Like all Acura products, the MDX benefits from an integrated approach to
designing manufacturing quality into the original plan for the vehicle. This
approach results in a vehicle that is sure to achieve the legendary durability,
quality and reliability that is the hallmark of all Acura vehicles. To achieve
the specified targets for quality, the MDX team had to carefully consider the
logical assembly of components as well as the effects of time and wear on each
part and system.
The development team conducted testing on three continents and covered
thousands of miles of testing varying from bitter cold to sweltering heat,
adding in variables of high and low altitude environments, with full loads and a
battery of tests that left nothing to chance. These tests confirmed that MDX
will perform at its impressive levels for years to come.
The following are a few of the many areas that show the attention to detail
that typifies the design and engineering behind the MDX.
MINIMIZING NOISE, VIBRATION, HARSHNESS
A quiet interior is essential to any high quality vehicle. Towards that end, MDX
engineers incorporated a host of design features and refinements aimed at
blocking NVH from the passenger cabin.
All powertrain-related hardware is double isolated from the main body
structure by use of rubber mounting systems. A perimeter-type front subframe
supports the engine, transaxle, steering, and front suspension lower control
arms. Two engine mounts are hydraulic designs with internal damping, one of
which is Electric Control Mounting (ECM) to provide excellent isolation
throughout the broad range of excitation frequencies. An assortment of
tuned-mass dampers attached to both the engine mounts and the subframe
counteract resonance. A dual-path upper mount is used between each front spring
and strut unit and the body structure.
The front axle half-shaft inner joints are designed with internal rollers
that minimize friction. A two-piece tubular propeller shaft is used to transfer
torque with no susceptibility to whip or vibration. A dynamic damper positioned
inside the front tube is tuned to cancel out vibration at cylinder-firing
frequencies. The rear drive unit is supported by three rubber mounts in a second
subframe, which is in turn attached to the body structure through four widely
spaced rubber mounts. Rear coil springs are insulated from both the body and the
rear suspension hardware by means of upper and lower rubber pads.
Various fuel tank subsystems- the fuel vapor canister, the assembly, and the
ABS modulator - are rubber isolated from the body to block any sympathetic NVH
contribution.The engine's high volume intake and exhaust systems are engineered
for non-restrictive but quiet flow through the engine. Just aft of the point
where left- and right-bank exhaust flow join, a corrugated flex pipe is
positioned to permit quiet movement between the engine and the remainder of the
exhaust system. A large pre-chamber muffler near the middle of the vehicle is
glass-filled to absorb high-frequency exhaust noise. The high-volume silencer
near the rear bumper has dual outlets to ensure exhaust flow requirements are
met during full throttle acceleration.
Extensive sound deadening is used within MDX's body structure. Melt sheets -
a mixture of asphalt and reinforcement material that bonds to surfaces in the
paint ovens - cover virtually the entire floor of the vehicle from the vertical
dash panel to the liftgate sill. An acoustic roof lining runs from front to rear
while additional sound-deadening material blankets the dash panel and the rear
of the hood. Molded rear fender liners help quiet road splash and tire noise. To
create a noise barrier at the base of the A, B, and C pillars, expanded foam
fills these cavities. This foam is expanded by the heat of the paint-curing
ovens, noise from the floor area is blocked from being transmitted inside the
pillar cavities to the interior compartment.
Special recycled textile absorption blankets are attached to the underside of
the instrument panel and the sides of the center console.
Design of the door mirrors is especially sensitive to wind noise. The MDX
features diffuser side mirrors that smoothly channel air between the mirrors and
the window glass for reduced wind noise. Sponge material between the base and
the door surface eliminates the possibility of gaps in that area. The molding to
base interface is also a zero-gap design.
Additional weatherstrips are positioned in critical window frame to pillar
gaps to help maintain smooth air flow down the side of the vehicle.
The bottom line is a net lack of road, powertrain, and wind noise inside the
passenger compartment. In competitive tests, MDX compares favorably with the
best luxury-class SUVs in overall NVH performance.
QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP, QUIET INTERIOR
The MDX is the first sport utility vehicle designed with a no compromise
engineering philosophy. MDX delivers fresh styling, unmatched versatility,
car-like driving exhilaration, class-leading safety and environmental
responsibility while also upholding Acura's well established reputation for
outstanding value. Acura customers expect best in class quality. Towards this
end, MDX has the refined attention to detail lacking in several of its luxury
SUV class competitors.
Body gaps are best in class by an impressive margin. Exterior design is
clean, functional, and well proportioned. Adornments are elegant and tasteful.
Door jams are neatly finished. MDX sets a new standard for quality craftsmanship
in its class.
DOOR HANDLES
MDX's pull-type door handles are chrome plated for a luxury look and feel.
Clearance pockets behind each release handle are generously sized to provide
room for gloved hands and to avoid ring and fingernail scratches.
TIGHT, CONSISTENT PANEL GAPS
To minimize construction tolerances, MDX's doors are attached to the car by
rigid bolts that pass through zero-clearance hinge holes. Doors are made of
high-strength, galvanized steel for dent resistance. Front mud guards are
provided to deflect rocks and debris and rear splash guards are standard
accessories. Lower door surfaces are painted with a soft primer that is
especially resistant to stone chips. Seals that extend from the lower edges of
the doors to the sill area block the build up of dirt and debris that might
otherwise soil clothes during entry and exit from the vehicle.
Most MDX gaps are between 0.12- and 0.18-inch. To permit a tighter fit
between rear quarter window and the adjacent quarter panel, a beveled edge is
used on the glass.
Seals and covers are positioned in door jams and sill areas to mask assembly
welds. In the liftgate opening, the trim has a clean appearance that's not
marred by the visible bumper clips used by some competitors. All interior trim
is retained with hidden fasteners. Front and rear wipers are smooth,
single-piece designs for a clean look.
Door mirrors have blue-tinted glass to cut glare at night. Electrical heating
grids can be activated by a switch near the remote mirror control pad to clear
frost and fog from the mirror surface.
Side and rear window glass is deeply tinted for privacy and to keep the
interior cooler during summer months.
MANUFACTURING
The MDX is built at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario, near
Toronto.
