Acura's new ZDX: Sports coupe or crossover?

Car industry news that is useful for car buyers in Minnesota.

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: August 27, 2009 - 11:10 AM

Acura's new ZDX: Sports coupe or crossover?

Auto Week reports that Acura's new ZDX will arrive at dealerships this winter. Acura is calling the ZDX a "four-door sports coupe," even though, as Auto Week rightly points out, coupes are, by definition, two-door vehicles. The slope-backed ZDX is, however, a bit of a segment-bender, with a coupe-like profile but four side doors, a hatchback and seating for five. At one point it looked to be something unique among the Honda-Acura family of vehicles. But, recently, Honda announced the Crosstour, which we've reported on in a previous Intersections column, a vehicle that is coming this fall with a similar profile. As Auto Week reports, the ZDX will share quite a bit with the Acura's MDX SUV, including its platform and powertrain - a 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to an all-new, six-speed automatic transmission.

Rearview mirrors going high-tech

Have you checked your rearview mirrors lately? These safety staples of cars and trucks have gone high-tech - in a big way. Examples? Check Mitocorp.com to find a number of cool techie products: an auto-dimming mirror with built-in rear camera display from Gentex, and a turn-signal mirror that includes a flashing chevron that alerts other drivers to your intentions from Muth. You'll find many other examples and products. Visit Mitocorp.com.

More history in store

Check this section for more features on the history of automakers and certain iconic models. For example, check this section tomorrow (Sunday) for a History & Heritage profile of Mercury, a long-time member of Ford Motor Company's stable of makes and models. Future features also will include backgrounds of two muscle cars from General Motors: the Corvette and Camaro.

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