2010 Acura ZDX Crossover Revealed

Modern concept cars are rarely the whiz-bang flights of fancy they once were, but they often give a good preview of forthcoming product. Acura’s ZDX, shown at the 2009 New York auto show, is a good example. We’ve just looked over the official photos for the production-ready 2010 ZDX, and we’re hard-pressed to find any notable differences.

Indeed, apart from rolling stock and a slightly taller stance, the production ZDX differs little from the concept car. The cartoonish headlamps and smoked taillights are no more, but the ZDX’s form–once billed as a “luxury performance coupe-plus” by marketing folks–is largely unchanged, as is the swoopy interior.

Promises of an all-aluminum V-6 have also come true. Acura’s 300-hp 3.7-liter V-6 is nestled underhood, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. As is the case with most Acura crossovers, power is channeled to all four wheels via the company’s SH-AWD system, which can vector torque to specific wheels to aid both traction and cornering.

Finite details on the production ZDX are still sketchy, but Acura has revealed it plans on offering three different trim levels, although each comes standard with leather seating, Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, a power tailgate, and a panoramic glass moonroof.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but Acura claims it will position the ZDX between the MDX SUV and the RL sedan, so a $43,000 price tag wouldn’t be out of the question. Look for official figures closer to the ZDX’s launch this winter.