Acura ZDX

Acura ZDX (YB1)
2011 Acura ZDX Advance
Overview
Manufacturer	Acura (Honda)
Production	2009–2013
Model years	2010–2013
Assembly	Canada: Alliston, Ontario (HCM)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
Body style	5-door coupé SUV
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Related	Acura MDX Honda Crosstour
Powertrain
Engine	3.7 L J37A5 V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.3 in (2,751 mm)
Length	192.4 in (4,887 mm)
Width	78.5 in (1,994 mm)
Height	62.8 in (1,595 mm)
Curb weight	4,452 lb (2,019 kg)
Chronology
Successor	Acura RDX Acura MDX

The Acura ZDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV with a sloping rear roofline developed by Honda for its upmarket brand Acura. The car was originally planned to be called the "MSX".^[1] The ZDX debuted at the 2009 New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2009, as a 2010 model. The vehicle was also the first to be completely designed at Acura's southern California design studio in Torrance.

The original ZDX concept was penned by Michelle Christensen who labeled it a "4-door luxury sports coupe" and which Acura says "blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle."^[2]

The ZDX features Acura's first six speed automatic transmission, advanced ventilated seats, as well as other luxury appointments. Although the ZDX shares a similar profile with the Honda Crosstour,^[3] the two vehicles are not mechanically related: the latter is based on the Honda Accord, while the ZDX is based on the Honda Pilot/Acura MDX.^[4]

Concept version[]

The ZDX concept

Five teaser shots, released by Acura between March 16 and 20, 2009, indicated a coupe-like sloping roofline akin to that of the BMW X6, which led many observers to believe that is its direct competitor. After the announcement about naming the vehicle ZDX, Acura added the words "Luxury Four-Door Sports Coupe" to the caption for each picture. Moreover, it did not state the vehicle as a crossover or an SUV.^[5] The automaker translated the designers renderings almost literally into production sheetmetal. It's all but unheard-of for a rookie designer to have sketches embraced by a car company and put into production with so few changes.^{[citation needed]}

Production version[]

The announced version includes the 3,664 cc (3.664 L; 223.6 cu in) SOHC VTEC V6 all-aluminum engine rated 300 bhp (220 kW) at 6300 rpm and 270 lb⋅ft (366 N⋅m) at 4500 rpm, 6-speed automatic transmission, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof with movable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, HandsFreeLink Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a high-powered audio system with CD player, AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio and USB audio interface with iPod integration. Sales began in winter 2009.^[6][7][8]

2010 Acura ZDX with Advance Package

Acura ZDX

The Technology Package adds the Navigation System with voice recognition, an Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system and a new multi-view rear camera. Advance Package adds blind spot monitoring system, Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which brought multiple modes of suspension firmness and response using electronically-controlled Magneto-Rheological shock absorbers.

For 2013, in a last ditch attempt, Acura sold the ZDX in only one trim level. Acura cut costs by eliminating CMBS, ACC and IDS and replaced them with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), redesigned front grille, integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, and new dark accents for the wheels. This resulted in a MSRP ($51,815) over $5K less than the previous year advance model.

The 2013 ZDX has one well-equipped trim level. Standard features include a navigation system with an 8-inch screen, satellite radio, USB input, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, ventilated and heated seats (front), cruise control, keyless entry, power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power tailgate, moonroof, and auto on/off headlights. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The ZDX has 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its 60/40 split-folding rear seats and just 57.3 cubic feet with them folded flat, which is very small by class standards.^[9]

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel consumption estimates for all models are 16 mpg_‑US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg_‑imp) in the city, 22 mpg_‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg_‑imp) on the highway and 19 mpg_‑US (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg_‑imp) combined.

Discontinuation

The ZDX was discontinued after the 2013 model year due to poor sales, and in a statement from Honda, "as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products."^[10] The ZDX was the rarest of U.S. manufactured Acura offerings, with a total of 7,191 vehicles produced and sold in North America.

Safety[]

NHTSA 2012 Acura ZDX:^[11]

Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover:	/ 13.0%

Sales[]

References[]

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Acura ZDX and Acura ZDX Concept.

• Acura - official site