Posts Tagged ‘Acura RL Engines’

Auto Launch: 2010 Acura ZDX

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

The Acura ZDX is unveiled in the New York Auto Show, where it has prototype version of the ZDX and it is about to be out for sale this fall.

Like BMW, Acura calls the ZDX a “four-door sport coupe” and the Acura ZDX is to the Acura MDX.

Acura’s specs describe an SUV, not a coupe. The ZDX has a 108.2-inch wheelbase, which is within a tenth of the MDX, and at 192.4 inches from nose to hatchback rump, the ZDX is 1.7 inches longer. Both vehicles are 78.5 inches wide.

Between MDX and ZDX, there is a big height difference, as the ZDX is 6.4 inches shorter than the MDX and just 4.6 inches taller than the TL sedan.

The 2010 Acura ZDX is just like a coupe, or like the BMW 5 Series GT. The ZDX dispenses with the standard third-row seat that condemns the MDX to family wagon status. It still seats five.

The 2010 Acura ZDX has a hand-stitched leather dash inside the cabin gives it a more luxurious feel. Of course, that’s one of those touches that might not make it to the production version.

It has the six-speed automatic transmission, which has not been found in MDX, TL and the RL flagship and the six-speed automatic transmission expects to replace the company’s five-speed automatic across the board for the 2010 model year.

The ZDX have a version of Acura’s 3.7-liter V6 engine. As on the MDX, the company’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system is standard equipment for the ZDX.
The ZDX possibly can beat the MDX’s tepid 8.1-second 0-60-mph performance.

Acura doesn’t make any claims about sport-coupe like handling for the 2010 Acura ZDX, but the prototype wears the same size rubber as the TL SH-AWD. However, it’s telling that these 275/40ZR20 tires are all-season Michelin Latitudes — the same as you’ll find on the MDX.

Auto Release: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

The new five-door version of Ralliart is scheduled to arrive in the States this September. With the price of $27,490 it comes with a more functional hatchback-style rear end.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback include standard features like 18-inch alloy wheels, a dual exhaust system, rear wing, height adjustable HID headlamps, power windows and locks, heated mirrors, seven airbags, four-wheel ABS and a one-touch 60/40 split-folding rear seat with actual legroom for passengers.

The Ralliart has the Evo-like steering. The tilt steering wheel could be troublesome for taller drivers.

The Ralliart sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. Gearshifts are noticeably less jerky and smoother and the four-wheel independent suspension is definitely more comfortable when just cruising.

With the rear seat backs folded down, cargo volume springs from 13.8 to 46.6 cu.-ft., which is more than the WRX (44.4 cu.-ft.) and Mazdaspeed3 (43.4 cu.-ft.) have. In the upright position, however, the others offer a bit more volume – 16.5 and 19 cu.-ft., respectively.

The front-wheel drive Lancer GTS Sportback starts at $18,970 and gets a 2.4-litre Mivec engine (4B12) making 168 horsepower and 167 ft-lbs of torque through either a standard five-speed manual (21/28 mpg) or optional CVT ($1,000) that gets 17/25 mpg (city/hwy) on regular octane.

The 2010 Lancer Ralliart Sportback is a wonderful combination of performance, style and utility.

The Fast Facts of 2010 Lancer Ralliart Sportback:
• The Ralliart Sportback is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder with 237 hp 253 ft-lbs of torque.

• Only one transmission is offered, the Evo’s six speed TC-SST double-clutch system with a manual shift mode and paddle-shifters.

• All wheel drive is standard.

• A 237 hp Lancer Ralliart sedan is also available, as is a 168 hp Lancer Sportback.