The Acura ZDX prototype which was revealed at the 2009 New York Motor Show is a preview of an entirely new model from Acura.
The ZDX, like the BMW X6, is an SUV sized mild off-roader with a coupe-like profile. The exterior styling of the ZDX was designed by Michelle Christensen who wanted to create a vehicle "... that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be."
The styling of the Acura ZDX is characterized by clean minimalist lines which sharply define the various surfaces and panels of the vehicle. Up front is the now familiar shield-like Acura grille flanked by a pair of angular headlights.
In order to retain and emphasize the flowing coupe derived profile the rear door handles of the Acura ZDX concept have been integrated into the window surround of the c-pillar. The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a dedicated cargo space with integrated under-floor storage.
The interior of the Acura ZDX is designed to be modern and luxurious, while focusing on pampering the front passengers. The cabin is trimmed in a combination of white and black leather. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, clearly defining the driver and front seat passenger zones. The seats are deeply bolstered to support the passengers during sporty driving and at the same time provide comfort during a long journey. Behind the thick leather wrapped steering wheel is paddle shifters for controlling the 6 speed automatic transmission. The cabin of the ZDX is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing the interior with plenty of light and increasing the feeling of space.
Powering the Acura ZDX prototype is a V6 engine connected to a 6 speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain also features Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.
Back in the late 1990s, when Lamborghini were starting to realise they needed a replacement for the ageing Diablo, they started reviewing design proposals from various automotive design firms. Zagato’s offering was the Zagato L147 SuperDiablo, or as it was to be later known, the Lamborghini Canto. The Lamborghini Canto first appeared in 1998, it arrived only two years after another Zagato designed Lamborghini concept had been unveiled, the Diablo-based Raptor. The cars shared a number of similar features, including the wraparound windows, triangular lateral air intakes, and trademark double-bubble roof. However of the two, the earlier Raptor was probably the better looking. Clearly Ferdinand Piech – head of the Volkswagen Group – thought so too. After VW bought Lamborghini in 1999, one of his first decisions was to review the Canto’s development and redesign the concept. The car was re-engineered and the rear extensively restyled to include smaller air intakes. The engine was also up