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Acura doesn't have plans for a new MDX hybrid

Besides an entirely new platform, suspension, and a turbocharged Type S model coming soon, the 2022 Acura MDX is new in another way: it seems to be losing its hybrid trim level. During a media roundtable, Acura's global development lead confirmed that there are no plans for a hybrid version of the new MDX. Part of the reason for the lack of a hybrid for the new MDX is the aforementioned Type S model. The Acura development lead noted that the outgoing MDX Sport Hybrid is the current sporty, high-output version of the crossover. That mantle is now being taken over by the Type S with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The new Type S makes 355 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque, which also represents a large power increase over the Sport Hybrid's 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet. The Type S won't be able to do everything the Sport Hybrid could do, though. While official fuel economy numbers haven't been revealed, we're confident the Type S won't be able to hit the 27 mpg combined of the hybrid. The Sport Hybrid's powertrain was also quite interesting, as it combined its 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 with a trio of electric motors. A single motor worked in conjunction with the engine to power the front wheels, and one motor each powered the rear wheels and provided torque vectoring. It was sort of like a backwards NSX. While Acura doesn't have plans for a hybrid right now, it is possible the brand could change its mind. And in an ever electrifying world, it would be surprising if we never saw a hybrid MDX return. Related Video:

Honda reports $2.3 billion profit despite pandemic

TOKYO — Japanese automaker Honda reported Friday that its profit rose 23% in the last quarter, despite a pandemic that has slammed businesses around the world. Tokyo-based Honda said its July-September profit was 240.9 billion yen ($2.3 billion), up from 196.5 billion yen a year earlier, as the auto market recovered in some parts of the world. Honda said it carried out aggressive cost cuts that involved a “fundamental review” of its operations. The situation was also improving from earlier this year, when lockdowns and other problems related to COVID-19 caused disruptions of some production and an inventory crunch. Quarterly sales slipped to 3.65 trillion yen ($35 billion) from 3.73 trillion yen the same period a year earlier. Honda warned that uncertainty remains amid rising COVID-19 cases. But the company stressed it was managing to cling to profitability. Reflecting that upbeat mood, Honda raised its profit forecast for the fiscal year through March 2021 to 390 billion yen ($3.8 billion) from an earlier projection for 165 billion yen ($1.6 billion). The latest forecast is still lower than the 455.7 billion yen profit Honda booked in the previous fiscal year. Honda sold slightly more vehicles in the quarter through September at 1.25 million vehicles, compared to 1.24 million vehicles in the same period of 2019. But it sold fewer motorcycles at nearly 4.5 million motorcycles, down from nearly 5.1 million. Kohei Takeuchi, a senior Honda manager, said much of the damage to sales likely came from the pandemic, though he hesitated to blame the entire decline on the pandemic. Executive Vice President Seiji Kuraishi told reporters Honda is bullish on shifting its lineup to ecological models to keep up with the global efforts to curb carbon emissions and global warming. Also Friday, Toyota raised its full year fiscal forecasts to a 1.4 trillion yen ($13.5 billion) profit, after reporting results that appear to show a gradual but sure recovery. Its profit fell 11% in the last quarter. Nissan reports financial results next week. Related Video: Earnings/Financials Acura Honda

2025 Acura RDX treated to minor nip and tuck, but stays the course

The 2025 Acura RDX is due for a complete overhaul as this generation enters its seventh model year, but it looks like we’ll need to be a little more patient, as Acura just announced this 2025 model is getting a light refresh. A new “frameless” grille with a mesh pattern adorns the front to bring it in line with other Acuras wearing the same design. New wheels throughout the lineup spruce things up along the sides, with 19-inch Berlina Black-painted rims being the new standard option. Meanwhile, Advance Package cars receive new body-color lower exterior trim and unique multi-spoke machine finish 19-inch wheels. A-Spec trim RDXs step things up to 20-inch wheels with their own unique design. Lastly, three new shades join the color palette consisting of Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl and Canyon River Blue Metallic. Interior updates see the RDX gain a new center console design that features larger cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger. What it does not change is the True Touchpad infotainment system. Acura went away from its long-running (and controversial) infotainment system design in the new 2025 MDX, but the RDX marches on with the same design. What is improved, though, is the 10.2-inch screen itself. Acura says itÂ’s updated and now supports a wide-screen mode for wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Previously, it only displayed on part of the screen with the other portion reserved for various other things. The final interior update is a quality one, as Acura says Advance Package cars (including A-Spec with Advance Package) will be equipped with full-leather upholstery, ambient lighting on the new center console and backlit door speakers. Everything else about the RDX remains the same. As a reminder, that means itÂ’s equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that sends 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for this massaged RDX will come soon, as Acura says the 2025 model is hitting dealers later this month.