Acura ZDX | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Acura (Honda, first generation) General Motors (second generation) |
Production | 2009–2013 2024–present |
Model years | 2010–2013 2024–present |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-size luxury crossover SUV |
Body style |
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]
On August 19, 2022, it was announced that the ZDX nameplate would return to Acura's lineup in 2024 for the brand's first electric vehicle. The new ZDX was co-developed with General Motors. [5]
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. [6] 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 ]
First generation | |
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Overview | |
Model code | YB1 |
Production | 2009–2013 |
Model years | 2010–2013 |
Assembly | Alliston, Ontario, Canada (HCM) |
Designer | Michelle Christensen [7] |
Body and chassis | |
Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
Related | Acura MDX Honda Pilot |
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 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. [8] [9] [10]
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. [11]
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." [12] The ZDX was the rarest of U.S. manufactured Acura offerings, with a total of 7,191 vehicles produced and sold in North America.
Overall: | |
Frontal Driver: | |
Frontal Passenger: | |
Side Driver: | |
Side Passenger: | |
Side Pole Driver: | |
Rollover: | / 13.0% |
Calendar year | US Sales |
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2009 | 79 [14] |
2010 | 3,259 |
2011 | 1,564 |
2012 | 775 [15] |
2013 | 362 |
2014 | 78 |
2015 | 2 |
Second generation | |
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Overview | |
Production | March 2024 – present |
Assembly | United States: Spring Hill, Tennessee (Spring Hill Manufacturing) |
Body and chassis | |
Layout | |
Platform | GM BEV3 |
Related | |
Powertrain | |
Electric motor | Permanent magnet motor |
Power output |
|
Battery | 102 kWh Ultium lithium-ion |
Electric range | Up to 278–313 mi (447–504 km) EPA |
Plug-in charging |
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Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 121.8 in (3,094 mm) |
Length | 197.7 in (5,022 mm) |
Width | 77.0 in (1,956 mm) |
Height | 64.4 in (1,636 mm) |
Curb weight | 5,421–6,052 lb (2,459–2,745 kg) |
Acura unveiled the all-electric ZDX in August 2023. The first EV in Acura's lineup, the new ZDX is co-developed using General Motors' Ultium vehicle architecture that currently underpins the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV and the Honda Prologue, itself slated for a 2024 release. Similar to the Prologue, it shares many components with the Blazer EV, including the steering wheel, climate setting controls, and door handles. Additionally, it shares its powertrain with the Cadillac Lyriq.
Compared to the original ZDX, the 2nd generation ZDX has a more traditional roofline. The ZDX gains an A-Spec single-motor configuration, and a Type S performance variant, the latter of which is estimated to give 500hp, making it the most powerful SUV ever produced by Acura.
It is the first Acura to implement several technologies and features. The standard 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system marks the debut of Acura's partnership with the company. The infotainment system has Google Built-in, which is the first implementation of Android Automotive in an Acura, though it is a reskin of GM's version rather than the Honda developed version seen in the Accord. Additionally, the ZDX will debut a new hands-free highway driving assistance system called AcuraWatch 360+ with Hands Free Cruise.
The ZDX was to be one of many Acura and Honda EVs co-developed with General Motors. However, In October 2023, Honda and General Motors announced that their plan to co-develop low-cost electric vehicles has been cancelled, and future Honda/Acura EVs will be solely developed by Honda and will be manufactured in Honda assembly plants. [16] Honda cited struggles with achieving good highway range on GM's platform along with the changing economic climate of higher interest rates and following EV demand slowdown as factors for the cancellation. Both the ZDX and the Honda Prologue are the only known models jointly developed with GM to make it to production. [17]
The ZDX has three different powertrain options. First is the base single-motor, rear-wheel drive A-Spec which outputs 358 hp (267 kW; 363 PS) and 324 lb⋅ft (439 N⋅m) of torque. The all-wheel drive A-Spec has an additional motor powering the front wheels and makes 490 hp (370 kW; 500 PS) and 437 lb⋅ft (592 N⋅m) of torque. A higher output version of this setup is used in the Type S, where it produces a slightly increased 500 hp (370 kW; 510 PS) and a significantly higher 544 lb⋅ft (738 N⋅m) of torque.
All versions use GM's 102 kWh lithium-ion modular Ultium battery, which is also used in the Cadillac Lyriq. It allows the single-motor A-Spec model an EPA range of 313 miles (504 km), while the dual-motor version achieves 304 miles (489 km). The Type S, which has larger 22-inch wheels, achieves a lower 278 miles (447 km) of range. The ZDX can DC fast charge at up to 190kW, which Acura claims allows single motor models to add 81 miles (130 km) of range in 10 minutes, and can charge the battery from 20-80% in 42 minutes. An onboard AC charger allows for a claimed charging rate of 29.4 miles (47.3 km) per hour.
All versions have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lb (1,600 kg).
Acura is the luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. Acura sells cars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Kuwait. The company has also previously sold cars in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Russia, and Ukraine. Plans to introduce Acura to the Japanese domestic market in the late 2000s did not eventuate due to the financial crisis of 2007–2008.
The Honda Integra, sold in North America as the Acura Integra and later the Acura RSX, is an automobile produced by the Japanese company Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the Civic. The Integra was one of the launch models for Acura in the US in 1986 alongside the Acura Legend. Throughout its production run, the Integra was highly regarded for its handling and performance. The 1995–2001 Integra Type R is widely regarded as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars of all time.
The Acura TL is a car that was manufactured by Acura, the North American luxury division of Honda. It was introduced in 1995 to replace the Acura Vigor and was badged for the Japanese-market from 1996 to 2000 as the Honda Inspire and from 1996 to 2004 as the Honda Saber. The TL was Acura's best-selling model until it was outsold by the MDX in 2007. In 2005, it ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3 Series, but sales decreased after the 2008 model year. Four generations of the Acura TL were produced, with the final fourth generation TL premiering in 2008 as a 2009 model and ending production in 2014, when it was replaced together with the TSX by the TLX.
The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by the Japanese automaker Honda under its luxury Acura division since 2000. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional" luxury. It has ranked as the second-best selling mid-size luxury SUV after the Lexus RX in the U.S.
The Acura RL is a full size luxury car that was manufactured by the Acura division of Honda for the 1996–2012 model years over two generations. The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX. All models of the Legend, RL and RLX lines have been adapted from the Japanese domestic market Honda Legend. The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury."
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured by Honda since 2002. Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV produced by Honda. Pilots are currently manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, and the Pilot was produced in Alliston, Ontario until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in April 2002 as a 2003 model.
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced by Acura, a luxury vehicle division of Honda, as the second crossover SUV offering from the brand after the mid-size MDX. Since it was introduced, it shared its platform with the Honda Civic and CR-V.
The Buick Enclave is a three-row full-size crossover SUV produced by General Motors since 2007. It was previewed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, officially as a concept car, making it the first Lambda vehicle to be displayed. The Enclave is partially based on the Buick Centieme concept shown at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show.
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is a full-time, fully automatic, all-wheel drive traction and handling system, which combines front-rear torque distribution control with independently regulated torque distribution to the left and right rear wheels. This way the system freely distributes the optimum amount of torque to all four wheels according to the driving conditions. The system was announced in April 2004, and was introduced in the North American market in the second generation 2005 model year Acura RL, and in Japan as the fourth generation Honda Legend.
The Honda Vigor is a premium sedan that was derived from the Honda Accord. It was sold in Japan through the Honda Verno dealer network from 1981 until 1995, and sold in North America from June 1991 until 1994 as the Acura Vigor. Early Vigors were more upmarket versions of the Accord, and served as Honda's flagship until the arrival of the Honda Legend. In 1989, the Vigor would differentiate itself further from the Accord with unique styling and an available longitudinal five-cylinder engine, and a twin to the Vigor was introduced with the Honda Inspire, available at Honda Clio dealerships.
The North American eighth generation Honda Accord is a mid-size car introduced in August 2007 for the 2008 model year. It is also marketed in parts of Asia and Australasia, and as the Honda Inspire in Japan.
The Honda Crosstour is a mid-size crossover SUV with a sloping rear roofline manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda. It is based on the North American eighth-generation Accord. Sales began in November 2009 for the 2010 model year, and the vehicle was discontinued after the 2015 model year due to slow sales.
The Acura ILX is a compact car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by Honda under the Acura brand, based on the ninth-generation Civic sedan. The ILX replaced the Canadian market exclusive Acura CSX. The gasoline-electric hybrid version was Acura's first.
The Acura TLX is a four-door entry-level luxury sedan sold by Acura, a luxury division of Honda, since 2014. It is the successor to both the TL and TSX models. As of 2021, the discontinuation of the RLX leaves the TLX as the flagship sedan in Acura's lineup.
The Cadillac Lyriq is a battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by the Cadillac subdivision of General Motors. As Cadillac's first fully electric vehicle, and the first GM production vehicle using the BEV3 platform, the Lyriq introduces a new version of GM's Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system.
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A coupe SUV is a type of sport utility vehicle with a sloping rear roofline similar to those of fastbacks or Kammbacks. The sloping roofline is adopted to offer a styling advantage compared to its standard SUV counterpart, which helps increase profit margins as manufacturers are able to raise the price by marketing it as a more premium model. Since all coupe SUVs ever produced are of the crossover variety, coupe SUVs may also be called "coupe crossovers" or "coupe crossover SUVs".
Ultium is an electric vehicle battery and motor architecture developed by General Motors. It is being deployed for battery electric vehicles from General Motors portfolio brands along with vehicles from Honda and Acura.
The GM BEV3 platform is a dedicated electric vehicle architecture or platform developed by General Motors. It is the third-generation electric vehicle platform by GM, succeeding the BEV2 platform. It is categorized as a skateboard platform.
The Honda Prologue is a battery electric mid-size crossover SUV jointly developed by Honda and General Motors that is marketed in North America. Announced in October 2022 with sales starting in March 2024, it is Honda's first major electric vehicle following a number of low volume battery electric vehicles previously sold by Honda in North America, including the Honda Clarity, Honda Fit, and the experimental Honda EV Plus. Based heavily on the Chevrolet Blazer EV, the Prologue is comparable in size with the ICE-powered Passport.
Acura ZDX prototype: The dynamic ZDX is the first car styled start-to-finish at Acura's new design studio in Torrance. Not a bad first effort.
... seats two to three fewer occupants than the MDX and Honda Pilot SUVs on which it's based.
The innovative and stylish Acura ZDX crossover vehicle, introduced in 2009, will receive numerous styling and technology enhancements for the 2013 model year, which will be the final year on the market for ZDX as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products, the company announced today.