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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Power will come from a heavily modified version of the A 250's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which is rated at 208hp (211PS). According to sources, in the AMG model, the four-cylinder unit is believed to deliver anywhere from 320hp to as much as 350-horsepower.
In order for the top A-Class model to put all those horses on the road in a civilized manner, it will be fitted with a new all-wheel drive system and a revised chassis with bespoke suspension, steering and braking systems as well as wider performance tires.
However, being the diligent spy shooters that they are, they managed to snag the first pictures of the final production prototype with the passenger-side door wide open, and as you can see from the pictures, the i8 will indeed keep the concept's swiveling doors fixed to the A-pillars.
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Acura had already told us that the Detroit show car was very close to the production model that will follow so it's overall styling don't come as a surprise.
Like all production models, the 2013 ILX stands a little bit higher and rides on smaller wheels, while Acura also simplified the design of the front bumper openings and replaced the concept's LED strips with regular fog lights.