Acura teased the MDX Type S as a towing vehicle for this year’s Pikes Peak, revealing it would pack a 355-HP 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.
Acura has spiced up things for its eleventh season in the popular Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event by entering four power-packed vehicles: two TLX Type S sport sedans and two high-performance NSX supercars. However, these four cars are not the only ones on the Acura squad; a Type S-badged 2022 MDX three-row SUV will accompany them as a tow vehicle for one of the two TLX Type S sedans en route from the company’s shop in Raymond, Ohio, to Pikes Peak, Colorado.
At first look, the new MDX Type S appears identical to the redesigned 2022 MDX SUV that debuted in December last year, unless you notice the reworked front bumper flanked by wider cavities for air dams. Furthermore, Acura swapped the standard model’s 20-inch alloy wheels for larger 21-inch units reinforced with Brembo brake calipers.
The rear end also gets a lower diffuser with quad exhaust tips. Acura has not revealed much about the new SUV’s interior, except that it will have quilted leather upholstery and massaging function for the front seats. A 25-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D sound system is another standard feature.
However, it’s not the stylistic changes that distinguish the MDX Type S from the previous model; it’s what’s under the hood that counts. The hot SUV packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine making 355 hp and 479 Nm (354lb-ft) of torque. In comparison, the standard variant has 290 hp and 362 Nm (267lb-ft) from a 3.5-liter V6.
The new engine pairs to a 10-speed automatic transmission gearbox that runs the advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD) with true torque-vectoring. Meanwhile, a double-wishbone setup handles suspension duties on the front axle. Finally, the Type S also comes with Sport+ driving mode that enhances throttle response to make driving more enjoyable.
Acura will reveal additional details regarding the 2022 MDX Type S as the date of its launch approaches. Pricing is also not available, but expect it to be significantly higher than the regular model’s starting price of $47,925.
Returning to the Pikes Peak event, Acura will have Justin Lumbard driving a modified TLX Type S in the Open Division, while Jordan Guitar will be at the wheel of one in the Exhibition Division. As for the NSX supercars, one will be driven by James Robinson in the Time Attack 1 Division, while the other will be driven by his brother Nick Robinson in the Exhibition Division. The event will take place on June 27.
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