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2010 Acura ZDX – A Category All Its Own
Posted by in Uncategorized on November 17, 2009
Marketers for Honda’s luxury division call their brand-new ZDX a “four-door sports coupe.” Serious coupe fans might dispute that designation, insisting that true coupes have only two doors. Still, several manufacturers introduced the “four-door coupe” theme earlier, including BMW with its X6 and Mercedes-Benz with its CLS sedan.
According to Acura, the ZDX features the world’s first continuous glass surface, extending from hood to bumper to bracket the panoramic sunroof. When closed, the power roller sunshade allows only three percent of outside light to reach occupants. With the shade open, 20 percent of light reaches the interior. Acura promises two-passenger comfort inside the ZDX, but with seating capacity for up to five occupants.
Beneath the low hood, a 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, driving a new six-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are mounted at the steering wheel. In Drive mode, a touch on the paddle provides a gear change. S-range gives the driver full control of shifts. When operating automatically, a double-kickdown can occur when necessary.
Front/rear torque distribution from the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system ranges from 90/100 to 30/70, taking place automatically. Left/right, the torque distribution stretches all the way from 100/0 to 0/100: all to none, applied to wheels on either side.
Enhanced intake and exhaust sounds yield “a little bit of exciting flavor in the upper rpm areas,” said principal engineer Jason Widmer. Otherwise, Active Noise Cancellation and other engineering features help keep the ZDX pleasantly quiet. All models roll on 255/50×19-inch tires, but the ZDX suspension may be set for either Comfort or Sport mode. Fifteen sensors react to road conditions, altering the suspension’s effect as needed.
On the whole, the ZDX doesn’t yield a truly car-like experience, because its SUV underpinnings are too evident. Handling is a prime enticement, as the ZDX driver enjoys appealing steering feel and fine feedback, along with the bonus of Acura’s SH-AWD system, in case the weather turns foul.
Delivering a comparatively firm ride overall, the ZDX hits an occasional bump hard. Such incidents are appropriate for an SUV-based vehicle, but less so for what’s deemed a sports coupe. Sufficiently supple in suspension capability, this four-door recovers nicely from any excess reaction. Acceleration qualifies as enthusiastic, if not exactly startling, perhaps not quite as dramatic as some sport-coupe enthusiasts might crave.
Getting inside demands a moderate climb?almost like some actual SUVs. Substantial side bolstering cradles the driver snugly, but these serious yet comfortable seats are abundantly cushioned, augmented by superior thigh support. The rear seat is more comfortable and roomy than anticipated, but substantial head-ducking may be needed to twitch one’s body into the back. Cargo space totals 26.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats up; 55.8 with those seats folded.
Gauges are readable but dim in darker light conditions. Over-shoulder views are somewhat impaired. Visibility directly astern is split by a thick horizontal bar; nearly everything is seen through the upper pane, which is adequate but squat. The driver faces Acura’s first hand-stitched leather dashboard.
On sale around mid-December, the Canadian-built ZDX will be priced between the MDX sport-utility vehicle and the RL sedan, which puts it in the mid-$40,000 neighborhood. Three versions will be offered, starting with the base model, which includes a standard power tailgate. The Technology Package adds Acura’s navigation system, with Real Time Traffic information and a Weather Radar View. Lane Guidance can show which lane to be in, when anticipating a turn. The multi-view backup camera can provide a normal, wide, or top view. In base models, the 8-speaker audio system is rated at 266 watts. ELS Surround Sound is part of the available Technology Package.
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2009 BMW 335i Coupe Performance Road Test
Posted by in Uncategorized on November 17, 2009
BMW calls their coupes, “elegant expressions of individual style and passion, and most automotive enthusiasts would probably agree. Completely redesigned for 2007, today’s 3-Series coupe has been renamed the 335i. The crown of the coupe lineup is the 335i xDrive with all-wheel drive and a 300-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. This is BMW’s first twin-turbo inline six.
Engineers decided to revive turbocharging, because of recent technical developments. Relatively small turbochargers minimize the dreaded “turbo lag,” since they build up pressure much faster than does a single, larger unit. BMW also offers a 328i coupe with a 230-hp, naturally aspirated 3.0-liter six-cylinder that uses magnesium-aluminum construction. Transmission choices for both include a standard six-speed manual gearbox, or an available six-speed Steptronic automatic.
Each model is offered with xDrive, which is BMW’s version of all-wheel drive. On smooth, dry roads, xDrive delivers what BMW calls a “sporty, rear-wheel-drive feel,” which is precisely what most shoppers are seeking. Along wet or snow-packed roads, on the other hand, xDrive “automatically sends more torque to the axle with more traction,” promising helpful front/rear weight balance. Making iDrive an option lets those who favor high-tech control select that unit, but allows those who prefer a simpler, traditional configuration to omit the love-it/hate-it system.
Headlight design, taillamp detailing, outside mirrors and interior appearance were created specifically for coupes. Two-doors feature a long wheelbase, short overhangs, a setback passenger compartment, and a low, sleek roofline. The long hood reflects BMW’s tradition of inline six-cylinder engines. Corona light rings that serve as BMW-distinctive daytime running lights accent the standard xenon adaptive headlights.
Rear occupants in the four-passenger coupes have a center console between individual seats with separate storage boxes, additional air outlet vents, and footwell lights. Standard leatherette upholstery comes in Black or Cream Beige, with leather optional. BMW’s iDrive controller is an option, too. One helpful feature is the seatbelt feeder arm, which automatically moves forward, presenting the seatbelt to the driver and front passenger when doors are closed and the key inserted. Access to rear seats has been made easier, according to BMW, but it’s still a chore for the less agile.
There’s nothing the least bit gaudy or garish about a 3 Series coupe, which relies strictly upon clean lines and smooth curves to establish its presence. Performance is precisely as energetic as expected from BMW. The twin-turbo engine has all the go-power anyone will need, available in an instant. In typical BMW form, the manual gearbox shifts with ease and finesse, requiring a mere flick of the wrist. Adeptly matched to the gearbox, BMW’s clutch engages with smooth confidence.
Engineers have given the 335i a surprisingly comfortable ride, considering the coupe’s impressive level of road-hugging expertise. Rear-drive 3 Series coupes are well known for their sure-footed behavior, but xDrive adds an extra helping of assurance. Ordinarily, there’s no evidence of its existence apart from a badge on the fender. When the pavement turns wet or slick, however, it’s ready to take action as needed.
Only a slight rumble can be heard from the twin exhaust pipes. Otherwise, the 335i is fairly quiet. Steering feel and response don’t get much better, or more satisfying. Particularly comfortable front seats provide sufficient space all around, though the front compartment is a bit on the snug side.
Prices start at $38,125 (including destination charge) for a 328i coupe with rear-wheel drive. For a 335xi coupe with the twin-turbo engine and all-wheel drive, the outlay escalates to $44,625. An automatic transmission adds $1,325. Additional options include Active Cruise Control, rear Park Distance Control, a navigation system, heated front seats, an iPod/USB adapter, and a Premium or Sport Package (including upgraded tires).
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Pioneer Avic D3
Posted by in Uncategorized on November 17, 2009
Wouldn’t it be great to watch a DVD movie, see current traffic weather, make/receive phone calls and listen to your favorite music all from one system? One of the leading electronic companies has put all these features and more into one in-dash car system, the Pioneer AVIC D3.
Pioneer Electronic’s is one of the top consumer electronic producers in the world; they have created a new top of the line head unit for auto stereos that will forever change the way you commute/travel in your vehicle. The Pioneer AVIC D3 will surpass all the requirements a driver will need in their vehicle. With its 6.1 inch touchscreen display the Pioneer AVIC D3 may function as a GPS navigation unit, DivX playback and as well as DVD video/movies. Using the touchscreen display you may select music, navigation details, DVD video, Bluetooth settings, etc. The Pioneer AVIC D3 in-dash car system comes with maps of North America which includes over 11 million points of interest. Also monitoring your local traffic will be made easier than ever by integrating the optional tuner for XM’s NavTraffic service that offer real-time updates of traffic status.
The Pioneer AVIC D3 is extremely will designed with perfect placement in your vehicles dashboard; it will fit most modern vehicles and it will give your car or truck that factory look. You can even customize the screen illumination color, which gives you the option to choose from 8 preset colors and 5 graphical user interface colors, to match your vehicles dashboard. With all the features mentioned the Pioneer AVIC D3 also includes a CD-BTB200 Bluetooth adapter so you can receive cellular calls hands free (your phone must be Bluetooth compatible for this function to work). With the units embedded microphone you can also listen and talk through you vehicles speakers. The D3 also gives you the option to save phone numbers to make calls even easier. Pioneer has put all these great features into one in-dash head unit and producing one of the best systems in its class.
