Honda unveils Acura ZDX concept in New York
April 16, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Honda has today unveiled a prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupe at the New York International Auto Show.
The production version of the dramatically styled prototype goes on-sale in the US some time towards the middle of the third-quarter of 2009.
The ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility.
“The ZDX is truly a luxury performance coupe – plus,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer.”
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 flared wheel arches, the ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.
Clean, flowing lines start from the headlights and run the length of the car, accentuating the cars 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 Michelin tyres.
“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. The 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 center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim. The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver control. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle.
Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, and coupled to a all-new six-speed transmission, the ZDX will also feature Honda’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, as seen in the Honda Legend.
The ZDX will also be available with the latest technologies including a blind spot information system, multi-view rear camera, satellite navigation with voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather updates, surround sound stereo and Bluetooth connectivity.
Print it: 
Actually CA, I think this came out a few days ago. Auto car had a story on it with full gallery and details at least two days ago.
I don’t think it looks better than the X6, I think it looks like a great big Ford Focus. It doesn’t looks mean, you’d never be scared of it in the same way you might just be of an X6 50i. Although it’s not my thing at all, I think it needs some giant chrome wheels. The ones on there make it looks too soccer mum.
It kind of defeats the purpose I think. The thing with the X6 is that somehow, it really is like a coupe to drive. It’s amazing. I somehow doubt an Acura can beat it.
I do not like the new Honda buck tooth front end. Just ruins the whole car.
Well at least the vomit-inducing X6 now has some company, and this one has (slightly) better proportions even if the detailing is bizarre. Fabulous interior though – when are you going to put those pics up?
Sis here Captain………..looks like it has BMWs X6 rear……if it pulled its nose in a bit more it would look like a X6 side on.
Come on your a secret cupboard X6 lover really aren’t you ;)
“define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer.”
“surprising versatility”
Please.
What’s so versatile and new about this car? It can drive on roads and, wait for it, on sandy roads?
The surprising versatility, must be that there isn’t any.
Now,now The Original Tom, don’t be quite so cynical about its versatility. It can probably drive on slightly damp roads too, although with Honda’s AWD “expertise” snowy or icy roads may be beyond its ability.
Hey BM (.)(.), I knew it wouldn’t take you long to respond to that one. Going out for Indian food now to get me in the mood for a more detailed retort.
hahaha , dont get heart burn rushing back to me ;)
is it me or are 20s not as big as they used to be
I think it actually looks better than the X6, though still a pointless car. Not going to affect us anyway as this will most likely be North America market only. I don’t like the grille on all current Acura though, that slab of chrome is ugly.
at least it dont look like my Accord. That thing is definetly styled for the Land of the Free.
Sorry BM (.)(.), the food wasn’t hot enough to get me excited about this ridiculous car. Alan hits it on the head – better looking than the dreadful X6, but just as pointless. The best thing about it though is the fact that as Alan suggests, it will only ever be LHD North America, so unlike the X6 we will fortunately be spared having to look at it in the flesh.
O ………Blokes have always had a problem with sizing things………best leave that up to the women :)
Really Captain…..I knew you must have a high resilience to HOT STUFF when you didnt like the X6 ……….
This is more mild…… ;)