2010 Acura ZDX
January 13th, 2010 | by rarzi |
latimes
2010 Acura ZDX
Acura calls its all-new ZDX “a provocative luxury four-door sports coupe,” adding that it’s a “passionate getaway” vehicle designed for “a couple, their belongings, and more.” The proclamation is a twist on a pitch we’ve heard before, yet with an even narrower segment focus. While the marketplace has come to accept the stylishly squashed Mercedes-Benz CLS, Volkswagen CC and Jaguar XF into the non-sedan segment, this new niche – pioneered by the BMW X6 and accepted by consumers if only because the Bavarian delivers the goods – is still a substantial risk that could require a hard sell with pithy prose.
A few weeks after Acura released a series of teaser images, Acura officially pulled the wraps off the concept version of the ZDX crossover at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Interestingly, the previously released teaser shots actually show early production lighting elements, rather than those found on the NYIAS concept, but we’re told that, other than the lights, there are few changes between the concept and the ZDX that will roll into Acura showrooms this fall as a 2010 model.
The interior of every ZDX will feature leather seating surfaces, and occupants will get plenty of light from above via the standard full-length glass roof. For lane changes—which undoubtedly will be hampered by those huge C-pillars—the ZDX will offer a blind-spot information system, as well as a multi-angle rear-view camera, surround-sound audio, navigation and, we imagine, a whole lot more if it is to, as Acura claims, achieve “a whole new level of prestige” for the brand. Customers will be able to see for themselves when the ZDX goes on sale this winter.
Power for the ZDX will come from Honda’s 3.7-liter V6, tuned to produce 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Power will be routed through a six-speed automatic, eventually meeting the pavement at all four corners via Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Fuel economy for the ZDX is rated at 16/22 mpg city/highway.
The ZDX is available in three trim levels — ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and ZDX with Advance Package. The base model ZDX will come very well equipped — sporting a panoramic glass roof, hand stitched leather, Bluetooth, power tailgate and CD stereo with USB and iPod connectivity. The Technology Package trim level will add voice activated navigation, upgrade stereo and rear-view camera while the Advance Package will up the ante to include a blind spot information system, Collision Mitigating Braking System and Adaptive Cruise Control.
