An Acura MDX Prototype With Front-Wheel Drive Introduced on Tuesday, Jan. 15: 2014 Acura MDX Prototype The 2014 Acura MDX Prototype hints strongly at the looks of the coming, third-generation seven-passenger MDX. For the first time it could be available in front-wheel drive, making it more attractive to parts of the country that never see snow and don't want all-wheel drive. This reflects the importance of the MDX to Acura, because it is responsible for almost one-third of the company's sales. Given the history of past Acura prototypes, something very much like it will show up as the 2014 MDX. What is not real is the interior because there is none. Acura is not ready to show that yet. However, at the news conference we were assured the cabin would be even more functional, more refined and extra luxurious. What they said: "Considering the changing taste of today's luxury buyer and the increased requirements for fuel economy, the big challenge in creating a new S.U.V. is to design it to be smarter and more efficient inside and out. And that is precisely our intent and direction with the next-generation MDX," said Jon Ikeda, Acura's chief designer. What they didn't say: Front-wheel drive reduces weight, cost and complexity, and 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 highway for the current model isn't all that great these days. Besides, its main competitors offer front-wheel drive. An all-new 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine will provide the power, improved torque and what Acura said would be "class-leading" fuel economy, although executives did not give numbers. The engine will be based on the 310 horsepower engine in the new RLX, but tuned for a sport utility. How much, how soon: It goes on sale by the middle of this year. Pricing was not provided, although Acura prices generally do not change much with a redesign. Current pricing with all-wheel drive starts at $44,175. The harder-edged look of the current MDX is replaced by a somewhat softer, more rounded body with lower, wider and sleeker proportions that express Acura's new "Aero Sculpture" styling. The roofline, which is 1.5 inches lower than the current generation, reflects a 16 percent reduction in aerodynamic drag. It has the "jewel-eye" LED headlights from the new RLX sedan.