2010 Acura RDX Facelift Appears on Official Site: Subtle Cosmetic Changes and new FWD Model

A couple of weeks ago we showed you a series of photos that supposedly depicted the redesigned 2010 Acura RDX. While the Japanese automaker has yet to release an official statement, Acura went ahead and posted a full gallery as well as initial details and prices on the 2010MY RDX on its public website. On the outside, the RDX has received Acura’s controversial corporate grille along with a new front bumper and new trim for the lower part of the rear bumper that houses new hexagonal tail pipes. The redesigned alloy wheels complete the exterior enhancements.

We didn’t notice any aesthetic changes inside, but it is said that the 2010MY RDX benefits from a series of convenience and equipment upgrades.

The most important news for the 2010 model year concerns the introduction of a new front-wheel drive model that carries a base price of $32,520, or $2,000 less than the all-wheel drive version that’s equipped with Acura’s Super-Handling AWD system.

Both models are powered by the same 240HP 2.3-liter turbocharged four linked to a 5-speed automatic transmission. However, the front-wheel drive RDX is more frugal returning 19mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway compared to 17mpg and 22mpg respectively of the RDX SH-AWD.

2010 Acura ZDX Sports Crossover: Official Photos and Specs of Japanese X6

What Acura pitches as a four-door sports coupe but we see as yet another crossover that attempts to differ from the crowd by blending styling elements from numerous other segments, the all-new 2010 ZDX, has been officially revealed ahead of its US market debut later this year. A similar proposal to BMW’s X6 crossover, the ZDX was first shown as a pre-production concept at the NY Show this past April.

With the exception of a few minor cosmetic details such as the head- and tail-light trims, the alloy wheels, the lower bumper designs and the interior trim, the production ZDX is identical to the NY Show concept.

Notable design highlights include the panoramic glass roof, the hidden rear door handles and the bulgy fender flares. There’s also Acura’s gaudy shield up front, but that’s something we’ve become accustomed to lately.

The five-seater ZDX will be offered with a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque which is paired to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Performance or fuel economy figures have yet to be announced.

Acura said that when the ZDX goes on sale in the U.S. this winter it will be offered with three trim levels: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the premium, ZDX with Advance Package.

All models will come equipped with a panoramic glass roof with moveable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a high powered audio system with CD player as standard.

According to the Japanese automaker, the ZDX will be priced and positioned between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury sedan, with pricing set to be released at a later date.

2010 Acura RDX Facelift Photos: Photoshoped or the Real Deal?

Not that we’re trying to be a negative Nancy here, but we’ve seen one too many supposedly genuine photos turning out to be nothing more than cleverly disguised photoshops to take everything we see on the net for granted. These shots that allegedly depict the subtly refreshed 2010 Acura RDX were posted on SatoAuto. We could be wrong but the above photo does look like it may be a ‘chop based on an image shown on Acura’s public site (check it out after the jump).

But in any case, the website claims that besides a new fascia that adopts Acura’s gaudy corporate grille and a restyled bumper, the facelifted RDX will also benefit from the introduction of an entry-level, front-wheel drive version.

As for the interior, the website says Acura will add many new features including a revised Back Up Camera with guide lines, USB iPod integration, Bluetooth audio and “auto-off headlights”.

Bottom line, better wait for Acura to come out with something official before we draw any conclusions.

Source: SatoAuto , Via: Autoblog

Acura Integra Coupe with Porsche Front and Supra Bodykit from the Mixed and the Hideous

And you thought that only Chinese customizers had serious issues… Well, here’s a nice gem from eBay that might make you reconsider. According to the vehicle’s ebay seller who is located in Wisconsin, the “fully customized” 1994 Acura Integra Coupe “show car” comes with a “Porsche 911 molded front end, a Mercedes-Benz hood, a Toyota Supra front body kit, a Nissan 350Z exhaust” and “Lexus IS300 headlights converted to tail lamps with fiberoptic halos”. We rest our case…

Link: eBay , Hat tip to Marcus for the find!

Honda Accord SR-9 Study Unveiled in Shanghai, Looks Better than Acura TSX

One of the new models at the Shanghai Auto Show that managed to momentarily escape our attention is the Honda Accord SR-9 concept study that was designed in cooperation with the firm’s Chinese joint venture, Guangzhou Honda. Compared to the European-spec Accord and the North American market Acura TSX (they are the same cars), the Accord SR-9 features a newly designed front bumper with concave surfaces and a restyled grille with honeycomb inserts.

The show car also featured a set of side skirts and beefier seven-spoke alloy wheels. Even though the styling mods are minimal, the tweaked fascia would be a welcome change for both the European-market Accord and the Acura TSX.

Acura ZDX Live Photos from the New York Auto Show

The big news from Acura at the New York motorshow was the unveiling of the ZDX prototype, a sporty crossover that is scheduled to go into production this fall. Acura calls the ZDX a “luxury four-door sports coupe” but since we don’t work for Honda, we’ll call it Japan’s answer to the BMW X6. Dramatic styling aside, the ZDX comes with a V6 engine coupled to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Once you’ve finished checking out the live photos from Acura’s NY Show stand, click here for the ‘Full Monty’ on the ZDX.