As is the case with many recent Acura and Honda concept's with the "Prototype" designation, the MDX is virtually production ready. Only some of the flashier elements such as the front and rear bumper trims, and the window surrounds will be toned down when it goes on sale towards the end of the year.
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As is usually the case, Acura has released very little information regarding the concept study, but if you insist, here's what Honda's luxury arm said:
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What you may have not seen yet is the camouflaged prototype of the Acura model on film and on the move.
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Instead of the previous prototype's heavy cladding, this test car was covered in a white skin wrap with some funky black schemes affording us a better view of the new MDX's exterior redesign.
From what we can tell, the body will have softer lines while the styling of the front end of the new MDX appears to be less prominent, but will continue to use Acura's polarizing signature "beak". Overall, it looks like Acura has chosen to evolve rather than revolutionize the current model's design.
The mid-size crossover model was heavily camouflaged but a close look at the front end of the vehicle reveals Acura's revised five-point grille with the beaked chrome upper part and twin chrome slats underneath.
While most styling details of the third generation MDX remain hidden, it appears that like the 2013 RDX, it too will feature a more mature / less exciting exterior design, with several elements borrowed from the RLX and ILX sedans.
The current model, which has been on the market since 2006 having received a mild nip and tuck in late 2009, is available with a 300hp 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
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As noted in one of our previous articles, while the custom-made roadster's exterior looks closely follow the lines of the NSX Concept displayed at the Detroit Motor Show this past January, it's a whole different story under the skin as the car utilizes the platform as well as the interior of a first generation NSX.
The two-seater model isn’t the only Acura model to star in the film as specially converted MDX crossovers and TL sedans were used in the movie by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
Being an official sponsor of the film, in addition to Downey's arrival in the roadster, The Avengers stars Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) also arrived to the theater in a fleet of Acura models.
At the New York Auto Show, Acura displayed its S.H.I.E.L.D. edition MDX finished in a stealthy matte black paint and fitted with all sorts of goods such as the large front bull bar, protective black cladding all around and special wheels.
Furthermore, the company released the first official photo of a prototype Acura convertible sports car that was created specifically for the film, and which we first saw last September being driven by Tony Stark (aka Robert Downey Jr) while filming The Avengers at Central Park.
"Before we unveiled the NSX Concept in Detroit, a number of you speculated that the car spotted right here in Central Park in the company of Iron Man Tony Stark was actually the new NSX," said Acura Vice President Mike Accavitti, at the company’s New York Auto Show press conference.
At a recent media briefing in Las Vegas, Acura told reporters that with the exception of the next generation of the NSX, which will be shown in concept form at the Detroit auto show, the company will focus on offering "mid-level premium vehicles that favor fuel economy over performance".
The company's plans include the introduction of a new RL, a mid-life facelift for the RDX crossover and the brand-new ILX compact sedan that is scheduled to reach dealerships next spring.
On its article about the 2013 RL, C&D reported that Honda wants to reduce its sedan lineup to three models, which means that one of the TL or TSX may eventually receive the axe.
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Visually, the 7-passenger SUV is distinguished by the new bumpers, revised taillights, polished stainless-steel exhaust finishers, redesigned alloy wheels and how can we forget, the adoption of Acura's corporate chrome grille.
The list with the interior updates for the 2010 model year MDX include the expanded use of Milano Premium Leather, a new sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges, the availability of ventilated front seats and upgraded interior trim.
Acura notes that the base version of the 2010 MDX which is priced 3 percent higher than the 2009MY, receives a plethora of new standard content including a power rear tailgate, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated rear view camera screen, LED backlit instrumentation, a new hill start assist feature and premium floormats.
Following in the footsteps of the smaller RDX, Acura's largest SUV model, the MDX has received a mild facelift for the 2010 model year. Changes include a fresh exterior look that adopts the Japanese firm's controversial front shield along with some minor engine tweaks, a new 6-speed automatic transmission, chassis refinements and improved look and feel of interior trim materials plus the addition of new technology features. 
On the outside, the 7-seater MDX gains Acura's new corporate grille, retrimmed front and rear bumpers, new exhaust tips, revised hood, new side sills and reworked taillights with brighter LEDs. The available 19-inch seven-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels complete the exterior upgrades.
Moving on to the interior, Acura says that the 2010 MDX benefits from higher quality trim materials, a thicker steering wheel grip, increased use of LED interior lighting and revised cockpit controls along with relocated front seat headrests for improved comfort and more detailed leather stitching.
Furthermore, Acura has introduced several new technology features on the RDX such as the AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting systems, a new full VGA 8-inch navigation screen, an upgraded rear view camera with three unique view choices and updated audio and rear entertainment systems.
Under the hood, the 2010 model year MDX receives an updated version of Acura's 3.7-liter VTEC V6 engine linked to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. Among other changes, the V6 features cylinder heads with improved cooling, new intake valve springs, a new EGR system, unique long-reach spark plugs, a larger throttle body. The revised engine produces the same output as before at 300-horsepower and surprisingly, 5 lb-ft of torque less at 270 lb-ft.
However, in combination with the new transmission, the 2010 MDX returns an EPA estimated city/highway fuel mileage of 16/21 mpg which is an improvement of 1 mpg city and 1 mpg highway over the 2009 model.
Finally, Acura says that the MDX's ride and handling have been enhanced thanks to the revised power steering system, stiffer rear trailing arm mounting and the body rigidity improvements.
The 2010 MDX is expected to go on sale in the U.S. sometime in September.
