The Acura ZDX is a mid-sizeluxurycrossover SUV developed by Honda for its upmarket brand Acura. The car was originally planned to be called the Acura MSX. 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." 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, 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.
Concept version
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. 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.
Production version
The announced version includes the SOHC VTECV6 all-aluminum engine rated at 6300 rpm and at 4500 rpm, 6-speed automatic transmission, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, 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 USBaudio interface with iPod integration. Sales began in winter 2009. 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, Adaptive Cruise Control and Integrated Dynamics System, 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, Lane Departure Warning, redesigned front grille, integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, and new dark accents for the wheels. This resulted in a MSRP 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, 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. United States Environmental Protection Agency fuel consumption estimates for all models are in the city, on the highway and 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." The ZDX was the rarest of U.S. manufactured Acura offerings, with a total of 7191 vehicles produced and sold in North America.
