Acura ZDX Prototype Makes Debut at New York International Auto Show
Provocative Four-Door Sports Coupe to Be Built in Canada
A prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupe made its world debut today at the New York International Auto Show. The new ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. The production version of the dramatically styled prototype will be built at the Honda of Canada Mfg. vehicle assembly facility in Alliston, Ontario. The 2010 Acura ZDX will go on sale this fall.
"The new Acura ZDX is designed to be a luxury performance coupe, plus," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "The dynamic coupe styling combined with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, will allow the ZDX to define its own segment and attract a new customer to the Acura brand."
The ZDX is designed to break new ground for Acura in the areas of provocative styling, contemporary luxury and meticulous refinement. With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX deliberately blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle. Clean, flowing lines start from the headlights and run the length of the vehicle, accentuating its presence and grace.
In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage. The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch performance-rated Michelin tires.
"From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be," said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. "My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior."
Inside, the ZDX exudes modern luxury while focusing on pampering the front passengers. The cabin is enveloped in leather, which gives the interior a luxurious and inviting feel. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants.
Premium leather seats are highly bolstered to support the passengers during sporty driving and at the same time provide comfort during a long getaway. A black monochromatic centre stack leads to the textured metallic centre console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim.
The thick leather-wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by paddle shifters for enhanced driver control. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a view of the world around them.
The Canadian-built production ZDX will bring a new level of prestige and sophistication when it arrives at Acura dealerships in the fall, offering the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety. The ZDX is designed to deliver sports sedan performance on the road with its powerful V-6 engine mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. The potent powertrain will be coupled with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(R)) system, providing the ZDX with outstanding handling and cornering capabilities in all weather and road conditions.
The new ZDX will be available with the latest in customer-enhancing technologies and advanced safety features, including a new multi-view rear camera that makes parking even easier with the added enhancement of both a wide angle and top-down view. Acura signature technologies such as Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition(TM), Acura/ELS Surround(R) premium audio system, and Bluetooth(R) connectivity will also be available on the all-new model.
Acura ZDX represents the next step for Acura in its advancement to becoming one of the top luxury brands in North America. It is intended to make a clear statement toward the future of the brand.
ZDX Prototype Dimensions:
Length: 4887 mm (192.4")
Width: 1994 mm (78.5")
Height: 1570 mm (61.8")
Wheelbase: 2748 mm (108.2")
Wheel/tire: 9-spoke custom alloy wheels with Michelin Latitude HP, 275/40ZR20 tires
Engine: All-aluminum VTEC(R) V-6
Transmission: All-new 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential, SportShift and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM), (SH-AWD(R))
Seating: 5
