Acura

Sequential SportShift Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Standard Feature

The 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle shifters gives you the best of both worlds by providing the convenience of precise and intuitive automatic shifting as well as shift-for-yourself control.

• Set the transmission to “Drive” for smooth gear changes with an emphasis on fuel efficiency. Select “Sport“ for quicker acceleration, as the transmission allows the engine to rev higher before up-shifting.
• The steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters deliver quick precise shifts at your fingertips.
• Tapping a paddle shifter while in “Drive” brings a quick gear change with automatic operation returning when reaching a steady speed. This allows you to make quick gear changes without changing in and out of manual mode.
• Using a paddle shifter in “Sport” puts the transmission into full manual mode, where you’ll have complete control in instances such as high-performance or hilly driving.
• For better climbing or increased downhill engine braking, Grade Logic Control instructs the transmission to hold a lower gear when encountering a steep uphill or downhill grade.
• Shift Hold Control keeps the transmission in its current (lower) gear ratio when the throttle is quickly released and the brakes are applied, such as entry into a tight curve. This leaves the chassis undisturbed by excess shifting.
• Cornering G Shift Control detects vehicle steering by monitoring the rotation of each wheel. If the process of turning is detected, it will suppress an unwanted upshift. This prevents upsetting the chassis balance and avoids the need for an additional downshift when the throttle is applied at the corner exit.
• Hill Start Assist eases starts on inclines. Sensing an uphill grade, the system holds brake pressure momentarily while your foot moves from the brake pedal to the throttle for a smooth, secure start.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
Standard Feature

Acura developed its revolutionary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD^®) system to enhance high-performance dry-road handling. The result is enhanced high-performance cornering that simply can't be matched by front, rear, or conventional all-wheel drive systems. The car feels lighter and smaller, yet it’s remarkably stable during high-speed cornering.

• The system continuously determines the optimal level of power distribution between the front and rear wheels, and also between the rear wheels based on an analysis of wheel speed, steering angle, lateral G-force and yaw rate.
• For better fuel efficiency, up to 90% of the power is sent to the front wheels when cruising in a straight line.
• As weight shifts to the rear of the ZDX during hard acceleration, the SH-AWD system transfers up to 45% of engine power to the rear wheels to take advantage of available rear-wheel traction.
• In a curve under hard acceleration, effectively 70% of torque can be directed to the rear—all of which can go to the outside wheel to improve cornering by directing power where weight has shifted.
• The system reduces understeer and increases stability by turning the outside rear wheel slightly faster than the rest of the wheels, rotating the vehicle through the turn.
• The system retains the all-weather attributes of conventional all-wheel drive.

Suspension Systems
Standard Feature

For the best balance of handling precision and ride feel, the front strut and rear multi-link suspensions were designed to accommodate the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system’s unique lateral and forward forces.

• The front MacPherson strut design features forged-aluminum lower control arms, aluminum uprights, and other lightweight components for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
• To reduce road noise and vibration, the front system uses fluid-filled bushings, and both the front and multi-link rear systems are mounted on separate subframes.
• The rear system also isolates springs and dampers from lateral forces to maintain composure in hard cornering.
• Thick front and rear stabilizer bars control body roll for flatter cornering.
• Anti-dive properties keep the body stable during braking.

Steering System
Standard Feature

Because steering is a key aspect of the driver-vehicle relationship, Acura engineers spent considerable time raising the quality of the rack-and-pinion steering feedback.

• The torque-sensing power-assist system varies the level of effort at varying speeds so that steering is firm at high speeds, yet easy and precise in the parking lot.
• The steering system has been finessed to relay the subtle steering feedback that drivers look for when negotiating curves and other steering maneuvers.

Performance Braking
Standard Feature

The brake system is engineered to provide best-in-class braking capability in dry, wet and icy conditions. It is also tuned to provide the precise modulation necessary for the utmost confidence during spirited driving.

• The ventilated front discs measure 13 inches in diameter and are gripped by dual-piston, cast-iron calipers.
• The solid rear discs are 13.2 inches with single-piston, cast-iron calipers.
• To satisfy the enthusiast driver, the brake pedal feel is firm with short brake pedal travel.

Rigid Body Structure
Standard Feature

A rigid body structure is essential for a smooth ride, precise handling and a quiet cabin. The ZDX achieves a high level of rigidity by using an array of stiff, yet lightweight materials throughout the body.

• 48 percent of the ZDX body structure is formed from advanced high-strength steel, offering superior rigidity, excellent crashworthiness yet lighter weight than conventional steel. Key areas include the A- and B-pillars, floor sills, roof frame, cross braces, and floor crossmembers.
• About five percent of the ZDX body components are lightweight aluminum. This includes the hood, instrument panel support and other areas where less weight is required and the strength of steel is not imperative.
• Instrument testing revealed that the "tailgate ring" (the structure surrounding the tailgate) is extremely important for handling, stability and ride, so this area is particularly rigid, providing the rear suspension with a solid mounting structure that nets improved handling precision.

Smooth & Quiet Ride
Standard Feature

The ZDX delivers a smooth Grand Touring ride, in which long distances are traversed in uncompromising comfort. An essential component to the experience is the vehicle’s supremely quiet operation at high speed. Engineers attacked noise at the source, inside and out, to reduce the need for insulation materials.

• Special composite seals in the exterior door panels reduce objectionable sound—up to five decibels on some roads.
• Special acoustic windshield glass is tuned specifically to attenuate wind-noise frequencies, helping to place the ZDX at the top of its class in wind-noise performance.
• A unique carpet and padding system further reduces noise intrusion.
• The rear suspension mounts are attached directly to the body for greater rigidity and reduced vibration.
• The front and rear subframes are stiffer, which allow for softer mounting bushings and a further reduction in noise and vibration.
• To diminish the “drumming” noises inherent in hatchback body styles, insulating materials were used in critical areas, including those on the front bulkhead, the floor, side body, doors and roof.

Battery Management System
Standard Feature

The ZDX has a Battery Management System that can help prevent the inconvenience of a dead or weak battery. The system initially warns you through the MID screen when it detects the battery getting weak and will shut down accessories if it detects the battery may soon be too weak to start the engine.