The 260hp 2003 Acura MDX
 

I just got my Car and Driver, and they have a section on the 2003 models. They report the MDX gets 260hp while sticking with the 3.5l J35 VTEC V6. I forget what part of the engine was revised. I guess all that 3.8l V6 talk was just a rumor.

Has anyone noticed lately Honda seems to be updating their cars early. Vehicles with 5-year model runs are usually updated for the 4th year (to tide it over for yrs 4 & 5). The 96-00 Civic was, the 98-02 Accord was, the 99-03 TL was, the 99-03 Odyssey was. Now... the CL was updated for its 3rd year, the Civic is being updated for the 2003 year, and now the MDX. I don't know if it is getting any other changes (SportShift? Xenon? New grille, taillights?) although Voice NAVI should be offered (according to the Accord posts).

Since now the MDX can be differentiated more with the Pilot with the powertrain difference, I hope this can give an excuse for Honda putting a factory sunroof option on the Pilot for 2004.

Thats enough with your damn Pilot sunroof :fawk:

This is just to differentiate it from the Pilot...The CL was updated early because it sucked, and the Civic needed some refreshening to make it more appealing to the ute (that's how we say "youth" here in hick New York :rolleyes: )

On another front, isn't it funny the Ody is getting redesigned when dealers can't keep em on the lots? WTF is the redesign gonna consist of, adding cupholders? You don't fix a good thing.

I want a sunroof in the Pilot too!

Maybe get the JDM Odysey headlights?

Also I hope the MDX gets HIDS to distinguish it more from the Pilot. A fully loaded pilot prices out around $32K A fully loaded MDX prices out around $40K...difference, sunroof in MDX and a slightly smoother ride. Worth $8K...we'll have to see.

almost every company is coming out with a high output V6 sport ute

Um, last time I checked there's not a lot of high output V6 utes out there. And the MDX isn't even one...260HP out of a 3.5 liter isn't really that impressive.

Anyhow, I wonder if the Odyssey will be getting 260HP for it's redesign. "I own a 260HP minivan."

Also, don't count on HIDS for the MDX.

260hp is only 10hp behind the 4.2L of the Trailblazer etc etc. The main difference is the GM engine has like 20lbs/ft more torque. And I beleive the MDX is faster anyways.

As for the Pilot and no sunroof...... who cares....... sunroof in a suv, wow.

Actually, not really. The MDX is alot more composed and is a better handler than the Pilot. Its interior is also better, and it looks nicer IMO. Hell, Honda can't make enough of either...what does it matter.

Most of the Pilot's competition has a sunroof option. Is it so wrong to want a sunroof so much? :wtc:



Getting back on topic.... Maybe Honda also wanted to have more HP in the MDX not just to separate it from the Pilot, but the upcoming '240-plus' horsepower Nissan Murano.

well that's what happens when you tune an engine for torque and not high hp :(