Acura's ZDX: Thoughts and New Pictures

Last month, the ZDX made its first appearance as a production model at the Orange County Auto Show. The release included some of the details that have been missing from past announcements.

A new "category" is emerging in the United States for vehicles that just refused to be categorized (if that makes sense).

BMW arguably was the starter of this "segment" when it introduced the X6 coupe-like crossover. The BMW 5-Series GT and BMW X1 are other vehicles that have followed after the X6.

Now Acura has entered the fray with its new ZDX crossover. Like many others,  I expected the ZDX to be a volume model for Acura. Speaking with Acura's PR department however revealed a sales projection of only 6,000 units per year. While  internal projections are expected to be higher in order to claim a sales victory, that is no doubt a figure the ZDX should hit.

Stylistically the ZDX is a big improvement from what what we have seen recently. The brand's technologically-oriented design cues play well inside and out - Acura even ventures out a bit with an available two-tone interior color scheme.

It remains to see how consumers respond to these mixed-type vehicles - is there a market? Acura and BMW in particular seem to think so.

I could see the ZDX resonating as a successful new model for Acura. It is the first vehicle to be designed from start to finish in Acura's design studio in Torrance, California. Acura also says it has been "designed, developed and engineered entirely in North America."

Many want and need the capabilities of a vehicle like the ZDX but don't want to sacrifice the "cool" factor in doing so. The ZDX is one that focuses on that factor perhaps more than most - something that on first glance the BMW 5-Series GT doesn't provide.

As to performance, the ZDX is motivated by a 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 that generates 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.

On paper and in pictures, the ZDX looks good. Acura is basically positioning the ZDX as a four-door sports crossover coupe and it will be priced as such - official data isn't available yet but rumors peg it in the $40K range.

A key element for the ZDX is if the driving experience delivers. If the ZDX can live up to that promise, it will be a very appealing package - the most appealing one from Acura in quite some time.