Sterling Acura Of Austin

VTEC
Standard Feature

VTEC^®, which stands for Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control, is a little like having an on-demand racing camshaft in your engine to give you high rpm power without compromising low rpm torque.

• When engine speed reaches a designated rpm, the intake valves open deeper and longer to enhance airflow and allow the ZDX to continue to build horsepower at levels where other engines may run out of steam.
• VTEC works in tandem with the 2-stage manifold system to let the driver enjoy both low-end power around town and abundant reserve power on the open road.

Drive-by-Wire Throttle
Standard Feature

Derived from Acura?s racing program, the Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system is a sophisticated electronic system that enables a smooth, powerful response with just the right throttle sensitivity in every driving situation.

• The system replaces the usual cables and linkages between the accelerator pedal and engine throttle.
• It factors in data, such as engine rpm, coolant temperature and road speed from various sensors before adjusting the throttle.
• The system communicates with the transmission to enable quick, seamless gear changes.

High-Flow Exhaust System
Standard Feature

The ZDX engine employs a high-flow exhaust system that greatly decreases power-robbing exhaust back pressure.

• The system uses a wider, low-restriction catalyst.
• A sophisticated hydro-forming process smoothes the inside of the sharpest bends in the exhaust system so the engine can breathe easier.

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.

Sequential SportShift Automatic
Standard Feature

The 2010 ZDX harnesses the power of its V-6 with a new 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that increases both performance and fuel efficiency.

• Specialized logic features such as Grade Logic, Shift Hold and Cornering G Shift Control keep the transmission composed in situations that often trip up conventional transmissions.
• The steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters deliver quick precise shifts at your fingertips.
• A tap of the paddle shifter when ?D? is selected brings a quick gear change before returning to automatic operation when the ZDX has resumed a steady speed. This allows you to make manual gear changes when needed, such as for passing, without changing in and out of manual mode.
• For quicker acceleration, select ?S,? and the transmission allows the engine to rev higher before shifting. Using a paddle shifter in ?S? puts the transmission into full manual mode, where you have direct control of all shifting.
• 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.

Grade Logic, Shift Hold and Cornering G Shift Control Systems
Standard Feature

When the transmission is in automatic mode, three shift algorithms are programmed to step in during certain circumstances to avoid the gear hunting that?s common to conventional automatics.

• When encountering a steep uphill or downhill grade, Grade Logic Control will instruct the transmission to hold a lower gear for better climbing or increased downhill engine braking.
• When aggressive driving is detected, Shift Hold Control will delay upshifting as long as possible to avoid disrupting the chassis or power delivery.
• When the ZDX takes a curve, Cornering G Shift Control will delay upshifting in order to avoid disturbing the chassis and requiring a second shift change?a downshift?when the throttle is applied at the corner?s exit.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
Standard Feature

Though it has the same all-weather attributes of conventional all-wheel drive, 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 system continuously determines the optimal level of power distribution between the front and rear wheels, and also between the rear wheels.
• Power distribution is based on an analysis of wheel speed, steering angle, lateral G-force and yaw rate.
• 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.

Power Distribution
Standard Feature

The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD^®) system uses sensors to read an array of vehicle and road conditions and uses this data to actively distribute power between the front and rear axles and among the rear wheels. By continuously distributing power to the wheels in greatest need, the ZDX handles conditions with impressive poise and agility.

• Power distribution is based on an analysis of wheel speed, steering angle, lateral G-force and yaw rate.
• Torque among the rear wheels is distributed by a pair of electromagnetic clutches that can actively direct any combination of power between the two rear wheels in fractions of a second.
• When cruising in a straight line, up to 90% of the power is sent to the front wheels for better fuel economy.
• To accommodate shifting weight, up to 70% of effective power can be transferred to the rear wheels during hard cornering?all of which can be directed to the outside wheel if needed.
• The transitions are seamless, so all you feel is a supremely agile chassis.

Integrated Dynamics System
Advance Package

The available Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) can adjust suspension stiffness in a split second, based on driving conditions. This allows the ZDX to remain comfortable during highway cruising, yet firm when the road requires high-performance handling. In addition, the driver can adjust the suspension and steering feel through the Sport and Comfort settings.

• The dampers?also known as shock absorbers?are filled with a fluid that significantly thickens in the presence of a magnetic field. The stronger the field, the stiffer the damper.
• Each damper can adjust from soft to race-car stiff in as little as five milliseconds.
• The Sport setting creates a firmer baseline for the dampers while they continue to adjust according to conditions. Likewise, the setting reduces overall power assist to the steering system for increased road feel, though the assist continues to increase at lower speeds.
• The IDS is always on whenever the ignition is engaged.

Suspension Systems
Standard Feature

The front strut and rear multi-link suspensions are designed to accommodate the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD^®) system?s unique lateral and forward forces and provide the best balance of handling precision, road isolation and bump-recovery damping.

• The MacPherson strut front suspension features forged-aluminum lower control arms to reduce unsprung weight.
• The whole front system is mounted to a subframe that ?floats? on rubber mounts to provide road and engine isolation.
• The front suspension uses fluid-filled bushings to provide superior ride isolation and chassis vibration control.
• Anti-dive properties keep the body stable during braking.
• The rear features squeeze-cast aluminum uprights (or ?knuckles?) to reduce unsprung weight for improved response, while trailing-arm mounts are positioned to reduce suspension squat during acceleration.
• To further improve steering response, the rear system has been mounted on a separate steel subframe.
• IDS-equipped models receive revised overall suspension tuning and different rear stabilizer bars.

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.
• The Sport mode on IDS-equipped models reduces overall power assist levels for increased road feel.

Braking System
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.
• The anti-lock braking system (ABS) pulses the brake pressure to a wheel if it detects potential lockup.
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) uses the ABS sensors to determine the proportion of brake force to each wheel for increased performance and stability.
• These and other systems, such as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA^®) and Brake Assist, are further detailed in the Safety and Security section.

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 strong, lightweight and more costly high-tensile steel in the body structure. Key areas include:

• Roof arches
• Floor crossmembers
• Front rails
• Side body
• Tailgate opening, which is particularly vulnerable to flex
• Pounds were also reduced by using aluminum in areas where less weight is required and the strength of steel is not imperative, such as the hood and instrument panel

Smooth & Quiet Ride
Standard Feature

Acura first reduced noise vibration and harshness by attacking vibration in the body during the engineering phase, rather than adding sound-insulating materials to the body later.

• The rear suspension mounts are attached directly to the body for greater rigidity and reduced vibration.
• The front and rear subframes are extremely stiff, allowing for softer mounting bushings and a further reduction in noise and vibration.
• To quell the ?drumming? noises common to vehicles with open cargo areas, insulating materials were used in critical areas, including those on the front bulkhead, the floor, side body, doors and roof.
• Windshield noise is reduced as a result of three soft noise-absorbing layers sandwiched between two plates of acoustic glass and thick, 5mm side and rear glass.
• A unique carpet and padding system further reduces noise intrusion.