2010 Acura ZDX INTRODUCTION

2010 Acura ZDX INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW

T

he all-new 2010 Acura ZDX is a crossover utility vehicle with the design of a personal sports coupe. With the appearance of a performance coupe and the four-door convenience of a sedan and the utility of a CUV, the ZDX is a study in contrasts. Flexible cargo utility and multi-surface, all-season capability further broaden the ZDX’s appeal. With the sensuous curves of the exterior body, a sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX transcends the traditional distinctions between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.

Visually and functionally, the Acura ZDX luxury 4-door sports coupe’s inventive new “Passionate Getaway” concept defines this Acura as a different type of personal luxury vehicle. As the term suggests, the ZDX is designed primarily to provide a means of freedom and escape for two adults and their cargo, whether that’s luggage for a weekend, sporting equipment, antiques or gardening supplies.

Powering the ZDX is a responsive 300-horsepower VTEC® V-6 engine with Acura’s unique Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system designed to establish the ZDX as one of the most innovative luxury vehicles on the market. The ZDX offers a highly personal sports coupe driving experience combined with off-road capability, along with the refinement and quality that Acura customers expect.

As the first “complete” design to come from the new Acura Design Studio in California, the Canadian-built ZDX was developed as a driver’s vehicle. Developed and tuned using Germany’s famed Nürburgring road course, the ZDX is designed to handle challenging road conditions, while still retaining cottage-road capability.

From the signature Acura front grille to the use of strong character lines and the industry’s largest continuous glass panel, the ZDX adds a new dimension to the luxury market and sets a new standard for personal expression. This personalized style carries over to the 5-passenger interior, where premium features include a leather-accented instrument panels, sport-oriented leather front seats with heating, available Acura Navigation System with Trilingual Voice Recognition™, and an available 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio System. Features also include a new Multi-view rear camera system, which provides greater visibility when parking.

The 2010 ZDX advances the definition of personal style, luxury and performance to the highest level in Acura Division history. Developed by Acura engineers in Ohio and manufactured at the Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario, the ZDX is a significant contributor to North American productivity and jobs. And with its low-impact manufacturing, factory-waste recycling programs and a significant reduction in the use of harmful materials, the ZDX is also a top environmental citizen.

Powertrain features

· SH-AWD® drivetrain for performance handling and all-season capability

· 3.7-litre SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy engine

· 300 hp at 6400 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm

· 11.2:1 compression ratio

· Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for intake valves

· Dual-stage induction system with lightweight magnesium alloy intake manifold

· High-flow, sport-tuned dual exhaust system with dual stainless-steel outlets

· Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

· Direct ignition system

· Detonation/knock control system

· Maintenance Minder™ system

· 160,000-kilometre tune-up intervals

· TIER 2-BIN 5 emissions

· Fuel economy ratings not available at time of publication

Body & CHASSIS features

· Unit body structure with extensive use of high-strength steel

· Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional high and low beam front headlights

· Headlight washers

· Acoustic windshield glass

· Panoramic glass roof

· Power rear tailgate

· Fully independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and coil springs

· Fully independent multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms

· Torque-sensing, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering

· 19x8.5-inch, 7-spoke aluminum wheels

· Michelin Latitude P255/50R19 103H M+S high-performance all-season tires

· 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist

· Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control

· Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

· 1,500-pound (680-kg) tow rating

· LED illuminated Centre High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)

· Heated outside mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down feature and integrated LED directional turn signals

INTERIOR features

· 5-passenger leather-trimmed seating

· Richly appointed cockpit designed for performance driving

· Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with LED-illuminated fingertip controls
and racing-inspired paddle shifters

· LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination

· High-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) allows access to multiple electronic functions and customizable feature settings

· Rearview mirror with rearview camera display (standard ZDX model)

· 10-way adjustable power-activated driver seat (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support)

· 8-way adjustable power-activated front passenger seat

· Heated front and rear outboard seats

· Solar-sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system

· Automatic humidity control system

· 5-position straight gate shifter

· Power tilt and telescoping steering column

· Electronic cruise control

· 8-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio and Bluetooth® Audio

· USB port connectivity (for iPod®, iPhone®, or removable USB mass storage devices)

· Auxiliary jack interface (for portable MP3 music players)

· Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface

· Panoramic glass roof with tilt, auto-open and key-off operation along with dual power-operated mesh fabric roller shades

· 2-position memory function (for seating position, mirror adjustments, radio presets, climate control settings, MID presets and more)

· High-quality interior surface finishes and materials

· LED interior illumination and map lights

· Available Technology Package

SAFETY FEATURES

· Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure

· Side impact door beams

· Impact-absorbing crumple zones (front and rear)

· Driver and front passenger dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

· Driver and front passenger knee bolsters

· Driver and front passenger 2-chamber side airbags

· Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) for passenger front-side airbag

· Side curtain airbags for front and second-row outboard seats with rollover sensor

· Front seats with active head restraint system

· 3-point adjustable-height front seat belts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters

· Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)

· Brake Assist

· Hill Start Assist

· LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child-seat mounting system for the second-row seats

Technology Package

· Upgraded interior trim with perforated full-grain Milano leather seating surfaces

· Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition™

· 8-inch, full VGA, LED backlight, high-resolution colour display

· Interface dial provides quick, intuitive access to navigation, audio, climate control and other features

· Acura/ELS Surround® premium 10-speaker audio system with DVD-Audio, DTS™, CD, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, approximate 3,500-song 15-GB hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system

· Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition)

· Multi-view rear camera

MARKET SUMMARY

With its dynamic exterior design, numerous interior appointments and impressive powertrain and chassis dynamics, the ZDX is Acura’s new definition of luxury and performance. As a 4-door sports coupe, the ZDX finds its competition in multiple market segments. In the small but growing luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, the BMW X6 and Infiniti FX35 are direct competitors, but sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS or stylish sports coupes like the Porsche Cayman may also appeal to the ZDX’s target buyer. Regardless, the number of competitors is expected to grow as the population matures, becoming couples again rather than family units, and enjoying the fruits of their career success through travel, second homes and unique lifestyle activities.

TARGET CUSTOMER

ZDX customers share a passion for connecting with life through experiences taking precedence over possessions. Whether snow skiing on an undiscovered trail, making a first ascent on a mountain peak or finding an undiscovered winery, authentic experiences are what drives the ZDX target buyer, and what makes the ZDX a personal reflection of the lifestyle that the customer has earned.

The same can be said for the vehicles these individuals drive. ZDX customers may own a sports car as well as an SUV, and express interest in a vehicle with the inspired design of a sports coupe together with all-weather and all-terrain capabilities. A sheep in wolf’s clothing would not do; their ideal vehicle would need to offer real capabilities, in addition to luxury and style.

Early in the design process, Acura benchmarked the competition to ensure that the new ZDX would not only meet Acura’s rigid standards, but also equal or surpass its rivals. The reason is simple: With its dramatic exterior design, the ZDX will invite owners of many different vehicle brands into Acura showrooms to investigate. And when they drive the ZDX, the experience has to immediately exceed their expectations, no matter what vehicle they currently drive.

All told, the ZDX is designed to capture the attention of a growing market segment with its unique design, premium Acura engineering and authentic usability that invites nothing less than full participation in life’s adventures.

ENGINE & POWERTRAIN

The new ZDX’s 3.7-litre SOHC V-6 engine continues Acura’s longstanding mission to provide V-8 level horsepower and torque while retaining the size and fuel efficiency of a V-6. It develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque for immediate acceleration response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and exciting high-rpm power.

To widen the powerband while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency, the 3.7-litre engine has a new 2-rocker arm design VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system applied to the intake valves, special high-lift camshaft specs during VTEC®, a dual-stage induction system and an electronic Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system.

The ZDX complies with the latest TIER 2-BIN 5 emissions standards. Performance and fuel economy benefit from the ZDX’s sophisticated 6-speed automatic transmission, and the quick-response Sequential SportShift function is designed to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast drivers.

Tuned for real-world driving conditions and proven on Germany’s famed Nürburgring road course, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) sets a new standard for power delivery and handling response. SH-AWD® actively varies the torque distribution between front and rear axles –then between the left and right rear wheels – to provide maximum power delivery under most driving circumstances. Such torque vectoring operates seamlessly and allows the SH-AWD® to overdrive the outside rear wheel up to 1.7-per cent faster than the front wheels; this creates a “yaw moment” that allows the ZDX to better rotate around a corner while minimizing vehicle understeer.

BODY & CHASSIS

Designed to merge the emotional appeal of a sports coupe and all-season, all-surface versatility, the all-new ZDX breaks new barriers for Acura and for the luxury market. Its “Passionate Getaway” design honors the driver and passenger first, while also providing an impeccably finished luggage storage area that bests that of most luxury sedans.

The rear seat area, with its abbreviated doors and door handles creatively integrated into the C-pillar, accommodates three additional passengers as required for occasional trips. But overall, the ZDX targets its mission as a 2-passenger personal escape vehicle with unmistakable Acura style.

The design of the wide rear fenders and narrow rear cabin give the ZDX a decisive and powerful appearance, but it also created a significant engineering challenge to put into production. After experimenting with numerous manufacturing processes, a unique stamping process was perfected, allowing the prototype’s extremely deep-draw rear quarter panels to be perfectly created in production. The “Keen Edge” body character lines are also the sharpest in Acura Division history, further defining and individualizing the ZDX from any other vehicle.

In front, the ZDX adopts Acura’s signature “floating” grille, which is surrounded by a honeycomb-design air opening and is finished in an elegant satin metallic. Windswept high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, aggressive cooling inlets and careful attention to radiator airflow boost cooling efficiency as well as fuel economy.

The bodyside is equally inspiring, with strong character lines sweeping rearward, promoting a sense of motion and tension. The dramatically sloping rear body fully delivers on the ZDX’s sports coupe inspiration, with large, confident fender flares, a centre character line continuing rearward from the hood to the back hatch, and an effective rear lip spoiler that helps air separate cleanly from the vehicle.

Located on the roof is a combination AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio fin-type antenna that is a world first for the automotive industry.

Besides the dramatic deep-draw rear quarter panels, the ZDX’s signature design element is its panoramic glass roof that provides occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them. Sliding externally above the roof to maximize interior headroom, the UV-light absorbing glass panel is the largest moonroof ever used on an Acura vehicle. A fixed glass panel above the rear seat further brightens the interior. Altogether, the panoramic glass roof, aerodynamically raked windshield, and unique upper and lower rear glass panels give the ZDX an almost uninterrupted glass surface from the front of the windshield to the rear of the vehicle.

The panoramic glass roof structure is attached to the ZDX from above – instead of inside, as is usually the case – and features flush seals for a supremely low-noise cruising environment.

To help reduce vehicle mass and improve structural rigidity that’s important for ride, handling and safety, 48-per cent of the ZDX body is constructed of high-strength steel, with an additional 5-per cent of the body constructed of key aluminum components used in areas such as the hood and instrument-panel support.

The ZDX utilizes MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension design, with additional rear-suspension subframe connectors for maximum isolation from road noise, vibration and harshness. A choice of wheels includes standard 19-inch aluminum alloy units – another first for Acura – and available 20-inch aluminum wheels. Both wheels carry ZDX-specific Michelin Latitude M+S tires for all-weather performance.

Both ZDX models (standard ZDX and the available Technology Package) come standard with a rearview camera. The standard ZDX displays the rearview image on the inside mirror, while the Technology Package displays multi-view camera information on the instrument panel-mounted Navigation screen. The ZDX has a 1,500-pound tow rating and can be fitted with a Class I hitch, as well as over a dozen other items from Acura Genuine Accessories.

INTERIOR

The ZDX’s innovative “2+Freedom” design motive – Acura’s term for the ZDX providing two adults with the freedom of escape – extends decisively into the interior, which prioritizes the comfort and convenience of the driver and front passenger. Wide-opening front doors, complex and flowing shapes, and such niceties as leather accents throughout the cabin define the ZDX as the nothing short of the most dramatic Acura yet.

A hand-stitched leather dashboard and centre console gracefully sweep across and down to form the dual cockpit interior design that creates a personal and intimate experience for front seat passengers. Together with a standard panoramic glass roof, striking LED-illuminated centre console, standard 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat and 8-way adjustable power front passenger’s seat and standard front seat heaters, the ZDX cuts no corners on comfort or luxury.