RideLust

Acura ZDX Concept

Despite some lackluster feelings about the concept, the ZDX “sports coupe” that was first introduced at the New York Auto Show this past April will be arriving later this year as an Acura competitor to the BMW X6. It’s probably the most frivolous Acura since the NSX, which at least was a killer sports car. With a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and aggressive fender flares, it rather shamelessly adopts more than a little of the X6′s DNA. The question of whether the X6 should even exist is debatable; so is there really enough of a market for two “sport coupes” (three if you count the Cayenne) to be successful?

The outer styling, which is supposed to be something of a blend between a crossover and some sort of four-door coupe (which is pretty much a contradiction), may be hit or miss with some people. But its powerplant is not. Under the hood will reside an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V6 engine good for an even 300 horsepower and 270 lb feet of torque via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Acura is counting on this new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to give the ZDX one advantage over the X6; fuel economy. Efficiency numbers naturally haven’t been released, but as a point of reference, the X6 turns out a jaw-dropping 12 and 18 mpg in city and highway driving. So the bar is set pretty low for Acura.

When the ZDX arrives three trim levels will be available: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package, and ZDX with Advance Package. Standard on all ZDX models is the panoramic glass roof, leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, USB audio interface with iPod integration, Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system and 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels. The Technology Package adds navigation with voice recognition, an Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system, and a new multi-view rear camera. The Advance Package adds a blind spot information system (blind spots indeed), a Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

ZDX Interior Sure To Be High-End

Heavily touted is the utility of the ZDX, which can seat up to handle five adults while maintaining a generous amount of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects by removing side panels in the cargo-compartment sidewalls. Additionally, there is an integrated under-floor storage area.

Acura hasn’t released pricing or date of availability, but is expected to run between $40,990 and $46,830.