Goodyear Brings its Integrity to Acura MDX
17 January 2001
Goodyear Brings its Integrity to Acura MDX Sport Utility AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 16 The integrity of the 2001 Acura MDX sport-utility vehicle is noticeable immediately down to its tires. Sporting 17-inch Goodyear Integrity all-season tires, the all-new Acura MDX is a standout in many ways. In fact, the SUV was named North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Motor Trend's Sport-Utility of the Year and best vehicle in its class by the editors of Car and Driver magazine. The original-equipment Integrity tire was designed originally with offset shoulder elements for improved traction in rain or snow during acceleration. Atsushi Sugiura, Goodyear engineering executive for Acura vehicles, said Integrity was selected for its quiet ride and excellent grip. The P235/65R17 tire is the largest in the Integrity line, the first 17-inch size. "In pre-development, Goodyear and Acura engineers worked closely to formulate tire image," Sugiura said. "Acura's suspension and chassis design matched the tire characteristics perfectly." The tiremaker used the latest tire modeling and predictive testing tools to achieve or exceed Acura's targets for ride, handling, fuel efficiency and treadlife. "These tools optimized pressure distribution across the tire's contact patch for world-class treadwear and high-speed performance," he added. Another mission, Sugiura said, was to "defeat winter. That entailed designing the tire to take advantage of one of the most advanced four-wheel-drive systems on the market to give the MDX exceptional traction on wet and snowy pavement." Acura's exclusive new VTM-4 fully automatic four-wheel-drive system uses advanced electronic sensing and control mechanics to monitor driving conditions and to proactively manage distribution of engine torque between the front and rear tires before wheel slip occurs, for maximum traction in all weather conditions. A VTM-4 lock feature, activated by a button on the dash, allows the driver to increase torque to the rear wheels in extremely low-speed, low-traction or "stuck" situations, according to Acura engineers. Tire construction offers a balance of ride comfort and handling. "The Integrity tire is very communicative with the driver. It offers excellent steering effort, with outstanding feedback to the driver. The tire is very compatible with the MDX chassis," Suguira said. In addition, the tread compound reduces rolling resistance, which contributes to improved fuel economy. The seven-passenger Acura MDX is powered by an advanced 24-valve V-6 VTEC engine that delivers 240 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. Standard luxury features include leather seats and door inserts; power tilt steering wheel and sliding moonroof; power windows, door locks and mirrors; cruise control; seven-speaker stereo with in-dash CD player; power adjustable heated front seats; alloy wheels; and a multi-functional digital trip computer. -30-