Acura MDX Ames IA

BY BARRY WINFIELD

Staging an SUV introduction at a racetrack probably isn't unique. But it is certainly unusual — unless you're Acura and have an all-new Nürburgring-tuned MDX sport-ute featuring sophisticated torque-balancing strategies and an available magnetic shock system with switch-selectable sport and comfort programs. Then you fly journalists to BeaveRun racetrack in Pennsylvania in squadrons of helicopters and let them loose on the track alongside a selection of competitive vehicles.

Powering the 2007 MDX is a 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 punching out 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 275 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm — that's 47 more horses and 25 more pound-feet of torque over the previous SUV. This increased output goes to the ground via a five-speed automatic with Acura's SportShift manual-override system and SH-AWD, which allows variable fore-and-aft torque distribution plus side-to-side apportioning at the rear axle via a computer-controlled planetary gearset.

The latter mechanism is the real kicker on the track. Unlike in any other vehicle we've driven, you can get back on the power before the apex to most corners — even at the limit of adhesion — and have the system drive you inward to the apex and onward out of the corner. Here's why: SH-AWD transfers most of the torque to the rear axle when you hit the gas, then to the outside rear wheel, which is heavily loaded by the cornering weight transfer. It's like having F1-style downforce helping you.

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