Making its Canadian debut, the 2014 Acura MDX Prototype evokes strength and excitement and once again raises the bar in the luxury SUV category it created. Utilizing "Aero Sculpture" design language impacting form and function, the 2014 MDX Prototype features alluring proportions with smooth, arching body lines matched to an efficient architecture. The new MDX will feature a new direct-injected 3.5 litre V-6 engine that will deliver improved torque and expected class-leading fuel economy.
"Since its introduction, and with every new generation, the MDX has redefined what an SUV can be," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Acura Canada. "In true Acura fashion, this next model will take the current MDX's inspired performance and move the needle further by improving fuel economy, luxury and comfort. It's a very exciting time for the Acura brand and we're looking forward to continuing the momentum from 2012 into 2013."
Also making its first Canadian appearance was the all-new 2014 Acura RLX - the most powerful, spacious, and technologically-advanced Acura sedan ever. Utilizing an all-new direct-injection engine, lightweight body structure and the first-ever application of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer, the 2014 RLX delivers a new and dynamic driving experience unlike that of any other luxury performance sedan. Inside, the RLX also features the Canadian introduction of the AcuraLink connectivity system, which delivers a wealth of communication and entertainment features.
The "Aero Sculpture" styling of the 2014 MDX Prototype pursues the direction of a strong, bold, and premium appearance with low, wide and sleek proportions; clean, efficient and uncluttered design; and elegant, premium detailing, including the next-generation Acura grille design and signature Acura Jewel Eye LED headlights. This "aero" image also reflects significant gains in aerodynamic efficiency, up 16 percent compared to the outgoing 2013 MDX, achieved through extensive testing in Honda R&D Americas' new wind-tunnel laboratory in Raymond, Ohio - where the vehicle is being created.
The 2014 MDX Prototype's sculpted exterior and arcing roofline (35 mm lower than the outgoing model) encase what will be an even more spacious and versatile cabin compared to the outgoing 2013 MDX. The 2014 MDX Prototype features a longer wheelbase that enhances ride quality, increases second-row legroom, and improves third-row seat access.
The 2014 MDX will also feature an all-new, more rigid and lightweight chassis, including new front and rear suspension designs that deliver a more refined, confidence-inspiring, and sporty driving character. An all-new, direct injected 3.5-litre i-VTEC SOHC V-6 powerplant with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) provides more spirited performance while realizing a significant increase in fuel economy to class-leading levels. Special attention was also paid to improving cabin quietness, which is greatly enhanced by the vehicle's all-new chassis and body design and new sound-deadening techniques.
The RLX interior features premium, soft touch materials throughout, with the tasteful application of premium metal and wood-grain accents. A stitched leather instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel, along with available Milano perforated leather seats, communicate a new level of craftsmanship and refined luxury appeal in Acura's top-of-the-line sedan.
Luxury form and function are intelligently integrated in the RLX's new centre console, featuring dual screens - an 8-inch navigation screen and a 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display touch screen - that provide easy and direct one-touch access to key functions, including audio, climate control, navigation, and text-to-voice SMS text message functionality. The sliding, leather-trimmed armrest conceals a dual-hinged centre storage compartment with easy access for both the driver and front passenger to USB connectivity, 12-volt accessory power outlet and space to store tablets and other electronic devices.
Santa Fe County’s only public access to the Rio Grande would undergo environmental restoration and get improved facilities if a proposed project gets the green light from federal officials this spring.
A pair of nonprofits called the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and Rio Grande Return already have spent about $200,000 of private and public money on plans for what it calls the Rio Grande Corridor at Buckman.
The aim, said project manager Alan Hamilton, is to help the local community re-establish its connection to the river on land that is already in the hands of the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
“Let’s ensure that the place is cleaned up and make it a place where people can go and learn about the geology and the hydrology and the history and the culture and the environment,” Hamilton said. “This river is the lifeblood of this state.”
Another main goal of the project, he said, is to cut down on litter from visitors who use the area as a party spot. Early meetings about the proposal revealed that some people don’t visit the area because of its reputation for beer drinking and gun shooting. A volunteer cleanup this fall of a small area yielded 2.5 tons of garbage, most of it broken bottles and discarded tires.
“We want to give it some love and make it look like it’s being taken care of,” Hamilton said. “We’d like to discourage irresponsible kinds of users.”
Planned amenities are intended to help hikers, rafters, rock climbers, horseback riders and others who want to enjoy the natural world with minimal impact.
At Diablo Canyon, plans call for designated camping areas and a gravel parking lot to replace a sandy network of places where motorized vehicles have torn up the landscape near the mouth of the canyon. A kiosk for trail maps and other information would be constructed. Restoration in the canyon itself would include removing invasive species from near natural springs there, and rearranging boulders to provide erosion control and to protect the canyon from all-terrain vehicles.
At the area near the Buckman Direct Diversion intake for Santa Fe’s community water system, access roads would end at another gravel parking lot, and a boat launch would be installed. About 18 acres of riparian bosque area would see habitat restoration, including planting of native cottonwood trees and willows, and removal of salt cedars, elms and Russian olives.
In addition to restoring land it would lease from the federal agencies, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation also would complete restoration around the diversion site, which was required when officials granted the city and county permission to build the facilities for drawing and treating surface water from the river.
Rick Carpenter, who serves as the city project manager for the $250 million Buckman water supply pipeline and treatment plant, said the restoration partnership is good because it creates a larger area that will get environmental improvements. Another reason to support the effort is to cut down on illegal activities, he said, noting that the water project board hired private security guards to patrol the area near the diversion.
Federal officials gave environmental clearance for the restoration and amenities last year, but just before the end of an appeal period for the final approval, a group called Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety objected.
The appeal centers on two issues: whether sediment containing nuclear waste will be disturbed during the project and jeopardize workers and future visitors, and whether herbicide proposed to control regrowth of invasive species should be used.
Materials the group circulated to publicize the appeal refer to the area as “Plutonium Park.” At a recent meeting of the Buckman Direct Diversion Board, several people asked local officials to intervene.
“There is nuclear bomb waste buried 3 to 6 feet deep within 8 acres upriver from the Buckman Direct Diversion within the recreation areas,” said Elena Sue St. Pierre. “We continue to ask that these facts be incorporated into the public information for construction workers, park staff safety and pregnant women and babies if this plan proceeds.”
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