese luxury brand's first electric SUV, in 2024. The last time it appeared on an Acura was in 2013 on the short-lived ZDX fastback SUV. Like the Honda Prologue, it will be based on GM Ultium electric car platforms. If it's a stablemate to the Prologue, it likely shares a lot with the new Chevy Blazer EV. It would be a strong base considering Acura announced there will be a ZDX Type-S performance model. It could certainly benefit from the Blazer EV SS's dual-motor setup with 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque. Acura Precision EV Concept View 22 Photos Acura didn't offer any preview imagery of the new ZDX, but it did say it will share styling with the Precision EV Concept shown earlier today. It's apparently being designed in the same California design center that gave us the original ZDX. Though if it looks much like the Precision, this new ZDX probably won't have the distinct coupe-like shape of the original. The EV will launch in 2024 along with the Prologue and Blazer EV. Honda-developed EVs will follow in 2026. The Blazer will start around $45,000 for the cheapest version, and around $66,000 for the top-level one. We would bet the Acuras are on the high side of that range, with the Type S possibly topping the Blazer SS models. Related Video: The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV has been revealed