2011 Acura ZDX

 

After being officially revealed for the 2010 model year, the Acura ZDX enters the 2011 model year offering the same level of luxury and performance. The 2011 ZDX will be offered in three trim levels: ZDX ($45,645), ZDX with Technology Package ($50,145), and ZDX with Advance Package ($56,195).

Designed as a competitor for the BMW X6, the ZDX features exquisite design elements consisting of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles, and bold fender flares. It is powered by a V6 engine that delivers 300 HP and comes standard with a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission.

"The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It combines the best attributes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility – all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package – that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand."

Acura Recalling 2010 ZDX for Air Bag Problem

2010 Acura ZDX.

6:00 p.m. | Updated

Acura is recalling about 1,850 of its 2010 ZDXs because the passenger-side air bag might not deploy properly in a crash.

Acura told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the dashboard cover “may not have been properly laser scored” and would not allow the air bag to inflate properly.

The company says it is not aware of any consumers having a problem and learned of the defect from a supplier. The ZDX, which Acura calls a four-door sports coupe, is assembled in Alliston, Canada.

2010 Acura ZDX

The 2010 Acura ZDX will join the coupe-like crossover later this year. Staying true to the Acura ZDX prototype model that debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, the production ZDX will feature the key design highlights of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.

Along with head-turning styling, the ZDX will boast outstanding performance from its 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 all-aluminum engine will generate 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for immediate acceleration response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the ZDX excellent acceleration while also enhancing fuel economy.

[Source: Acura

Acura unveils unique SUV luxury ZDX

Certainly the new Acura ZDX is a show-stopper, even in a town where everyone has seen just about everything.

The ZDX is easily the most audacious automobile that Honda's upscale division has devised since its spectacular NSX sports car was unveiled some 20 years ago.

Acura's strategy in a nutshell: Offer premium sport utility vehicle buyers a more daring and sportier package that sort of resembles a coupe, but still retains its all-wheel-drive capability. With that premise, the uniquely positioned ZDX, arriving this December, will try and seduce a niche of early-adopting sophisticates willing to purchase a vehicle that's far outside the mainstream.

Today's limited choices in the luxo car/ute category include the Infiniti FX and BMW X6. The ZDX's interpretation begins with a platform developed from the highly successful MDX sport ute. From there, the company's California design team shifted into overdrive in developing a radically desirable shape.

Viewed head-on, the MDX's carry-over DNA is apparent, but beyond the front doors, the roofline swoops dramatically downward, seamlessly blending with an elongated hatchback that abruptly folds into the back bumper. The front doors are made coupe-like long, which is intentional since they help in masking two smaller rear-seat openings, the door handles of which have been cleverly camouflaged beside the rear-most roof pillar. The roof is actually a continuous glass surface extending from the windshield to the farthest edge of the hatch opening.

Members of the design group freely admit that their influence in penning the ZDX's interior came from the well-organized and uncluttered guest-room styling at San Francisco's Hotel St. Regis. That's difficult to verify, but the clean look is certainly in evidence, especially the well-carpeted storage area that can be extended when the passenger seat and split-folding rear seat are folded flat. As well, the spare tire stows under the load floor, leaving a substantial brief-case-sized compartment in back to keep all kinds of personal effects under wraps.

Also hidden from view is the MDX-based 3.7-liter V-6 that directs its 300-horsepower to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. In normal driving conditions, the front-to-rear torque is split on a 30:70 basis, but will automatically adjust up to a 90:10 if the rear wheels lose traction. However, in a turn, up to 100 percent of the rear torque can be shifted to the outside wheel to maximize cornering bite.

Of course, wearing the Acura badge means a car-load of standard or available luxury and technological features. Among the more interesting is Active Noise Cancellation, which uses the audio system to electronically counterbalance unwanted sounds from intruding on the passengers' peace and quiet. Also standard is a leather interior, rear-view camera, power-operated sunroof, tailgate and multi-adjustable rear seats. The options list includes a blind-spot warning system, multiview rear camera, upgraded ventilated leather seats, high-end audio system, voice-activated navigation and adaptive cruise control that maintains a set distance between the ZDX and the vehicle directly ahead. There's also an adjustable suspension that varies the ride between "Comfort" and "Sport" settings.

A truly sporty sport ute has its drawbacks and compromises and the ZDX is no exception. The sloping hatchback compromises luggage space, while the smaller rear doors are not easy to enter or exit, particularly for tall adults.

By contrast, the comfortable driving position and various controls are up to snuff, the 300-horse V-6 is an eager performer and the ride is both solid and smooth. And, as our Manhattan man in the street so eloquently put it, this car is "hot."

Acura ZDX Prototype

Acura announced it will debut a prototype of the all-new ACURA ZDX luxury four-door sport coupe at the New York International Auto Show. The prototype features striking coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility to define a new luxury category.

“The Acura ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. “The prototype showcases a new level of luxury, style and refinement for Acura and speaks volumes towards our commitment to advancing the brand.”

The production version of the Acura ZDX prototype will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup when it arrives at dealerships this fall and offer the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety.

The Acura ZDX prototype will be introduced at the New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Acura booth.

Acura ZDX Official Details

A prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupemade its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The production version of the dramatically styled prototype goes on-sale in the fall of 2009. The segment bending Acura ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility.

"The ZDX is truly a luxury performance coupe - plus," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the Acura ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer."

The ZDX is designed to break new ground for Acura in the areas of provocative styling, contemporary luxury and meticulous refinement. With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the Acura ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle. Clean, flowing lines start from the headlights and run the length of the car, accentuating the cars presence and grace. In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage. The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

"From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be," said Michelle Christensen, Acura ZDX exterior designer. "My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior."

Inside, the ZDX exudes modern luxury while focusing on pampering the front passengers. The cabin is enveloped in leather, which gives the interior a luxurious and inviting feel. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants. The premium leather seats are highly bolstered to support the passengers during sporty driving and at the same time provide comfort during a long getaway. A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim. The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver control. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them.

The production Acura ZDX will bring a new level of prestige and sophistication when it arrives at Acura dealerships in the fall, offering the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety. The ZDX will deliver sports sedan performance on the road with its powerful V-6 engine mated to an all-new, smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The potent powertrain will be coupled with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, giving the Acura ZDX outstanding handling and cornering capabilities in all-weather conditions.

In typical Acura fashion, the ZDX will be available with the latest in customer enhancing technologies and advanced safety features including an all-new blind spot information system, which will help drivers change lanes more confidently. A new multi-view rear camera makes parking even easier with the added enhancement of both a wide angle and top down view. Acura signature technologies like Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather, Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system and Bluetooth connectivity will also be available on the all-new model.

The Acura ZDX represents the next step for Acura in its advancement to becoming one of the top luxury brands and makes a clear statement toward the future of the brand.

ZDX Prototype Dimensions:

Length: 192.4 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 61.8 inches
Wheelbase: 108.2 inches
Wheel/tire: 9-spoke custom alloy wheels with Michelin Latitude HP 275/40ZR 20 tires
Powertrain: All-aluminum VTEC V-6, all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Seating capacity: 5-passengers