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Official Show Program
2009 Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show Feb. 27-March 1, 2009
by Jeffrey Reed
Introduction: 20th Annual Toronto Golf & Travel Show
With spring on our doorstep, it's once again time for the Toronto Star's Toronto Golf & Travel Show, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, February 27 to March 1.
This is the 20th Annual Toronto Golf & Travel Show, and like every other year, there will be fun for the entire family from tee to green. In fact, exhibitors from all areas of golf and from the travel industry will provide a sneak peak at the latest in golf equipment, apparel and accessories, plus offer information about golf fees and memberships, and great golf destinations.
"Golfers of all ages will discover plenty of treasures at this year's show - our 20th!" said show manager Judy Roshko. "We all recognize how avid golfers are about their sport, and the Toronto Golf & Travel Show will help prepare golfers of all different levels prepare for the upcoming season."
Indeed, this year's show offers an entire array of highlights for all ages. Once again, the Pizza Pizza-sponsored Junior Zone, and Clubs for Kids area will see junior golfers have the opportunity to participate in the Pizza Pizza putting challenge. Free clubs will be given out to the first 200 kids whom participate each day of the show. The Pizza Pizza Junior Zone is a place where even the youngest of golfers can get their start in the game. Pizza Pizza is a proud supporter of junior golfers, and with its Junior Zone it allows children the opportunity to learn new golf techniques within a fun and rewarding atmosphere.
There are many other contests and giveaways for adults, too. Win a set of Callaway X-22 irons, and a four-pack of tickets to the Toronto Golf & Travel Show from Chill Magazine. Enter online at www.chillonline.ca/contests/golftravel.
Over 5,000 free rounds of golf will be given away at this year's show! Book your round at the Play Golf Ontario Pavilion with the National Golf Course Owners Association.
The Ontario PGA will also have a strong presence at this year's show. Here's your opportunity to talk to the pros and get tips for both kids and adults.
There's more for junior golfers: be sure to sit in on some free golf lessons at the Callaway Golfing School exhibit. Don't miss your chance to get great golf tips from Ontario PGA Professionals. Visit the Callaway Golfing School for a free lesson from Mr. Knickers and Sticky Dave!
Want to check out the latest and greatest golf clubs, apparel and accessories? Then be sure to visit the Nevada Bob's Pavilion. Here you'll find more than 4,000 square feet of incredible deals to help you prepare for the upcoming golf season. At the Nevada Bob's Pavilion, you can gear up for golf with the hottest new driver, and coolest new outfit for the 2009 season!
Of course, the Toronto Golf & Travel Show wouldn't be the same without its Manufacturers Showcase, a hot destination for every show attendee. This year, visit with the manufacturers themselves and find out how the latest in high-tech gear can help lower your handicap in 2009. This year's Manufacturers Showcase includes Callaway Golf, Mizuno, Top-Flite, Odyssey, Wilson Golf, Tournament Sports, Adams Golf, Nike Golf and Nicklaus Golf.
WestJet Vacations makes another appearance at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show. WestJet once again is offering exclusive show specials to a variety of golf destinations. Enter to win a trip for two from Golf Kamloops, WestJet Vacations and The Fan 590. This wonderful trip includes round-trip airfare from Toronto (via Calgary), with four nights accommodation and three rounds of golf. Make sure you enter to win at the WestJet Pavilion!
When it's time to relax, take a load off and put your feet up at the 19th Hole Lounge, where you'll be entertained with music from Wave 94.7 FM Smooth Jazz.
Featured sponsors this year include Pizza Pizza, WestJet Vacations, Ontario PGA, Lipton Green Tea, Nevada Bob's Golf, The Fan 590 - Toronto's Sports Radio, and the National Golf Course Owners Association.
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building hosts this year's Toronto Golf & Travel Show. Hours are: Friday, February 27 from 12 noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
General admission is $15 at the door, $13.50 online, and $11 at the door and online for adults 65 and over and students 12-18. Kids under 12 are admitted free. Visit www.torontogolfshow.com for online ticket purchases.
And if you are planning to attend the show with a group of 12 or more, you can contact The Group TIX Company for group discount information. Call 647-438-5559, outside the GTA 1-866-447-7849, e-mail info@thegrouptixcompany.com or visit them online at www.thegrouptixcompany.com.
The 20th Annual Toronto Golf & Travel Show promises to be the best show yet, and will provide great golf for the entire family. We'll see you at the show!
Callaway Golf 2009
From tee to green, Callaway Golf is synonymous with quality and top performance. This year, Callaway's 2009 new product lineup includes three new drivers, FT-iQ, FT-9 and Big Bertha Diablo; X-22 irons, the latest edition in Callaway's X-Series; two new Odyssey 2-Ball putters; and several new high-performance golf balls, including Callaway's Big Bertha Diablo ball and Top-Flite's new and improved D2 balls.
"Golfers of all abilities will be excited by our new equipment," said George Fellows, President and CEO, Callaway Golf. "There is something new from each of our brands and for every skill level. There's a club or a ball that will help everyone's game."
The FT-iQ Driver is the longest, straightest driver Callaway Golf has ever created. Multi-material Fusion Technology allows weight to be strategically positioned at the extreme corners, raising Moment of Inertia (MOI) and positioning Center of Gravity (CG) in the optimal location. Hyperbolic Face cup enhances ball speeds across the face and a sleek shape reduces shot curvature. Visually distinctive pearl white, ultra-premium FubukiTM shaft by Mitsubishi Rayon is featured in all stock models. I-MIX compatible.
Callaway's new all-titanium driver, the Big Bertha Diablo, is a winner. The latest manifestation of the iconic franchise that began in 1991, Callaway's Big Bertha now has a brand new attitude. Designed for golfers of all skill levels, including elite tour players, the new Big Bertha Diablo driver features Edge Technology, generating a maximum release of power.
In the Big Bertha Diablo Fairway Woods, Edge Technology moves weight to the "edge" of the club, providing high MOI for stability and increased distance. Unique draw and neutral head shapes provide options for all types of players to improve shot-shaping control. Variable Face Thickness Technology increases face efficiency for solid shots hit across the entire face.
Callaway Golf Staff Professional Phil Mickelson said, "For 15 years I've been searching for a fairway wood that I just loved and this Big Bertha Diablo is it. It's the best I've ever hit because it's easy to get up in the air and flies perfectly."
The 2009 season also welcomes Callaway Golf's latest edition of X-Series irons, a major contributor to Callaway's longstanding position in the U.S. as "The No. 1 Irons in Golf." "Improving upon the best-selling X-Series product that preceded this X-22 model was a daunting task," said Jeff Colton, Sr. VP Research and Development, Callaway Golf. "The result of that task, however, may be their most perfect blend of performance, feel and aesthetics to date."
Odyssey, maker of the bestselling putters in golf, introduces two exciting additions to its legendary 2-Ball family of putters, as well as several new offerings within its White Hot XG line. The Black Series i 2-Ball putter melds the finest materials available to create the ultimate in tour-level performance and responsiveness. The progressive White Hot XG 2-Ball F7 and White Hot XG Teron models offer multi-layer inserts and high MOI for increased accuracy on off-center strokes.
Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, Callaway Golf Company (NYSE:ELY) creates products and services designed to make every golfer a better golfer. Callaway Golf Company manufactures and sells golf clubs and golf balls, and sells golf accessories, under the Callaway Golf®, Odyssey®, Top-Flite®, and Ben Hogan® brands in more than 110 countries worldwide. For more information please visit www.callawaygolf.com.
Mike Weir Wine
Canada's top PGA TOUR star, Mike Weir, has unveiled exciting plans for his award-winning Mike Weir Wine, which includes a new production partnership with Canadian wine-industry leader Château des Charmes, and an innovative affiliation with the Niagara Parks Commission.
All Mike Weir Wines will now be made in conjunction with Château des Charmes of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the winery that planted Niagara's first commercial vinifera vineyard 30 years ago, and has the distinction of being one of the most highly decorated wineries in Canadian history.
"Our goals for the future of the Mike Weir Wines were to continually build on the quality of the wine, grow our production, and maintain the winery's strong ties to Niagara," said Weir. "Partnering with Château des Charmes helps us achieve all three with their state-of-the-art facilities, a six-generation wine background and unprecedented premium grape supply. I'm very excited about the success that the Mike Weir Wines have enjoyed in its first three years and I am thrilled about the opportunity to partner with a true leader in the Canadian wine industry."
Weir has also announced an innovative conceptual agreement with the Niagara Parks Commission to locate the home of Mike Weir Wines on a 15-acre parcel of land on the famed Niagara Parkway, adjacent to the Whirlpool Golf Course.
The partnership with Niagara Parks will see the construction of Mike Weir Winery, winery retail and hospitality centre, food and beverage components, the planting of grapes and on-site processing, and a Mike Weir gallery. The concept combines the marketing power and golf tradition of the Niagara Parks with the burgeoning Niagara Wine Industry, all along the storied Niagara Parkway and all linked through golf, VQA wine and Mike Weir.
"Sports fans consider Mike a Canadian national treasure, and in just three short years, wine enthusiasts have helped Mike Weir Wines reach a similar status," said Barry Katzman, president of Mike Weir Wine Ltd. "Considering Mike and his family's passion for golf, wine and the Niagara region, I think it's very fitting that we're able to combine all three with this exciting project with Château des Charmes, the Niagara Parks Commission and the Whirlpool Golf Course, adding what will be an exciting new fixture in an already popular tourist corridor."
Niagara Parks Chairman Jim Williams said, "This exciting and innovative project will accelerate our organization's primary role as a Provincial tourism agency dedicated to the promotion of Niagara and Ontario as a premier tourist destination."
Mike Weir Wines were launched in April, 2005 with 5,000 cases and have grown to the point where it is now available in every province across the country and sells more than 30,000 cases annually. Net proceeds from the sales of Weir Wines will continue to support the Mike Weir Foundation, which assists the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children in Canada. Please visit www.themikeweirfoundation.com for more information.
Numbers, Trends From The Fairways
Why do you play golf? The game is obviously your passion, but for some, golf is simply exercise and a social activity.
Here are some numbers from the U.S. National Golf Foundation survey. The foundation asked 850 core golfers (8+ rounds per year) to divide their enjoyment factor within 10 categories. Surprisingly, even core golfers shy away from competing on the links.
Leading the pack: people, and course conditioning tied for first with 19% each, followed by course design (17%), and ball striking (12%). From there, enjoyment percentages dropped off. Score (8%), weather (7%), followed by amenities and course aesthetics with 6% each preceded exercise (4%), and finally competition with just 3%.
R&A Survey Says Volumes About The Game
The Royal & Ancient, golf's world rules and development body, and the organizer of The Open Championship, has revealed the results from its latest in-depth survey. Here are some facts and figures from across the pond.
There were 10 key findings from the survey:
- Golfers want the same rules and equipment regulations for all.
- Golfers are keen to improve all aspects of their games, with the short game being critical.
- Golf equipment technology is not seen as the key route to this improvement - practice and playing are seen as more important.
- Most feel tradition is more important than technology and see the need for equipment rules. Older golfers are keener on tighter restrictions.
- Golfers play primarily for the enjoyment of the game.
- Hitting a long drive (not being the longest hitter) is an important aspect of this enjoyment.
- Accuracy and precision are more important than distance and power.
- Golfers prefer layouts under 6,500 yards, so don't want to see courses continue to grow to meet distance and technology improvements.
- Technology of club and ball has improved distance, but it is mainly the better golfers who are able to benefit from this overall.
- There may be room for rules to focus on enhancing accuracy, with additional benefits of improved feel, perhaps at the expense of distance.
When asked to name reasons for playing golf, the surveyed golfers named enjoyment of the game (93%); socializing (80.2%); exercise (61%); competition (50.6%); and business (18.4%).
Golf Digest Money Survey
Golf Digest took findings from 1,148 readers surveyed on golf and the economy, and reported these figures about buying a new driver.
When asked how much one would pay for a hot new driver, 23% said $300 US; 7% said $150 US; 6% said $500 US; 2% said whatever it costs; and the majority - 62% - responded they would wait and buy it next year at a discounted price.
Boomers Boost Canadian Golf
Our demographics are changing, with Canadians living longer and enjoying physical activities well into their senior years. And it's no secret Canadians love golf - a sport of a lifetime. Between 1975 and 1988, only 12 new courses were built in Canada. Since 1988, there have been 12 built annually - there are now more than 1,900 Canadian courses.
According to developers and housing experts, the popularity of gated communities is rising across North America. Some credit our post-9/11 society, making security a big concern for baby boomers looking forward to retirement. In the U.S., where nearly 46 per cent of all new golf courses recently built are connected with real estate, 76 million people born between 1946 and 1964 are moving towards retirement. Many will move to one of more than 3,600 golf course communities.
Golf Extends Life
A new study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports makes a strong case for ditching work early on Friday for 18 holes.
Researchers at Stockholm's Karolinska Institute studied 500,000 golfers in order to explore golf's potential benefits to overall well-being. The researchers found, golfing can, indeed, add five years to your life. Who knew?
Discovering reduced mortality rates of golfers compared to non-golfers, the research team at Karolinska concluded that playing golf can add those extra five years to your life expectancy.
Anders Ahlbom, co-author of the study, cited the following: "People play golf into old age, and there are also positive social and psychological aspects to the game that can be of help." In fact, according to the study, the lower your handicap, the longer you'll live. Said Ahlbom, "Maintaining a low handicap involves playing a lot, so this supports the idea that it is the game itself that is good for the health."
Since golf is an outdoor sport, requiring a five-mile walk on average - and pushing about 40 lbs. of cart bag and clubs - golf is a great way to remain healthy.
But remember the old adage: "Those who shoot 100 have no business golfing. Those who shoot in the 70s have no business."
AGLgolf
Many golfers dream about having their own perfectly manicured and top-performing artificial turf which allows them to hone their golf skills in a convenient, realistic manner.
Artificial Grass & Landscaping Inc. of Stoney Creek, Ontario (AGLgrass) is proud to introduce a series of products designed to satisfy the demanding needs of both the golf enthusiast and professionals.
AGLgolf T-grass is an ideal product for perfecting driving and chipping techniques. The surface is made entirely of highly-dense 140 ounces per square yard face weight nylon and polyethylene blades. Because of its density, the golf tee stands securely in place. The product does not require infill, so there is no concern about spraying out of infill. The multilayer backing has a unique zigzag stitch pattern to ensure the blade remains securely in place over time.
AGLgolf Masters is designed for the professional outdoor putting green. Its 36 ounces per square yard face weight polypropylene blade, combined with a sand infill, will give you the ability to take a shot from 50 yards away. Also, by adjusting the infill correctly you can create the right ball speed for the player trying to perfect his or her game. Recommended: 8 lbs per square foot of sand infill.
AGLgolf Leisure is designed for the backyard entertainer and golf enthusiast. This putting green has a tight 40 oz per yard face weight nylon weaved blade that doesn't need infill. You can add a sand infill to increase performance and ball speed to help improve your game. Recommended: 1 lb per square foot of sand infill.
AGLgolf Indoor Leisure is a putting green design similar to AGLgolf leisure, but it has a unique backing made for installation on rooftops or indoors. The rubber backing does not swell with climate changes, and it is soft and cushioned to help control the ball from bouncing. No infill is required.
AGL provides Artificial Grass solutions for a wide variety of applications, including residential, commercial, playgrounds, daycares, rooftops, resorts and more. AGL's extensive knowledge and expertise stems from close to 20 years of experience installing hundreds of Artificial Grass athletic fields around the globe. AGL brings its experience and innovative, state-of-the art techniques together, bringing you the next generation of Artificial Grass.
Stewart Golf F1 Lithium
Stewart Golf Canada is proud to officially launch its innovative FI Lithium motorized golf trolley to Canadian consumers at the 2009 Toronto Golf & Travel Show.
Introduced to the golf trade industry in October 2008, the F1 Lithium truly is a dream machine from Stewart Golf Canada. Following the highly-successful X3R powered golf trolley, the F1 Lithium arrives with high expectations. Here's why.
When folded, the F1 Lithium occupies just one-third of the floor space of the X3R and 40% less overall volume. In trademark Stewart Golf style, elegance and practicality have been combined with minimum fuss. Due to its folding chassis, the trolley became known as "the folding one," hence the name, F1.
In fact, the key to the new F1 Lithium lies in its all-new folding mechanism. Engineers have created a unique three-part folding chassis that stands up straight when stored. The handle folds neatly into a pocket at the back of the golf bag, and this action simultaneously unlocks the bag from the chassis. Once the bag has been lifted clear, the chassis is ready to be folded. The user simply grabs the central handle and rocks the chassis back until it sits vertically on the stabilizer.
To set up the F1 Lithium at the club, simply pull the chassis open so that it rests on all four magnesium alloy wheels. Then, locate the golf bag on the front of the chassis and rest it back into place. The action of raising the handle engages two fins into the chassis, which locks everything together to create a rigid structure.
With the F1 just launching, already "the response has been phenomenal," says Stewart Golf Canada's Joseph McLuckie. Part of the reason is the F1 Lithium's new 36 volt electronics system with integrated LCD screen and wireless connection system. A custom-made Li-lon battery back is one-third the size of the X3R battery, and 80% lighter at just over 2 kg. Tests show the battery is easily capable of 27 holes, and probably in excess of 36 holes depending on conditions. A new battery monitor accurately reads how much power remains at all times.
The F1 Lithium weighs just 12 kg, in addition to the high-tech battery. Folded dimensions with attached wheels are just 66 cm wide, 47 cm high, 31.9 cm deep. The F1 Lithium will be available for delivery beginning in early April 2009, and in wide array of colours, including red, black, blue and silver.
Learn more at www.stewartgolfcanada.com.
Ontario PGA
The Ontario Professional Golfers' Association (Ontario PGA) plays a vital role in growing the game of golf in this province. The roughly 1,300 men and women who belong to the Ontario PGA Zone are located at 350 facilities throughout the province, and have chosen the game of golf as a career, promoting the game each and every day to Ontario's 1.2 million golfers.
The Ontario PGA builds programs to train and educate golf professionals to learn and adapt to the ever-changing industry. This includes various teaching workshops, accreditation programs, and industry seminars, each designed to help ensure that golf professionals remain current within the golf industry, and are able to provide the expertise expected of them in their day to day functions. Canadian PGA Members in Ontario work in a number of capacities within the golf industry, ranging from administrators, chief operating officers, teachers, sales representatives, expert club fitters, tournament directors, special event coordinators and tireless promoters of the game, to name a few.
The Ontario PGA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that a new and improved ontariopga.com web site has been launched for CPGA members, partners, media and the entire Ontario golf community. The new web site focuses on functionality for all users and the incorporation of web 2.0 concepts.
"The office staff have been working diligently on this initiative for close to a year," said Ontario PGA President Chris Miranda. "The new site (is) more efficient for members and staff and will help us run a better operation from top to bottom."
The main focus of the new web site will be a member's social network. Canadian PGA Members and Apprentices in Ontario will have the ability to update and maintain their professional profiles as well as communicate with one another while abiding by current privacy laws.
"One of the biggest challenges our members have had from an Association perspective is adapting to the Privacy Act," said Director of Operations, Heather Howell. "The new web site will help give members a great medium to communicate with one another while complying with PIPEDA".
Some of the other key components to the web site include a fully automated registration system for Ontario PGA Tournaments and Events. Additionally the web site will have a full listing of Canadian PGA approved facilities in Ontario. Facilities will then have the option of populating their own profile with key information such as women specific golf programs, junior clinics along with other noteworthy information about their facility.
Partners of the Ontario PGA have the opportunity to create their own profiles. Partner profiles will focus on key contact information as well as any messages and information that are deemed to be relevant for golf professionals in Ontario. Members of the media have access to the web site and the ability to populate a profile and keep Canadian PGA Members updated on their specific information.
"Despite this being an era of technological advancement communications, database management and networking can still be a fragmented process. With this web site initiative the Ontario PGA has streamlined a number of processes and added enhanced value to its members, its partners and the media," said Rick Young, President of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. "It provides a full network of end users with a well conceived information portal and communications tool. Having access to a web-based concept like this is a tremendous advantage."
The new site was built and designed by two Toronto area companies, Vigorate Digital and TAG Idea Revolution. Vigorate Digital handled the back end portion of the site while TAG Idea was in charge of the creative concepts, design and layout.
WestJet
WestJet Vacations now does golf! WestJet is excited to offer exclusive green fee rates and value-adds with many of its excellent suppliers all over North America. This is your year to experience one of WestJet's 140 preferred courses that will satisfy both your level of play and your budget.
The WestJet Vacations Pavilion at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show is showcasing many of its exciting travel partners from places like Prince Edward Island, where the golf is exceptional. With daily flights from Toronto, this Island is a must play, and a lobster dinner a must eat. WestJet is also excited to have its friends from Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island this year, along with new direct flights to Sydney. This will give you easy access to the 'Fab Four' and their new course: The Lakes, opening later this summer.
British Columbia is well represented with Kamloops (new direct, daily flights from Calgary) leading the way, and featuring Tobiano, named Best New Course in Canada by Score Golf Magazine - amazing! Fly to Vancouver and take the drive north to Whistler as they showcase unlimited golf specials this summer at Big Sky, Furry Creek and Nicklaus North, along with great information leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa in Victoria has incredible stay and play packages with unlimited golf on their two Nicklaus-designed courses. Direct, seasonal flights to Victoria from Toronto begin May 4.
For deals south of the border, talk to WestJet's partners from Mesquite, Nevada. This hidden gem golf destination north of Las Vegas is of tremendous value for savings and great golf, and can be experienced with daily flights to Las Vegas. From Hawaii, Kapalua Villas on Maui will feature great packages for couples, ladies or guys trips including golf on the Plantation Course, home to the PGA Tour's Mercedes Championship each January. Yes, WestJet flies to Maui too, with great connections through Vancouver.
Enjoy WestJet's daily flights to Tampa and visit the St. Petersburg/Clearwater region of Florida. WestJet is proud to feature Innisbrook Resort in that popular west coast destination, known for award-winning beaches, spring training and great golf.
For that all-inclusive package, you can't beat Sandals and Beaches Resorts in Jamaica along with WestJet's daily flights to Montego Bay. Incredible value, quality and hospitality are yours - and don't forget your clubs since the golf is included, too!
At the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, WestJet will also have 'live' booking stations to reserve your next, great golf vacation - right at the show. Be sure to fill out one of WestJet's golf show ballots to win one of three trips it's giving away during the weekend, and to receive WestJet's all- new monthly golf vacation newsletter.
Acura
When you're at the 20th Annual Toronto Golf & Travel Show, you won't want to miss the latest in driver power off the golf course: the all-new Acura TL; and Acura MDX.
Acura is the luxury-performance division of Honda Canada Inc. The all-new, completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL features dynamic styling along with a luxurious interior that includes a wide range of driver-relevant technologies.
Featuring the most powerful Acura engine ever, the 2009 TL will be available in two distinctive versions, including the first application of Super Handling All-Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD®) on a TL. The new TL is designed to deliver new levels of performance and luxury.
Also, powering the Acura MDX's increased performance is an all-new, 300-horsepower 3.7-litre VTEC® V6 that is the most powerful normally aspirated 6-cylinder SUV powerplant in Canada. Rated at 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 275 lb.-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm, it features a dual-stage intake manifold and an electronic Drive-by-Wire Throttle SystemTM to help it deliver V8-like performance with the fuel economy of a V6. The MDX provides an estimated fuel economy rating of 13.8/10.0 L/100km (city/highway), placing it among the leaders of its SUV class. It also meets tough Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.
The 2009 Acura MDX boasts some updated model highlights. The MDX technology package will add a power tailgate as standard equipment. The MDX Elite will delete roof rails from standard equipment (available as an accessory part). And the MDX New Exterior Colour Selection includes Bali Blue Pearl, Dark Cherry Pearl and Mocha Metallic.
The MDX has a standard 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control designed to maximize acceleration performance and fuel economy. Operated via a console-mounted shifter, the Sequential SportShift transmission can function in conventional fully automatic mode or in 'manual' mode for optimum driver control. With its standard fluid cooler, the MDX's upgraded transmission is a key component supporting the MDX's increased 2,268 kilogram (5,000 lbs.) tow rating.
New for the second-generation MDX is Acura's SH-AWDTM system. Mechanically similar to the system in the all-new 2007 Acura RDX, this innovative full-time all-wheel-drive system actively distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels. SH-AWDTM is designed to improve traction and reduce understeer for improved handling precision.
Working in conjunction with the MDX's standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with traction control, SH-AWDTM provides enhanced traction and driver control, on- or off-road, in rain, snow or ice. When towing, special Trailer Stability Assist algorithms built into the VSA® logic help stabilize the vehicle after sensing oscillations of the vehicle and trailer system. For optimum stopping performance, the MDX has a standard 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
Be sure to take a closer look at these spectacular new Acura vehicles, which will provide a powerful drive when you're off the golf course and on the streets!
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