When you're introducing new cars right and left, there's no such thing as being unnoticed -- and that description certainly fits Acura this year.

As the model year winds down to its summer close, it's worth remembering that Acura unveiled three new products in an effort to move the brand upscale: the RDX, a sporty entry-level luxury SUV; the MDX, a top-of-the-line SUV; and the TL-S Type entry-level luxury sport sedan.

	The 2007 Acura MDX. Click photo for larger image.

The RDX is supposed to be aimed at up-and-coming urban families who have adventurous, active lifestyles. Given the level of equipment and the performance of the RDX, it probably fits the bill. It's equipped with Acura's first turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 2.3 liter 16-valve unit that puts out 240 horsepower in a five-speed automatic with a sportshift. Gas mileage is rated at 19 mpg city and 23 highway.

You engage the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel with your thumbs and -- thanks to the car's explosive power -- as you run through the gears it feels far more like a sports car than anything else.

In the meantime, you are supremely entertained with one of the best sound systems in the business: the 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound System, designed by Grammy Award-winning recording engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner, Panasonic and Acura. It gives you the distinct sensation of sitting in the middle of a concert hall with sound coming from every corner of the vehicle.

The interior is well done, with top grade materials and an assertive dashboard design angled toward the driver. What's especially cool are the LED backlit gauges.

The main fly in the ointment is cargo space. It's rather tight, which may be an issue for some of those active families that Acura is targeting.

Prices for the RDX start at $32,995 and go up to $36,495.

Next up is the new MDX, whose styling alone represents a radical departure for Acura. Replacing the older, more conservative design is an aggressive, highly sculptured effort that includes sweeping curves, dramatic angles and a roofline that makes it appear as though it's a smaller, more aerodynamic six seater.

In reality, of course, the MDX does have three rows of seats, though the third one is quite tight, as is the case with just about all SUVs.

The main claim to fame of the MDX is its high performance. It's probably the only SUV that's been on the famous Nurburgring race track. Power comes from a 3.7 liter, 300 horsepower V-6 with a mileage rating of 17 city/22 highway.

Driving the MDX was quite an experience. It's odd, to say the least, to drive an SUV that tears into corners and has responsive steering, but that's exactly what you get with the MDX.

Prices for the MDX range from $39,995 to $47,795.

What's Coming in 2008

It's going to be a pretty quiet 2008 for Acura, so I expect some new colors, trim adjustments and the like, rather than a lot of new models.

There may be some exceptions you might want to watch for, however.

One involves the TL, Acura's sexy mid-sized luxury performance sedan. It's based on the Honda Accord, which will be all-new come 2008. Will Acura also change the TL at the same time? I don't know. But it's worth keeping an eye out for the TL.

Secondly, I don't know what the timetable is for replacing the TSX, their entry level sports sedan. But it's been around now for a while, and it's getting close to the time when new versions usually come out. Look for this as a possibility this year, too.