Catalin Matei, principal designer at Acura, was the outside design lead for the unique 2001 MDX and had the identical job for the brand new MDX Prototype. That’s simply plain cool, and it makes him the MDX particular person of file in relation to design.
Fortunately, Acura put him in entrance of a digital camera with the unique and the brand new Prototype to speak design. That video is on the high of this put up.
Matei’s background provides him a singular perspective on how MDX design has modified all through the years. Within the video, he walks us via his and Acura’s pondering and rationale for the three-row crossover’s design each then and now. It’s an amazing watch, as you learn the way Acura’s crossover design philosophy has modified over time. The place the unique design tried to be elegant and clear, the brand new MDX takes a stab at sportiness and efficiency. This line of pondering is in tune with all of Acura’s most up-to-date designs following the “Precision Crafted Efficiency” mantra.
Specifics on how the automobile’s design has modified are known as out by Matei. For instance, grille design — it’s a lot greater now! The character line that wrapped across the authentic MDX has moved upward within the new MDX. This offers the brand new crossover a broad-shouldered and robust look that the previous MDX simply didn’t have. And also you in all probability would’ve by no means guessed this, however the bodyside sculpting was impressed by the rocks within the Antelope Canyon. We’re not completely satisfied.
One draw back from the slick and “sporty” design could also be unintentionally known as out. The third row of seats is nearly completely shrouded by the physique, versus the huge home windows within the authentic MDX. These within the rearmost seats can have a way more claustrophobic expertise than everyone else within the automobile.
If you’d like all the main points we all know in regards to the upcoming next-gen MDX, try our reveal put up right here. Additionally, bookmark this web page. We’ll verify again in with Matei 20 years from now for the 2040 Acura MDX reveal.
Associated gallery: