2012 Acura ZDX Advance Review, Price and Release, Specification

The 2012 Acura ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the original design prototype, the ZDX features the forward thinking design elements consisting of a panoramic glass roof, hidd

en rear door handles and bold fender flares.

"The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It combines the best attributes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility - all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package - that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand."

Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in North America, the ZDX broke new ground for Acura in many ways. The ZDX was the first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA, allowing exterior and interior designers to work closely together throughout the entire design process. Staying true to the original sketch from Acura's first female designer,

Michelle Christensen, the 2012 Acura ZDX features sensuous curves, deeply sculpted shoulders and strong character lines.

Inside, the 2012 Acura ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refinement and sophistication ever offered from Acura. Every 2012 Acura ZDX interior features a hand-stitched leather dashboard, door panels and sculpted center console.

The rich leather appointments give the 2012 Acura ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and front passenger. The cabin is well lit thanks to extensive use of LED lighting along with the natural light coming from the moonroof that is part of the longest glass roof in the industry. The panoramic glass roof incorporates dual sunshades that open and close at the touch of a button.

The luxurious cockpit gives way to a generous cabin that provides comfortable seating for up to 5-passengers. The 2012 Acura ZDX's flexible utility allows it to be a perfect weekend getaway vehicle, with 26.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row seats and a total of 55.8 cubic feet of cargo area when the second row seats are folded flat. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects (such as golf bags) by removing side panels located in the rear cargo compartment sidewalls. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage compartment that provides 2.2 cubic-feet of space.

The 2012 Acura ZDX not only boasts head-turning style but also delivers outstanding on-road performance. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine generates 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for excellent acceleration, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the 2012 Acura ZDX sporty driving characteristics while simultaneously enhancing fuel economy.

Standard on the 2012 Acura ZDX is Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system that expands the ZDX's appeal by providing outstanding cornering ability as well as excellent all-season capability. Standard on the 2012 Acura ZDX are 19x8.5-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels- the largest standard wheel in the Acura lineup.

Adding to the dynamic capabilities of the 2012 Acura ZDX is the available Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which tailors the fully independent suspension's Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering together to suit the driver's preference for a more comfortable or a more sporting ride- available for easy change at the turn of a dial. The IDS's Comfort mode prioritizes road isolation and reduced passenger fatigue, while Sport mode favors crisp handling response, heightened body control and maximized traction.

Befitting its "sports coupe" design, the 2012 ZDX is longer, lower, wider and has a significantly wider track than its primary market competitors. The 2012 Acura ZDX rides on a 108.3-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 192.4 inches, it has an overall width of 85.6 inches, it stands 62.8 inches tall and it makes use of a 67.7-inch track front and rear. Consequently, these dimensions allow the ZDX to offer a driving character that is as confident as its appearance is dramatic.