Monday, July 20, 2009

Acura 2010 ZDX the Wraps Off the New York Auto Show


Well, after half a dozen or so teases, we just saw the real-deal Acura ZDX crossover at the New York Auto Show. Well, almost real-deal; they did admit that the vehicle you see here is actually the concept. Lights, lower fascia, and taillights are likely to be different for the production model.

Taking a page out of BMW's book, they claim it's "an entirely new category of vehicle." Could've fooled us, though it does appear to sit lower to the ground than BMW's X6 Sports Activity Coupe.

Primary designer Michelle Christiansen, just 25 years old, did an admirable job, producing an interesting, elegant vehicle. I found the rear and rear 3/4 views the most attractive, was pleased to note the Acura beak has been reduced, though I wished both front and rear overhangs were shorter.

The dash appeared to be a near facsimile of the TL, not a bad thing at all. Subtle touches like a two-tone steering wheel with perhaps Alcantara inserts were elegant and typically subtle for the brand.

They were mum on the mechanicals apart from saying it'll be a V-6 (we'd bet on the 3.7-liter from the TL) and that it will have Acura's SH-AWD (super-handling all-wheel drive) that reduces understeer when the driver is accelerating. That means a front-wheel drive architecture, meaning this vehicle most likely carries more of its weight over the front axle than the rear.

A quick peek in the rear compartment revealed adequate leg room but head room perhaps somewhat tight for taller individuals. But if, as an Acura spokesman claimed, the Acura ZDX is designed for "affluent empty-nesters," then the rear seats likely won't get tons of use anyway.

The Acura ZDX is slated for delivery to Acura dealers this fall.2011 Acura ZDX Enlarge Photo Well, after half a dozen or so teases, we just saw the real-deal Acura ZDX crossover at the New York Auto Show. Well, almost real-deal; they did admit that the vehicle you see here is actually the concept. Lights, lower fascia, and taillights are likely to be different for the production model. 2011 Acura ZDX Enlarge Photo Taking a page out of BMW's book, they claim it's "an entirely new category of vehicle." Could've fooled us, though it does appear to sit lower to the ground than BMW's X6 Sports Activity Coupe. 2011 Acura ZDX Enlarge Photo Primary designer Michelle Christiansen, just 25 years old, did an admirable job, producing an interesting, elegant vehicle. I found the rear and rear 3/4 views the most attractive, was pleased to note the Acura beak has been reduced, though I wished both front and rear overhangs were shorter. 2011 Acura ZDX Enlarge Photo The dash appeared to be a near facsimile of the TL, not a bad thing at all. Subtle touches like a two-tone steering wheel with perhaps Alcantara inserts were elegant and typically subtle for the brand. 2011 Acura ZDX Enlarge Photo They were mum on the mechanicals apart from saying it'll be a V-6 (we'd bet on the 3.7-liter from the TL) and that it will have Acura's SH-AWD (super-handling all-wheel drive) that reduces understeer when the driver is accelerating. That means a front-wheel drive architecture, meaning this vehicle most likely carries more of its weight over the front axle than the rear. 2011 Acura ZDXEnlarge Photo A quick peek in the rear compartment revealed adequate leg room but head room perhaps somewhat tight for taller individuals. But if, as an Acura spokesman claimed, the Acura ZDX is designed for "affluent empty-nesters," then the rear seats likely won't get tons of use anyway. 2011 Acura ZDXEnlarge Photo The Acura ZDX is slated for delivery to Acura dealers this fall.

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