“2013?Acura ZDX final model receives numerous enhancements”

By Arv Voss

?2013 Acura ZDX?has shifted its focus to new models and core products, and has announced that the innovative and stylish ZDX, which was introduced in 2009 will no longer be produced after the 2013 model year.

Despite it pending demise however, the ZDX will benefit from several styling and technological enhancements. There were many members of the automotive press that? were not particularly fond of the ZDX when it first appeared, but I found the design to be both emotional and inspiring. It looked good in 2009 and will look even more appealing for its swan song year.

For starters, the front grille has been redesigned, front and rear bumpers with integrated parking sensors are added along with power folding auto-dimming side mirrors and safety features such as Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning. A dark accent has been applied to the wheels for a sportier finish, and the interior receives a new trim finish on the center console and a high contrast interior option. The 2013 Acura ZDX went on sale in October, 2012, with a manufacturer?s suggested retail price starting at $50,920.

?People shopping for a luxury crossover vehicle will find the 2013 Acura ZDX an even more attractive product,? said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of the Acura Division. ?Moving forward, we will continue to advance the Acura lineup with a focus on new core models, like the recently redesigned RDX and the upcoming all-new RLX flagship sedan, that provide the ideal balance of performance and fuel efficiency that is right for each product and a driving experience that is dynamic and emotional.?

The 2013 Acura ZDX will be sold as a single, valued-added package, offering clients increased value inn a luxury scale vehicle. Features that are now standard include the 435-watt Acura/ELS Surround? 10-speaker audio system with 15 GB hard disk drive memory, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition?, 8-inch high-resolution VGA display, multi-view rear view camera, Bluetooth? HandsFreeLink? wireless telephone interface, ventilated and heated front seats with perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces, Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition) and dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Power for the ZDX will continue to come from an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 300 horsepower at 6,300 rpm along with 270 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Sporty performance is enhanced by the ZDX?s Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters that is designed to satisfy even enthusiast drivers via manual shift capability. Driving force is delivered through Acura?s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The 2013 ZDX EPA city/highway fuel mileage is rated at 16 city and 23-mpg highway.

For customers seeking a pleasing blend of performance and utility, Acura will continue to offer vehicles in the luxury crossover marketplace with the 5-passenger RDX and the TSX Sport Wagon. Acura will also continue to provide ZDX customers with a high-level of service and parts support throughout the life of their vehicles.

My test 2013 Acura ZDX came with a Crystal Black Pearl metallic exterior finish and a Black interior accented by satin silver trim elements. The base price of $50,920 included everything but the Destination and Handing charge, which upped the final total to $51,815.

SUMMARY: The 2013 Acura ZDX is now even more futuristic in its visual appeal, with the bolder grille and lower air intakes with integrated foglamps. The profile presents a coupe-like image, with its blacked-out ?B? and ?C? pillars and bright cabin glass surround and hidden rear door handles. Wheel wells are accented by pronounced fenders that encase 19-inch all-season tires mounted on dynamic seven-spoke alloy wheels. The roofline displays a graceful arch that flows directly into the sloping, rounded rear end with decklid spoiler lip. The rectangular dual exhaust outlets provide a further indication of the ZDX?s athleticism.

The interior ambience delivers a definite sense of luxury with a warm and inviting ambience.

Acceleration is brisk, handling is precise featuring a high level of stability and ride comfort renders a firm though not harsh level.

The ZDX is built in the same Alliston, Ontario plant as the Acura MDX, which shares the platform with ZDX. As a result, ZDX production will be discontinued in conjunction with the transfer of the popular MDX to the company?s Lincoln, Alabama plant in early 2013.

Even though the ZDX wasn?t on the top rung of Acura?s sales ladder, I for one am sorry to see it in its final year.

SPECIFICATIONS: Acura ZDX SH-AWD-?13

Base Price:?????????????? ??????????? $50,920.

Price as Tested:??????????? ??????????? $51,815.

Engine Type and Size:??????????? 3.7-liter, SOHC, 12-valve, 60-degree VTEC V6 with PGM-F1 multi-point fuel injection and Drive-By-Wire? throttle system.

Horsepower (bhp):??????????? ??????????? 300??????????? @ 6,300??????????? rpm

Torque (ft./ lbs.):??????????? ??????????? 270??????????? @ 4,500??????????? rpm

Transmission:??????????? ??????????? Electronically c0ntrolled 6-speed automatic with ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Sequential SportShift, Grade Logic Control and Hill ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Start Assist.

Drive Train:??????????? Transversely mounted front engine / Super Handling All-Wheel Drive?.

Suspension:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Front – Fully independent with MacPherson struts, ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? monotube dampers with internal blow-off valve and ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? 24.0 mm (solid) stabilizer bar.

??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Rear –Independent multi-link with trailing arms, ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? monotube dampers with internal blow-off valve and ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? 26.5 mm (hollow) stabilizer bar.

Brakes:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Power-assisted four-wwheel discs (vented front) 4-??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? wheel ABS with EBD, VSA with TCS and Brake ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Assist.

Tires:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Michelin Latitude Tour HP P255/50R19 103H M+S all-??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? season mounted on 7-spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? 108.3??????????? inches

Length Overall:??????????? ??????????? 192.4??????????? inches

Width:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ???????????? 85.6??????????? inches with mirrors.

Height:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ? 62.8??????????? inches

Curb Weight:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? 4,438??????????? lbs.

Fuel Capacity:??????????? ??????????? 21??????????? gallons

EPA Mileage Estimates:??????????? 16??????????? mpg city / 23??????????? mpg highway

Drag Coefficient:??????????? ??????????? Not listed.

0 – 60 mph:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Not tested.