There really isn’t that much info yet on the specs of the 2010 Acura ZDX which was launched just last month at the New York International Auto Show.

I realize that there’re a lot of unknowns but with what we do know and gathered from trustworthy sources, leaves room for us to make a couple of smart, somewhat accurate guesses or assumptions.

Dimensions wise, not much separates the two except in height.

Now Kobe or a lot of other people won’t have a problem getting in the X6 but then again a lot of other people would appreciate the lower stance of the ZDX.

What we’ve heard but have not yet gotten absolute confirmation is that the Acura ZDX will be getting the same 3.7 liter, V6 VTEC engine that now powers the MDX.

If this is the case then it would be almost safe to assume that we can look forward to at least 300hp at 6000 rpm or thereabouts.

The ZDX will be sporting a 6 speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift.

On the outside both the ZDX and the X6 sport practically the same flowing roofline that identifies the vehicle as a Sports Activity Coupe.

But this is where the similarity ends.

The ZDX has a panoramic glass roof where “Glass extends in one graceful curve from the base of the windshield to the rear of the bumper, so both front and rear passengers enjoy a view of the sky and beyond.” Let’s just hope you still enjoy the view during the summer months.

On the market for a new vehicle, I decided to give the 2009 Acura RDX with the Technology Package a look over. As luck would have it, I had a buddy who owns an 08 RDX drive me to an Acura dealer in town. Having the ability to compare the two side-by-side was great. Looking at both of them, there is not much difference between the 08 and 09 RDXs. In fact you could say that they’re practically identical save for a few things that I doubt anyone would notice. Curb weight is lower by 40 lbs, rear legroom is 0.10 inches longer than the 08 and exterior length for the 09 is 0.30 inches shorter than its predecessor (duh!).
The RDX isn’t much of a head turner. Not exactly boring but it just doesn’t seem to make a statement. Some say that its 18 inch tires are a saving grace. Looking at the inside though is a different story and you must appreciate Acura’s attention to detail. Leather trim and breathable perforated leather on both front and rear seats, user friendly controls, the huge center console, that big interface dial for the navigation system You still see the same user friendly controls.
Looking at the interior The 09 now comes with a Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat. It still doesn’t have the front side airbag that provides head protection. But what it does have though is the same efficient turbocharged, 16 valve, DOHC, IVTEC inline 4 engine that still produces 240 horsepower. This coupled with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) technology makes the RDX a very nimble beast. Though not really meant to go off road (no skid plates to rock strikes), it’s agility on the pavement and perhaps gravel roads are a statement in itself.

Acura will offer a V8 engine option within 18 months.

“It’s confirmed,” according to an owner of a California Acura dealership.

Dealers say an eight-cylinder is a must for Acura to compete against luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

In a separate interview, Honda Motor Co. CEO Takeo Fukui confirmed plans for Honda to launch its first V8 engine in an Acura.

The latest Acura RL went on sale this summer with a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6.

The upcoming engine will “be completely different from conventional, past-generation ones and have excellent fuel efficiency,” he said.

Honda has long talked about making Acura a top-tier luxury brand. At a dealers’ meeting in April, Acura “put the stake in the ground” and made it official.

You should start seeing them on the showroom floor in about 18 months at Acura Dealerships.