Acura ZDX 2013

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57F3NyPqwzxDP_RqV2rakRjkps6lk8K5GFlxH6K8tOjT1drwUfIgj9Tylw6Yqbk4olRHRmzyFe3edpabDjn-xpplG5fIdBARwqv8cTLoxVqdjyEDlHUFTef5SS2gEHec3-isnx5-m5B2g/s1600/2013-acura-zdx_100404971_l.jpg

Acura has announced the updates to the 2013 Acura ZDX, which will also be the last model year for the ZDX. The slow-selling ZDX, which was never missing beauty and aesthetic charm but always missing a clear purpose, as we saw it, has been whittled down to a single configuration, and Acura announced that this will be its final model year.

For 2013, the ZDX gets some subtle changes, with a redesigned front grille, a new front and rear bumper design with integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, and new dark accents for the wheels. Inside are new high-contrast interior option, and the center console gets a new trim finish.

In its final model year, the all-wheel-drive 2013 Acura ZDX retains its 300-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic, plus its 16/23 mpg city/highway EPA ratings.

Interior changes are limited, but the model comes nicely equipped with heated / ventilated front seats, GPS navigation and a 435-watt surround sound system. The crossover also has front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) / Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems.



Press Release

2013 Acura ZDX Luxury Crossover To Get Numerous Enhancements in its Final Model Year

Equipped with new features and safety technologies; priced at $50,920*

The innovative and stylish Acura ZDX crossover vehicle, introduced in 2009, will receive numerous styling and technology enhancements for the 2013 model year, which will be the final year on the market for ZDX as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products, the company announced today.

The 2013 ZDX will receive several new features, including a redesigned front grille, front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors and safety features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The 2013 Acura ZDX will go on sale October 19, 2012, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $50,920*.

"People shopping for a luxury crossover vehicle will find the Acura ZDX an even more attractive product," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of the Acura Division. "Moving forward, we will continue to advance the Acura lineup with a focus on new core models, like the recently redesigned RDX and the upcoming all-new RLX flagship sedan, that provide the ideal balance of performance and fuel efficiency that is right for each product and a driving experience that is dynamic and emotional."

The ZDX is built in the same Alliston, Ontario plant as the Acura MDX, which shares the platform with ZDX. As a result, ZDX production will be discontinued in conjunction with the transfer of the popular MDX to the company's Lincoln, Alabama plant in early 2013 (as previously announced).

For 2013, the Acura ZDX will be sold as a single, valued-added package offering clients greater value on a luxury scale. Robust features now standard on the 2013 ZDX include the 435-watt Acura/ELS Surround 10-speaker audio system with 15 GB hard disk drive (HDD) memory, Acura Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, 8-inch high-resolution VGA display, multi-view rear view camera, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface, ventilated and heated front seats with perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces, Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition) and dual-zone automatic climate control system.

The ZDX will receive several new exterior features for 2013, such as a redesigned front grille, front and rear bumpers with integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors and a dark accent on the wheels for a sportier finish. The interior receives a new trim finish on the center console and a high contrast interior option.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are two new safety features for the 2013 ZDX. The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system can detect vehicles ahead of the ZDX. If the FCW system determines that a collision is possible with a detected vehicle, it provides the driver with visual and audio alerts to encourage avoidance actions. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses a camera mounted between the windshield and the rear-view mirror to detect lane lines on the road. If the driver begins to drift out of a detected lane without using the turn indicator, the system will provide the driver with visual and audible alerts.

The 2013 ZDX is equipped with an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 engine that develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Performance is further enhanced by the ZDX's Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission that is designed to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast drivers. The 2013 ZDX EPA city/highway/combined fuel mileage is rated at 16/23/19 mpg**.

For customers seeking a great balance of utility and performance Acura will continue to offer vehicles in the luxury crossover space with the 5-passenger RDX and the TSX Sport Wagon. Acura also will continue to provide ZDX customers with a high-level of service and parts support throughout the life of their vehicles.

U.S. sales of Acura models increased 43.5 percent in September and rose nearly 30 percent to 115,773 units for the first nine-months of 2012, the Acura brand's best nine-month sales results since 2008. The Acura TL sedan, along with the MDX, RDX and TSX Sport Wagon crossover vehicles, have each posted double-digit gains for the year to date, including an 85.7-percent rise in sales of the redesigned RDX and a 25.2-percent gain for the TSX Sport Wagon. The all-new Acura ILX continues to gain momentum, posting its fifth consecutive monthly increase on September sales of 1,737 units.

Acura will debut its all-new 2014 Acura RLX luxury sedan on November 28, 2012, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new Acura flagship sedan will employ an array of new technologies unique to Acura, including the Precision All Wheel SteerTM system, the next-generation AcuraLink Communication System, and the all-new Jewel EyeTM LED headlamps to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.

Nissan GT-R Gold Edition


Olympic champion Usain Bolt is extending his golden touch to the Nissan GT-R, the automaker has revealed. A one-of-a-kind Nissan GT-R developed to recognize Bolt's contribution to sports and his automotive passion will be auctioned off on eBay with the proceeds benefitting the Usain Bolt Foundation, which helps create educational and cultural opportunities in Jamaica. The one-off gold painted GT-R will be embossed with the Olympian's signature and feature real gold interior trim.

Earlier this year Bolt became part of Nissan's 'WHAT IF_' ad campaign by appearing in a video describing his passion for the GT-R and why he has owned one since 2009. Bolt will also help Nissan develop a limited-edition Nissan GT-R, though no details have been released. Nissan says that Bolt has just finished test-driving GT-Rs at the company's proving grounds to help build a 'Bolt GT-R.' Nissan plans to take into account his reaction times, acceleration, and handling capabilities in developing the special GT-R.

 This isn't the first time we've seen a desirable supercar painted gold ' in 2009, a Desert Gold-painted Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was unveiled in Dubai and, since then, we've seen other golden Benzes.

Thanks to: Motor Trend


Ford Fiesta



The Problem: When the front passenger seat is unoccupied, the passenger-side curtain airbag won't activate in the case of a crash. This increases the risk of injury to a rear-seat passenger, and also contradicts what the car's owner's manual indicates. Ford says it has no reports of injuries from this issue, but that the problem could expose rear-seat occupants to higher injury risk.


The Fix: Ford dealerships will reprogram the airbag controller so that the passenger-side curtain airbag always deploys in an accident, regardless of whether the front passenger seat is occupied.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 154,604 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta sedans and hatchbacks.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Opel Astra Convertible 2013

2013 Opel Astra Convertible announced
Opel/Vauxhall Confirms Production of New Convertible


Product offensive continued

Cabrio to enter market in 2013

Production scheduled for Gliwice, Poland

R'sselsheim. Opel/Vauxhall continues its portfolio expansion as the addition of a new Convertible has been confirmed today. The new Cabrio is part of the company's '11 billion investment pledge announced approximately one year ago as part of its plan for the future. It comes on the heels of successful products such as the Insignia, 2009 Car of the Year, the Astra, winner of a 2009 Golden Steering Wheel, the Meriva with its innovative and highly-acclaimed FlexDoors system, the upcoming new generation Zafira, and the revolutionary Ampera electric vehicle.

The new Convertible will be based on Opel/Vauxhall's compact vehicle architecture which is also the basis for the current Astra, the Astra SportsTourer and the upcoming Astra GTC. It will hit the market in 2013 - the same year that Opel/Vauxhall will also launch its chic and stylish small car meeting the growing demand for vehicles in line with a young and urban lifestyle.

Subsequent to a joint agreement between management and employee representatives during the restructuring at the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland, the decision has been made to build the Cabrio at the highly-efficient Gliwice plant alongside other Astra models.

"The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup," said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. "It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegant design, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise."

Further details, such as vehicle naming, pricing and equipment, will be announced closer to the launch timing.