Acura: ZDX News
12-10-2009, 01:20 PM
#1481
It's a revised number, but it was revised a long time ago. (probably around 9/08) I don't remember what numbers they gave when they first showed it to selected principals at the New Orleans dealer meeting in 5/08.
12-10-2009, 02:21 PM
#1482
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http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test
Looks like the 6AT is a pretty decent upgrade as you can see from the following performance numbers (numbers in brackets for MDX 5AT for comparison).
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec (7)
Zero to 100 mph: 17.0 sec (19.4)
Street start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec (7.6)
Standing ¼-mile: 14.9 sec @ 95 mph (15.5@90mph)
Top speed (governor limited): 127 mph (121)
Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/22 mpg (17/22)
C/D observed: 20 mpg (17)
In fact, when you look at the performance numbers, the ZDX is nearly as fast as the TL SH-AWD 5AT that's around 500lb lighter. It would be interesting to see the 6AT in the TL for sure. Also, the fuel economy is pretty decent. Heck, a Corolla gets 22mpg according to Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test). 20mpg also looks good compared with other similar sized SUVs/CUVs (in the 14-18mpg range).
Looks like the 6AT is a pretty decent upgrade as you can see from the following performance numbers (numbers in brackets for MDX 5AT for comparison).
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec (7)
Zero to 100 mph: 17.0 sec (19.4)
Street start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec (7.6)
Standing ¼-mile: 14.9 sec @ 95 mph (15.5@90mph)
Top speed (governor limited): 127 mph (121)
Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/22 mpg (17/22)
C/D observed: 20 mpg (17)
In fact, when you look at the performance numbers, the ZDX is nearly as fast as the TL SH-AWD 5AT that's around 500lb lighter. It would be interesting to see the 6AT in the TL for sure. Also, the fuel economy is pretty decent. Heck, a Corolla gets 22mpg according to Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test). 20mpg also looks good compared with other similar sized SUVs/CUVs (in the 14-18mpg range).
0-60mph:
FX35: 6.1s
X6: 5.9s
ZDX: 6.4s
0-100mph:
FX35: 16s
X6: 16.4s
ZDX: 17s
Street start (5-60mph):
FX35: 6.5s
X6: 6.9s
ZDX: 6.7s
Fuel Efficiency (C/D observed)
FX35: 14mpg
X6: 16mpg
ZDX: 20mpg
The X6's turbocharged engine is definitely underrated (pretty obvious by now) since it's the heaviest of the 3 (at 5000lb, vs 4400lb of ZDX and FX35) while having the same power output. Its immense low end torque is a big advantage as you can see from the 0-60mph run. But eventually the FX35 catches up. And it also seems like there's probably a bit of turbo lag since the X6's 5-60mph time is the worst of the bunch. The fuel economy of the FX35 really sucks......
12-11-2009, 07:50 AM
#1483
Go Big Blue!
The X6's turbocharged engine is definitely underrated (pretty obvious by now) since it's the heaviest of the 3 (at 5000lb, vs 4400lb of ZDX and FX35) while having the same power output. Its immense low end torque is a big advantage as you can see from the 0-60mph run. But eventually the FX35 catches up. And it also seems like there's probably a bit of turbo lag since the X6's 5-60mph time is the worst of the bunch. The fuel economy of the FX35 really sucks......
12-11-2009, 08:04 AM
#1484
Senior Moderator
I really don't think any of that matters for the vast majority of potential ZDX buyers. It's not a young persons car. I think that's one of the reasons the X6 is such a terrible seller for BMW. It's not an SUV like the MDX or X5 where you have relatively young drivers in their late 20's and 30's buying these vehicles mostly with young families. Someone in their 30's is still straddling both youth and middle age. They still can get a stiffy without Viagra and still get a kick out of good acceleration. Someone buying an X6 or ZDX is probably an empty nester in their late 40's, 50's, or even maybe early 60's. They want comfort, convenience, and luxury over anything else. I think Acura has the formula mix better than BMW. I expect the ZDX will sell better as well.
Originally Posted by cp3117
The thing that really surprises me is the towing capacity of the ZDX. I think they said its 1500-2000 lbs . Isnt this based off the MDX which is around 4500 lbs?? The X6 I believe is around 5000-6000 lbs and more cargo capacity. If this is true then their really isnt much comparison between the two and the price difference starts to become more justified IMO.
as well. Not that many of either buyer will looking to tow much but that's a fairly large disparity nonetheless.
12-11-2009, 08:32 AM
#1485
I'm the Firestarter
12-11-2009, 10:42 AM
#1486
Race Director
12-11-2009, 01:27 PM
#1488
I believe the crosstour is 1500. I wonder if Acura looked at how many tow packages they sell for MDX and decided that they don't need to have a lot of capacity for the ZDX which would probably tow even less frequently? I guess it'll be limited to a couple of dirt bikes or jet skis.
12-11-2009, 02:27 PM
#1490
12-11-2009, 03:00 PM
#1491
Senior Moderator
Is it possible there are towing limitations due to the suspension setup? (<--- speculative reach at best)
12-11-2009, 03:06 PM
#1492
True, it's probably going to sit lower than an MDX so you might not be able to hang xxx pounds on the tail of the car safely. (hard to tell I know nothing about towing)
12-11-2009, 03:44 PM
#1493
Trolling Canuckistan
but my 
12-11-2009, 07:08 PM
#1494
6G TLX-S
.....
The X6's turbocharged engine is definitely underrated (pretty obvious by now) since it's the heaviest of the 3 (at 5000lb, vs 4400lb of ZDX and FX35) while having the same power output. Its immense low end torque is a big advantage as you can see from the 0-60mph run. But eventually the FX35 catches up. And it also seems like there's probably a bit of turbo lag since the X6's 5-60mph time is the worst of the bunch. The fuel economy of the FX35 really sucks......
A car/SUV which has massive torque but low in peak hp number will accelerate just as well as those that have high peak hp numbers.
12-11-2009, 10:15 PM
#1495
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I really don't think any of that matters for the vast majority of potential ZDX buyers. It's not a young persons car. I think that's one of the reasons the X6 is such a terrible seller for BMW. It's not an SUV like the MDX or X5 where you have relatively young drivers in their late 20's and 30's buying these vehicles mostly with young families. Someone in their 30's is still straddling both youth and middle age. They still can get a stiffy without Viagra and still get a kick out of good acceleration. Someone buying an X6 or ZDX is probably an empty nester in their late 40's, 50's, or even maybe early 60's. They want comfort, convenience, and luxury over anything else. I think Acura has the formula mix better than BMW. I expect the ZDX will sell better as well.
12-12-2009, 10:28 AM
#1496
Go Big Blue!
12-12-2009, 01:18 PM
#1497
Race Director
I believe the crosstour is 1500. I wonder if Acura looked at how many tow packages they sell for MDX and decided that they don't need to have a lot of capacity for the ZDX which would probably tow even less frequently? I guess it'll be limited to a couple of dirt bikes or jet skis.
12-12-2009, 03:13 PM
#1499
It's been a long time since I looked at the MDX tech specs, but as I remember, the unit body has a ladder type box frame welded to the bottom. Maybe they removed some of the 'rungs'? Or as F23A4 speculated, the lower ride height reduces fenderwell clearance and results in a more car-like towing rating?
12-12-2009, 03:15 PM
#1500
12-12-2009, 04:03 PM
#1501
Trolling Canuckistan
It's a complete guess as I stated before but I have some reasoning behind it. If you take a car with a sunroof and an identical car without one, the sunroofless car has more torsional rigidity. I'm just taking that theory and running with it.
12-14-2009, 02:11 AM
#1503
6G TLX-S
^^^^^ With the drive-by-wire (DBW) throttle system on the ZDX and virtually all post-2G-TL V6 model lines, it is already guaranteed that there is no repeat of last time.
The PCM on the DBW system pampers the tranny like a baby by automatically reducing engine power during tranny gear shifts at WOT (wide open throttle), without inheriting the PCM control dead-zone created by using conventional mechanical throttle linkage as in the 2G TL/CL.
The PCM on the DBW system pampers the tranny like a baby by automatically reducing engine power during tranny gear shifts at WOT (wide open throttle), without inheriting the PCM control dead-zone created by using conventional mechanical throttle linkage as in the 2G TL/CL.
12-14-2009, 03:49 PM
#1504
Go Big Blue!
^^^^^ With the drive-by-wire (DBW) throttle system on the ZDX and virtually all post-2G-TL V6 model lines, it is already guaranteed that there is no repeat of last time.
The PCM on the DBW system pampers the tranny like a baby by automatically reducing engine power during tranny gear shifts at WOT (wide open throttle), without inheriting the PCM control dead-zone created by using conventional mechanical throttle linkage as in the 2G TL/CL.
The PCM on the DBW system pampers the tranny like a baby by automatically reducing engine power during tranny gear shifts at WOT (wide open throttle), without inheriting the PCM control dead-zone created by using conventional mechanical throttle linkage as in the 2G TL/CL.
12-14-2009, 04:18 PM
#1505
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i think the zdx is way better than the x6...for looks....cuz the inside of a bmw look so dead...if u been in a bmw its not that nice inside..but the x6 really looks good on the outside tho...not sure which will win my vote for exterior...but the zdx wins interior
12-15-2009, 08:36 AM
#1506
Race Director
^^^^^ With the drive-by-wire (DBW) throttle system on the ZDX and virtually all post-2G-TL V6 model lines, it is already guaranteed that there is no repeat of last time.
The PCM on the DBW system pampers the tranny like a baby by automatically reducing engine power during tranny gear shifts at WOT (wide open throttle), without inheriting the PCM control dead-zone created by using conventional mechanical throttle linkage as in the 2G TL/CL.
The PCM on the DBW system pampers the tranny like a baby by automatically reducing engine power during tranny gear shifts at WOT (wide open throttle), without inheriting the PCM control dead-zone created by using conventional mechanical throttle linkage as in the 2G TL/CL.
The one saving grace is that some issues can now be fixed with firmware upgrades.
12-16-2009, 01:02 AM
#1507
6G TLX-S
When we don't find a "Tranny Failure Thread" thread in either the 3G and the 4G TL forums, it seems that the DBW throttle system is working well, in contrast to the 65 pages long, 120K views Tranny Failure Thread in the 2G forum.
12-16-2009, 05:48 PM
#1509
Race Director
12-18-2009, 01:24 PM
#1511
6G TLX-S
The 2G TL/CL tranny was based on the 200hp Honda Accord 4AT, and even with Acura modifications it simply can't take that extra 60 additional hp with the CL-S/TL-S, especially using mechanical throttle linkage.
If the DBW-throttle 5AT is holding up well for the 3.7L-V6, not much can go wrong with the 6AT unless Acura starts turbo- or super-charging the V6 resulting in a big boost in engine power.
However, if it is a brand new, unproven dual-clutch tranny from Honda, then I won't be so sure.
12-21-2009, 02:44 AM
#1512
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I saw a ZDX and it didn't look that bad. I will say that looking at the exhaust Acura took the cheap way out. If you look into those shiny stainless steel exhaust cut outs you can see a dirty tailpipe in each one, hiding just back there. Lame.
12-21-2009, 06:17 AM
#1513
How is that a cheap way out? While admittedly I'm not a big fan of the IS-F exhaust tip fad, nor am I a fan of the ZDX, I can see the pros of it. It does reduce the appearance of road grime and dirt stuck on the exhaust tips, and it'll potentially lessen the "cheap" look of the exhaust tips moving when the engine is revving or the car is accelerating hard.
I'm still on the fence about it, but in reality most people won't notice it. More often they may like the appearance of a false exhaust tip which fills out the bumper/valence better. The only car which I really hate the look on is the MS6. You can see it from quite afar in real life, and the real exhaust pipes are tiny, like a 60's VW Bug's exhaust pipe. I made fun of my friend for it, but in the end its still a great car and I really don't care.... just giving him shit for it.
This is not directed towards you in particular, but if anyone is seriously going to discredit or knock on a car because of hidden exhaust tips, then they're an idiot. However, you sir, have lost so much credibility since your door latches post, and this definitely isn't helping either.
I guess the Audi/Ferrari took the cheap way out with the R8 and F430 Scuderia too.
I'm still on the fence about it, but in reality most people won't notice it. More often they may like the appearance of a false exhaust tip which fills out the bumper/valence better. The only car which I really hate the look on is the MS6. You can see it from quite afar in real life, and the real exhaust pipes are tiny, like a 60's VW Bug's exhaust pipe. I made fun of my friend for it, but in the end its still a great car and I really don't care.... just giving him shit for it.
This is not directed towards you in particular, but if anyone is seriously going to discredit or knock on a car because of hidden exhaust tips, then they're an idiot. However, you sir, have lost so much credibility since your door latches post, and this definitely isn't helping either.
I guess the Audi/Ferrari took the cheap way out with the R8 and F430 Scuderia too.
12-21-2009, 08:01 AM
#1514
Go Big Blue!
^^^ I agree. I think it looks up market although the IS implementation is a bit cheap. It's not truly integrated. I haven't seen the ZDX in person yet, but it seems to be more like the Lexus LS setup. In fact, I think the LS was the first to intruduce integrated exhaust tips into this lux segment several years ago with their last refresh. I could be wrong, but regardless, I think it works, looks cleaner, and will become more popular in this price range.
12-21-2009, 11:12 AM
#1515
Safety Car
i prefer the seperated inlets, as long as its not obvious to the naked eye.
its more functional to have this, its not a cop-out. it prevents burnt bumpers and greatly reduces the cost of repair in rear end damage. which could both be large factors in high-end car applications with hotter, more intricate exhaust manifolds. think: protection.
its more functional to have this, its not a cop-out. it prevents burnt bumpers and greatly reduces the cost of repair in rear end damage. which could both be large factors in high-end car applications with hotter, more intricate exhaust manifolds. think: protection.
Last edited by ThermonMermon; 12-21-2009 at 11:15 AM.
12-22-2009, 04:23 PM
#1517
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Yea it matters it's called paying attention to the little things. It's what sets a first class car apart from a second class one like Acura using prop rods for some of its cars.
It's the same with any Lexus/Toyota. The IS is particularly cheap, as was mentioned before, but really it's just not a well finished car even if the CAD software say it'll work.
Even a base Mercedes C Class for $34,000.00 has an exhaust that's finished off nicer than the ZDX. If that car is all about style then why cheap out to save $25 per unit?
Hell you open the door of an MDX and look down and you'll see a big old piece of FOAM sitting there! FOAM like what you find when you buy a LCD tv from BestBuy! I couldn't believe it Acura made no effort to hide it!
Oh, my door latch post! Gee like I care what you think. Don't like my opinion don't read it.
NEXT...
It's the same with any Lexus/Toyota. The IS is particularly cheap, as was mentioned before, but really it's just not a well finished car even if the CAD software say it'll work.
Even a base Mercedes C Class for $34,000.00 has an exhaust that's finished off nicer than the ZDX. If that car is all about style then why cheap out to save $25 per unit?
Hell you open the door of an MDX and look down and you'll see a big old piece of FOAM sitting there! FOAM like what you find when you buy a LCD tv from BestBuy! I couldn't believe it Acura made no effort to hide it!
Oh, my door latch post! Gee like I care what you think. Don't like my opinion don't read it.
NEXT...
Last edited by CL6; 12-22-2009 at 04:27 PM.
12-22-2009, 05:02 PM
#1518
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The exhaust, when I looked at it, wasn't even a straight tip it was angled downwards which made me think it was taken from another vehicle and wasn't designed specifically for this application. It also didn't appear to be stainless steel but regular steel.
12-22-2009, 07:45 PM
#1520
I believe CL6 now works for Mercedes-Benz, if it weren't obvious.
MB isn't the de facto end-all when it comes to car manufacturers
I've driven the current MDX several times and I don't remember seeing any ungainly foam in particular. The only car I've seen visible foam in was the new Malibu. Anyways, I'm a detail-oriented guy but I'm not going to notice if two of the tufts in the carpet is lower than the rest.
I'm not even going to bother looking at a C-Class' exhaust either. The last time you mentioned a C-Class was in your door latch post, and several pics were found showing that a C-Class had a visible door latch. You may not care, but dozens of people got their laughs off of it, including me, so I must give my thanks
MB isn't the de facto end-all when it comes to car manufacturers
I've driven the current MDX several times and I don't remember seeing any ungainly foam in particular. The only car I've seen visible foam in was the new Malibu. Anyways, I'm a detail-oriented guy but I'm not going to notice if two of the tufts in the carpet is lower than the rest.
I'm not even going to bother looking at a C-Class' exhaust either. The last time you mentioned a C-Class was in your door latch post, and several pics were found showing that a C-Class had a visible door latch. You may not care, but dozens of people got their laughs off of it, including me, so I must give my thanks