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Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The all-new Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe burst on the scene for 2010 and immediately garnered positive accolades from top media thanks to its dramatic styling, excellent performance and the latest in advanced technology. The ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the original design prototype, the ZDX features the forward thinking design elements consisting of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.
“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.”
Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in North America, the ZDX broke new ground for Acura in many ways. The ZDX was the first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA, allowing exterior and interior designers to work closely together throughout the entire design process. Staying true to the original sketch from Acura’s first female designer, Michelle Christensen, the ZDX features sensuous curves, deeply sculpted shoulders and strong character lines.
Inside, the 2012 ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refinement and sophistication ever offered from Acura. Every ZDX interior features a hand-stitched leather dashboard, door panels and sculpted center console.
The rich leather appointments give the ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and front passenger. The cabin is well lit thanks to extensive use of LED lighting along with the natural light coming from the moonroof that is part of the longest glass roof in the industry. The panoramic glass roof incorporates dual sunshades that open and close at the touch of a button.
The luxurious cockpit gives way to a generous cabin that provides comfortable seating for up to 5-passengers. The ZDX’s flexible utility allows it to be a perfect weekend getaway vehicle, with 26.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row seats and a total of 55.8 cubic feet of cargo area when the second row seats are folded flat. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects (such as golf bags) by removing side panels located in the rear cargo compartment sidewalls. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage compartment that provides 2.2 cubic-feet of space.
The ZDX not only boasts head-turning style but also delivers outstanding on-road performance. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine generates 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for excellent acceleration, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the ZDX sporty driving characteristics while simultaneously enhancing fuel economy.
Standard on the ZDX is Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that expands the ZDX’s appeal by providing outstanding cornering ability as well as excellent all-season capability. Standard on the ZDX are 19×8.5-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels- the largest standard wheel in the Acura lineup.
Adding to the dynamic capabilities of the ZDX is the available Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which tailors the fully independent suspension’s Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering together to suit the driver’s preference for a more comfortable or a more sporting ride- available for easy change at the turn of a dial. The IDS’s Comfort mode prioritizes road isolation and reduced passenger fatigue, while Sport mode favors crisp handling response, heightened body control and maximized traction.
Befitting its “sports coupe” design, the 2012 ZDX is longer, lower, wider and has a significantly wider track than its primary market competitors. The ZDX rides on a 108.3-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 192.4 inches, it has an overall width of 85.6 inches, it stands 62.8 inches tall and it makes use of a 67.7-inch track front and rear. Consequently, these dimensions allow the ZDX to offer a driving character that is as confident as its appearance is dramatic.
The ZDX is available with a choice of three trim levels: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the ZDX with Advance Package. Like all Acura models, the standard ZDX comes generously equipped including the panoramic glass roof and hand-stitched leather interior. Also standard are Bluetooth HandsFreeLink connectivity, power operated tailgate and a high powered audio system (with CD player, AM/FM radio, XM Radio with Note function music reminder and USB audio connectivity with iPod integration).
The ZDX with Technology Package adds several key features including an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather, an Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system and a multi-view rear camera. The Advance Package boasts additional technologies such as the Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) active damper system, blind spot information system (BSI), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and unique interior features.
Powertrain
The 2012 ZDX is equipped with the latest generation of the 3.7-liter V-6 engine that continues Acura’s longstanding mission to provide V-8 level horsepower and torque with the size and fuel efficiency of a six cylinder engine. The all-aluminum V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for excellent acceleration, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and exciting high-rpm power.
Helping broaden the powerband while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency of the 3.7L V-6 is a unique 2-rocker arm design VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain system applied to the intake valves. In addition, special high-lift camshaft specs during VTEC operation, a dual-stage induction system and an electronic Drive-by-Wire throttle system team to improve engine performance.
Performance and fuel economy are further enhanced by the ZDX’s Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission that is designed to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast drivers. EPA estimated city/highway/combined fuel mileage of 16/23/19 mpg and a 21-gallon fuel capacity allow the ZDX to have a long cruising range. Plus, the ZDX complies with the latest EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV regulations.
Standard on the ZDX is Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which has been performance proven on Germany’s famed Nürburgring road course and is specially tuned for real-world driving conditions. Setting new standards for power delivery and handling response, SH-AWD actively varies the torque distribution between front and rear axles as well as between the left and right rear wheels to maximize available traction under most driving situations. This “torque vectoring” of engine power operates seamlessly and allows up to 70 percent of the overall power to be sent to the rear- of which 100 percent of that power can be channeled to one rear wheel. The result of torque vectoring is the creation of a “yaw moment” that enables the ZDX to better rotate around a corner while minimizing vehicle understeer.
Chassis
The ZDX chassis is tuned to provide an ideal balance of handling precision, road isolation and damping. In front, MacPherson struts team with coil-over springs and forged-aluminum lower control arms for precise handling with generous wheel travel. The use of hydro-compliance suspension bushings and a front subframe that “floats” on rubber mounts helps provide superb road isolation. The ZDX’s multi-link rear suspension mounts to a separate steel subframe and employs aluminum uprights for reduced unsprung weight. The rear suspension uses specially-tuned coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bar for optimum ride and handling.
Included with the available Advance Package, the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) tailors the ZDX’s fully independent suspension’s Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering to suit the driver’s preference for a more comfortable or a more sporting ride- available at the touch of a switch. With the IDS system, Comfort mode prioritizes road isolation and reduced passenger fatigue, while Sport mode favors more crisp handling response, heightened vehicle body control and maximized traction.
The heart of the ZDX’s Active Damper System is its electronically-controlled Magneto-Rheological shock absorbers, which can individually adjust from minimum to maximum damping force in as little as five milliseconds (0.005 sec.). Along with the active dampers, the speed-sensitive hydraulic steering assist is automatically adjusted according to the driver’s choice of Comfort or Sport modes: lighter steering effort is generated in the Comfort mode, while firmer effort results when in Sport mode.
Body
The exterior design goal for the ZDX was to merge the emotional appeal of a sports coupe with excellent all-season ability and good ground clearance to allow for moderate off-highway use. The unique design of the wide rear fenders and aerodynamic cabin give the ZDX a decisive and powerful appearance, while the panoramic glass roof provides occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them.
The unique moonroof design teams with the surrounding glass structure to make for the longest glass roof in the automotive market- stretching from the leading edge of the windshield to the trailing edge of the tailgate glass. In the front section of the glass roof is the moonroof that tilts and slides up and back along the outside of the roof. This opening design helps to preserve maximum interior headroom while also retaining the dramatic and personal “sports coupe” design of the cabin greenhouse. A fixed glass panel over the rear seat area further brightens the cabin. Dual motorized sunshades cover both the front and rear glass panels should the ZDX occupants choose to reduce sunlight entering the interior, while a mesh fabric pop-up air deflector achieves a new standard for wind-noise performance when compared to a traditional blade-type wind deflector.
Cargo
Opening the power-actuated tailgate reveals an impressively detailed rear cargo area that offers a total of 26.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Lined with premium loop-style carpet, the rear cargo area also offers a hidden 2.2 cubic-foot cargo bin located under the floor. Hidden behind removable side panels are additional storage areas in the rear cargo-compartment sidewalls. Like the under-floor access panel, the removable side panels have satin-metal release handles, and can be stored in the under-floor cargo bin to generate a wide load space designed to accommodate up to four golf bags. With the second-row seats folded, the ZDX offers a fully carpeted near-flat load floor and a total of 55.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Interior
Combining premium materials with a new standard of attention-to-detail and craftsmanship, the ZDX interior takes its place as the ultimate expression of Acura interior design. Following the original “2+Freedom” design concept, the ZDX interior emphasizes the needs of the driver and passenger, while also offering enough rear cargo capacity for a weekend trip or a piece of bulky cargo. For occasional use, the ZDX’s second-row seats can comfortably accommodate two full-size adults for long rides, or three passengers for shorter rides.
Within the interior, new manufacturing processes allow top-grade leather to precisely follow complex, flowing shapes on the instrument panel, center console and door panels. LED interior lighting and a striking center instrument panel that blacks out when not in use give the ZDX a clean, technical feel.
Standard ZDX interior features include leather seating surfaces, a supportive 10-way adjustable power-actuated driver seat and an 8-way adjustable power passenger seat. Also standard is the panoramic glass roof, power tailgate and a dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system with automatic humidity control and rear seat vents.
The ZDX auto day/night rearview mirror includes as standard an integrated rear view camera display, while Technology and Advance models display rear camera information on the navigation system’s full VGA color display.
The standard audio system includes a 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM tuner, XM Radio with Note function, Bluetooth Audio, USB port connectivity (for items such as an iPod or removable USB mass storage device), AUX jack interface (for portable MP3 music players), 8-speakers and a 266-watt Digital Sound Processing amplifier.
Advanced Technology
An available Technology Package increases both connectivity and comfort within the ZDX. The package starts with a luxurious full-grain Perforated Milano Premium Leather for the seating surfaces, a Keyless Access System with pushbutton start and an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition. The system has a full VGA high-resolution 8-inch color display, uses navigation data stored on a built-in 60 GB hard disk drive (HDD) for impressively quick operation and includes AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting along with the AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with weather radar image maps. For the ultimate in connectivity, the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System allows direct communication between the ZDX and Acura, including the ability to make automated appointments for vehicle service.
The Technology Package also features Acura’s renowned Acura/ELS Surround 10-speaker Premium Audio System with a 435-watt Digital Sound Processing amplifier, and a built-in 15-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system that allows the ZDX owner to download and store about 3,500 up to songs for later playback. The Acura/ELS Surround audio system offers DVD-Audio (with 500-times higher resolution than traditional CD audio), DTS, CD player, AM/FM tuner, XM Radio with Note function, Bluetooth Audio along with USB port and AUX jack connectivity.
The available Advance Package includes everything in the Technology Package, and adds items such as a premium brushed tricot headliner material, ventilated front seats, a sport steering wheel and additional LED ambient lighting.
The Advance Package also includes Acura’s Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), blind spot information system (BSI) and the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) that simultaneously controls the Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering.
Safety
In keeping with Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative, the 2012 ZDX provides excellent safety for its passengers, including the application of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure.
ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. ACE utilizes a network of connected structural elements to more evenly distribute crash energy throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.
In addition, a special frame member located below the ZDX’s front bumper is designed to help engage the front bumper of a lower height vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more efficiently.
Passive safety features include a dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), dual-chamber side airbags with a front passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), front seats with active head restraints, knee bolsters for front occupants, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system with integrated load limiters.
Numerous standard “active safety” features that help the ZDX driver minimize the risk of collision include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
An additional active safety feature included in the available Advance Package is the Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS) which helps reduce the likelihood of a crash by alerting the driver to potential collision situations as well as activating the brakes if the system determines a collision likely is unavoidable.
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