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Honda and Acura don’t have to hide the 2020 Acura MDX Type S anymore. The performance-tuned crossover SUV was spotted in street testing, confirming earlier announcements. Company’s chiefs were speaking of reviving this line of the vehicle, but only for its premium brand, Acura. Now, the moment is very close since test mules are out. Although Honda is not confirming these rumors, dual exhaust systems are showing something heavy covers are hiding. Well, the company tried to disguise the SUV with some parts from the standard MDX. But, fans found the way to unveil what is it about.
The new 2020 Acura MDX Type S will compete with other performance-oriented models in the mid-size segment of these premium vehicles. Currently, Honda is offering only a compact crossover RDX besides the larger MDX. Definitely, the lineup will grow in future and the Type S is going to be the first additions. Another vehicle that was spied and expected to carry the Type S badge is TLX sedan, which is coming next year.
2020 Acura MDX Type S Specs
Standard drivetrains for the MDX are either 3.0 or 3.5 engine. The smaller displacement is the heart of the hybrid system and it produces 320 hp total, 30 ponies more than its 3.5-liter sibling. Recently, Honda launched a new system with three electric engines, but this time paired with the larger engine. According to reports, this drivetrain will be able to produce over 400 horsepower. But, for the performance-oriented 2020 Acura MDX Type S, engineers could stick to the expected setup – a petrol engine and a turbocharger.
With 290 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque of the base output, the V6 definitely has muscles to build. The output will also go over 400 hp, but buyers will get better performance than with a hybrid setup. But, we won’t exclude the combination with electric motors. With such potential, fans can definitely count on something spectacular. The company is not unveiling all the details, so there will be some surprises in the next couple of months. Heavy camo is hiding everything, so we can’t spot the opening for electric plug and the recharge system.
Rumors about Type S version of TLX sedan are reporting the vehicle could borrow a drivetrain from the NSX. Well, this is less likely to happen, with the supercar creating nearly 600 hp. Engineers could limit the 3.0-liter V6 hybrid setup to 350 horsepower, though. This is more possible than the high-output supercar’s numbers.
Spy Photos Unveil Just Pieces of the New SUV
The new 2020 Acura MDX Type S is being tested for more than six months. For the first time, it was spotted in January. Now, the new spy images are available and the vehicle lost no camouflage. The thick shield is hiding everything. The only difference is in the front fascia. The camo is missing from the grille and the company didn’t give too much. This ‘gift’ shows only it is the MDX SUV, and we could guess it from the size and the shape of the test mule. Besides that, we can see dual exhaust tips, which are a clear sign that the special version is getting a huge power boost.
Everything else is well-hidden. Wheels and headlights are borrowed from the standard SUV and the Type S will definitely look more aggressive. Spoilers, lower bumper, unique wheels, and of course colors are going to make this version easy to recognize. Of course, the interior too. But again, Honda and Acura designers managed to hide most of the cockpit by using the equipment from the standard model. Sporty seats and premium features are certain. But, details are missing and we won’t find out what the cabin is hiding until the 2020 Acura MDX Type S hits the market.
2020 Acura MDX Type S Release Date and Price
The release date of the 2020 Acura MDX Type S will follow the arrival of the TLX Type S performance sedan. We will have to wait for a couple of months between two premieres. The company could even wait for the next year and big auto shows in Chicago or New York to present the new SUV. Well, engineers will have to speed up with tests since the competition is already out with their performance-tuned models. Audi SQ7, BMW X5 M, and Mercedes GLE AMG are rivals coming from Germany and the interest in these vehicles is very high.
The base price of the Acura MDX is $46,000. Without Type S package, the cost can reach more than $61,000. The new upgrade will be the most expensive offer ever. It all depends on the drivetrain. Some lighter versions will be closer to $70,000 and the hybrid with three electric engines will definitely be around $80,000 if not even more.
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