Acura ZDX Officially Launched, First Photos Inside

Acura today unveiled the ZDX prototype at the New York International Auto Show, while the production version is expected to be released in the fall of 2009. The four-door sports luxury car will come equipped with a V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, but no performance figures are available at this point. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, SH-AWD, will be also installed to ensure advanced handling and cornering in all weather conditions.

The first things you'll notice when looking at the car are, beside the coupe-inspire styling, the dual chrome exhaust outlets and the 9-spoke wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires. Interiors boast even more features, including a hand-stitched leather dashboard and instrument panel, a black monochromatic center stack, tick leather-wrapped steering wheel and panoramic glass roof.

A number of advanced technologies are available as well, including Acura's Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather, Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. Lots of safety features, including a blind-spot information safety, will also be present.

"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."

"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," added 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."