Acura: ZDX News
08-17-2009, 10:39 PM
#881
Why the fsck does Acura need a BMW X6-fighter? They make this and cheap out on the RL? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH. Who is running the ship at Acura anyway? They say they don't want to be Honda-plus then design this instead of giving the RL V8/RWD?
The more I think about this, the more it doesn't make sense to me.
08-18-2009, 05:05 AM
#883
Senior Moderator
At least there's the TSX.
I hope they bring the wagon over, THAT is hot and the V6 sedan is still a stroke of genius in my book.....I predict that will sell like hotcakes. The only thing left to complete the TSX family is a coupe.Hopefully the ZDX will surprise us all and actually sell. I showed the car to my wife (my standard non-enthusiast, man-in-the-street car opinion) and she gushed over the interior but at first glance didn't like the exterior. She likes the potential TSX wagon, though. She will kill me if I try to sell her Pilot, though, for either.
08-18-2009, 05:22 AM
#884
I see.
At least there's the TSX. I hope they bring the wagon over, THAT is hot and the V6 sedan is still a stroke of genius in my book.....I predict that will sell like hotcakes. The only thing left to complete the TSX family is a coupe.
Hopefully the ZDX will surprise us all and actually sell. I showed the car to my wife (my standard non-enthusiast, man-in-the-street car opinion) and she gushed over the interior but at first glance didn't like the exterior. She likes the potential TSX wagon, though. She will kill me if I try to sell her Pilot, though, for either.
At least there's the TSX.
I hope they bring the wagon over, THAT is hot and the V6 sedan is still a stroke of genius in my book.....I predict that will sell like hotcakes. The only thing left to complete the TSX family is a coupe.Hopefully the ZDX will surprise us all and actually sell. I showed the car to my wife (my standard non-enthusiast, man-in-the-street car opinion) and she gushed over the interior but at first glance didn't like the exterior. She likes the potential TSX wagon, though. She will kill me if I try to sell her Pilot, though, for either.
08-18-2009, 05:58 AM
#885
Race Director
..exactly, Acura has one of the highest SUV to car ratio in its lineup. The one thing that would help the mileage situation is the often rumored V6 diesel. In a 45K vehicle asking 3K more for a 20+% jump in fuel mileage is doable.
08-18-2009, 06:09 AM
#886
ZDX Interior: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5127
ZDX chassis: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5128
ZDX safety:http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5126
ZDX body: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5129
ZDX powertrain: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5130
ZDX introduction: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5131
ZDX chassis: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5128
ZDX safety:http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5126
ZDX body: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5129
ZDX powertrain: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5130
ZDX introduction: http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1322/releases/5131
08-18-2009, 08:24 AM
#887
AZ Community Team
Honda/Acura took a long time to get into SUV's, once they did they added quite a few more models. Unfortunately now that's not the best vehicle portfolio to have but at least they can complement with the sedans.
08-18-2009, 10:12 AM
#890
I'm the Firestarter
^^^ Doesn't look bad at all in motion. I actually like the back. If the X6 sells, this will sell for sure.
08-18-2009, 10:50 AM
#891
Senior Moderator
It's not bad in motion, really. As long as I can't see the C pillar, I like it more. 
I'd like to see it in a color other than silver. I have a feeling it would look much better in black or a darker color.
I'd like to see it in a color other than silver. I have a feeling it would look much better in black or a darker color.
08-18-2009, 03:40 PM
#892
Go Big Blue!
Seeing the video I'm thinking it would look much better if it rode lower. I realize the high clearance is supposed to be part of its "utility" nature. But let's be realistic Acura. Who's going to buy this and plan to take it off road? It's going to be that "2nd car" in the garage for empty nesters that don't lug around kids anymore but still need to haul things home from Home Depot where a sedan isn't a good choice and an SUV is overkill
08-18-2009, 06:12 PM
#895
I would image it has more to do with providing that "command seating' where you can see over traffic ahead. IMO, buyers of SUVs don't want to give this up, and alone is (probably) the limiting factor to wagon sales.
08-18-2009, 06:23 PM
#896
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
08-18-2009, 06:58 PM
#897
Race Director
08-19-2009, 12:03 AM
#898
Pro
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I don't think it looks too bad. Whether it is particularly necessary or useful, however, is an entirely different issue. Hopefully, the luxury features and higher quality interior will migrate down to other models.
08-19-2009, 06:51 AM
#899
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However, this is a watered down wannabe of the X6, so there's probably no correlation between the X6's (a hideous monstrosity itself) success vs. this abortion (a piss-poor attempt to copy a hideous monstrosity).
08-19-2009, 11:30 AM
#900
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
^^ The ZDX makes the X6 look like the most beautiful vehicle on the road.
08-19-2009, 06:14 PM
#905
Senior Moderator
OK, I'm over the initial shock and can apply reason to the ZDX. Please bear with me here.....
I think the idea is to do several things here.
1. We, the enthusiasts, have begged Acura to expand its product offerings. This is one example of their doing so, along with expanding the TSX line. Bravo on Acura for doing that.
2. By adding the ZDX, they are addressing a niche market AND 3. introducing some new tech in a model that I'm sure they know will sell relatively slowly--in other words, an "image" vehicle.
In short, this car is part of the effort to go "Tier 1".
Personally, I would have done a V8/RWD or AWD RL first, but Acuras are selling reasonably well despite the recession, so I figure that the honchos at Acura know what they are doing.
I think the idea is to do several things here.
1. We, the enthusiasts, have begged Acura to expand its product offerings. This is one example of their doing so, along with expanding the TSX line. Bravo on Acura for doing that.
2. By adding the ZDX, they are addressing a niche market AND 3. introducing some new tech in a model that I'm sure they know will sell relatively slowly--in other words, an "image" vehicle.
In short, this car is part of the effort to go "Tier 1".
Personally, I would have done a V8/RWD or AWD RL first, but Acuras are selling reasonably well despite the recession, so I figure that the honchos at Acura know what they are doing.
08-19-2009, 06:17 PM
#906
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
^^ Was that supposed to be in red text?....especially the last part of the last sentence?
08-19-2009, 06:46 PM
#907
Senior Moderator
Nope, no red text intended. The fact is that the ZDX is an "image" car. That I or other enthusiasts won't buy it doesn't matter to Acura. Someone will. That's the whole point of product diversification.... That there is product for as many different people as possible.
Again, just trying to see reason in the release of the ZDX.
Again, just trying to see reason in the release of the ZDX.
08-19-2009, 08:39 PM
#908
Senior Moderator
I agree with points 1 and 2. But new tech? Unless you're reffering to the 6AT, there's nothing new to be found here.
I think initial sales will be somewhat positive but ultimately it will settle into RL territory.
I think initial sales will be somewhat positive but ultimately it will settle into RL territory.
08-19-2009, 10:50 PM
#909
Senior Moderator
^^^^
Yup, referring to the 6AT. Would you put an untested tranny in your bread and butter sedans first? I wouldn't, either. (Note: they DID put it in the new MDX...we'll see how that works out).
Yup, referring to the 6AT. Would you put an untested tranny in your bread and butter sedans first? I wouldn't, either. (Note: they DID put it in the new MDX...we'll see how that works out).
08-19-2009, 10:57 PM
#910
You'll Never Walk Alone
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I don't think there are many "new tech." I think it's more appropriate to say the ZDX has several "first times." You know, things such as hand-stitched leather dashboard, door panels and center console; panoramic glass roof; Integrated Dynamics System (I don't think this was found in other Acura vehicles, correct me if I am wrong please).
08-20-2009, 10:47 AM
#911
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
Nope, no red text intended. The fact is that the ZDX is an "image" car. That I or other enthusiasts won't buy it doesn't matter to Acura. Someone will. That's the whole point of product diversification.... That there is product for as many different people as possible.
Again, just trying to see reason in the release of the ZDX.
Again, just trying to see reason in the release of the ZDX.
"If" they want to go Tier 1 (and that is still up for debate) you would think they would fill the HUGE gaps (and wheel gaps too) in their current line-up (begins to beat dead horse): RWD Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Roadster, True Flagship, Halo car.......the ZDX is not needed....and will sell "slightly" better than current Acura Accor.....errrr RL.
Acura needs someone to come in and give the company direction.
First we hear Tier 1...then we hear say goodbye to horsepower and hello to econ. cars.......and it used to be that Acura lead in tech....now they trail behind everyone else.
Honestly it is really sad to see what is going on at Acura.
08-20-2009, 11:46 AM
#912
6 Forward 1 Back
What many people forget is that it takes years to get a vehicle from concept to showroom. So long term planning is a bit of a crap shoot in terms of vehicle design and market. The latest crossovers were probably designed 3-4 years ago before design/development/tooling/suppliers/production.
Honda/Acura took a long time to get into SUV's, once they did they added quite a few more models. Unfortunately now that's not the best vehicle portfolio to have but at least they can complement with the sedans.
Honda/Acura took a long time to get into SUV's, once they did they added quite a few more models. Unfortunately now that's not the best vehicle portfolio to have but at least they can complement with the sedans.
08-20-2009, 12:08 PM
#913
AZ Community Team
Never underestimate age for fresh ideas, the Vietnam War Memorial design in DC was by a 21 year old architect from Yale. great story
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Ying_Lin
08-20-2009, 12:33 PM
#914
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
There are people that are 16 years old that can design something better than the ZDX, TL, RL, RDX, beak....pretty much the entire Acura line-up can be designed better by pretty much anyone.
08-20-2009, 12:50 PM
#915
AZ Community Team
08-20-2009, 03:36 PM
#916
Meh. Its time to move on with that Tier 1 talk because they have a long, long way from being Tier 1 with the like of MB and BMW. They were silly for even announcing their attentions, and they're even sillier for trying.... not like they're making much of an effort 
I used to think Acura was just disappointing, but now they're a joke. They're trying to shed their conservative ways, but they're going about it in the wrong way. Until they can sell real premium cars, as in cars priced upwards of $80,000, they will never be considered Tier 1. Audi's halo car, the R8 is upwards of $120,000 and they can sell it with ease, and they're not even Tier 1. Meanwhile BMW and MB have plenty of M and AMG models that sell. Acura thinks it can compete with the big boys without RWD and V8s? They better shoehorn a V10 and have SH-AWD on every one of their upper end models then.
I used to think Acura was just disappointing, but now they're a joke. They're trying to shed their conservative ways, but they're going about it in the wrong way. Until they can sell real premium cars, as in cars priced upwards of $80,000, they will never be considered Tier 1. Audi's halo car, the R8 is upwards of $120,000 and they can sell it with ease, and they're not even Tier 1. Meanwhile BMW and MB have plenty of M and AMG models that sell. Acura thinks it can compete with the big boys without RWD and V8s? They better shoehorn a V10 and have SH-AWD on every one of their upper end models then.
08-20-2009, 03:47 PM
#917
Pro
The vehicle looks OK from side and back - I'm OK with hatchback, just like I'm OK with Porsche's general design style. The problem is that it still sits too high (probably lower than X6) and the front is still ugly.
Of course, this is a CUV so emission standards are easier to pass and women in general like to seat higher. So with nice materials and OK performance, this vehicle, if anything, is not going to do anything special for the Acura brand image. It will generate some showroom traffic and profit.
Of course, this is a CUV so emission standards are easier to pass and women in general like to seat higher. So with nice materials and OK performance, this vehicle, if anything, is not going to do anything special for the Acura brand image. It will generate some showroom traffic and profit.
08-20-2009, 04:16 PM
#918
fap fap fap
Meh. Its time to move on with that Tier 1 talk because they have a long, long way from being Tier 1 with the like of MB and BMW. They were silly for even announcing their attentions, and they're even sillier for trying.... not like they're making much of an effort
still surprised nobody mentioning the 5ft door gaps on this thing
08-20-2009, 04:16 PM
#919
From my post at TOV. Since it takes 3+ years to develop a new product, it is not unreasonable to guess that the ZDX is a product of a time and market that may have passed. I continue to be amazed that the people on so many forums cannot comprehend this. In all likelihood, this wasn't a fundamentally flawed project when conceived.
So let us, rational and intelligent forum dwellers, try a little time travel. Lets go back to 2006. The Coupe heavy Acura line up was essentially done: RSX, CL and NSX were finished. Acura sits back to figure out the next move. The Civic would soon cover the ground that the RSX did, and the Accord coupes (remember they knew what the next gen coupes would be) would serve the CL market. Development on the NSX successor was well under way.
If as we kinda know now, the next gen RWD chassis was also being studied or planned. Honda was going to get the CrossTour, what should they build for Acura? They could use the global chassis to make another CL, but they probably knew it would face a lot of criticism for being FWD and it would have to be better than the Accord Coupe while being less expensive than the RWD competition. If you ask me, there isn't a lot of room there.
However there is a HUGE gap between the CrossTour and the X6 which Acura surely knew was under development. Since I wasn't invited to the planning meetings, I cannot say for sure but I'm guessing they decided to go with a CoupeUV first, and then do a proper coupe on the new RWD chassis that was under development.
Now if you really want to have some time travel fun, lets go back to 1999 when the (alleged) decision was made to move the S2000 from the Acura lineup to the Honda lineup in NA. Had the S2000 remained an Acura, it would have filled our RWD, convertible market perfectly. Just look at how 'out of place' it is in the NA Honda lineup. It's still the only one standard with leather, Recaros, HIDs, RWD, etc. Had the S2000 been the SSX, maybe the RSX would have been a Honda (as many say it should have been)?
So let us, rational and intelligent forum dwellers, try a little time travel. Lets go back to 2006. The Coupe heavy Acura line up was essentially done: RSX, CL and NSX were finished. Acura sits back to figure out the next move. The Civic would soon cover the ground that the RSX did, and the Accord coupes (remember they knew what the next gen coupes would be) would serve the CL market. Development on the NSX successor was well under way.
If as we kinda know now, the next gen RWD chassis was also being studied or planned. Honda was going to get the CrossTour, what should they build for Acura? They could use the global chassis to make another CL, but they probably knew it would face a lot of criticism for being FWD and it would have to be better than the Accord Coupe while being less expensive than the RWD competition. If you ask me, there isn't a lot of room there.
However there is a HUGE gap between the CrossTour and the X6 which Acura surely knew was under development. Since I wasn't invited to the planning meetings, I cannot say for sure but I'm guessing they decided to go with a CoupeUV first, and then do a proper coupe on the new RWD chassis that was under development.
Now if you really want to have some time travel fun, lets go back to 1999 when the (alleged) decision was made to move the S2000 from the Acura lineup to the Honda lineup in NA. Had the S2000 remained an Acura, it would have filled our RWD, convertible market perfectly. Just look at how 'out of place' it is in the NA Honda lineup. It's still the only one standard with leather, Recaros, HIDs, RWD, etc. Had the S2000 been the SSX, maybe the RSX would have been a Honda (as many say it should have been)?
08-20-2009, 05:17 PM
#920
Senior Moderator
From my post at TOV. Since it takes 3+ years to develop a new product, it is not unreasonable to guess that the ZDX is a product of a time and market that may have passed. I continue to be amazed that the people on so many forums cannot comprehend this. In all likelihood, this wasn't a fundamentally flawed project when conceived.
It doesn't diminish what I'm saying, though, that Acura is trying to diversify. BMW sells so much because they have a very wide variety of cars...3 series coupe/sedan/M, 5 series sedan variants/M, roadsters, 7 series....and on and on. The timing of this particular release is certainly not good, but Acura had little control over that other than to say "maybe we'll delay release and see what happens in the economy". I might have done that, but we certainly don't have the same information that Acura's head honchos have.