Acura ZDX

If the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is all about roundedness and getting away from the box, the new Acura ZDX concept is somewhat of a reversal in thinking.
Acura’s current design philosophy showcases sharp angles at all four corners, bright satin metal accents and high beltlines designed to create speed and flow even when sitting a stoplight. Sensuous curves are found throughout, while a steeply raked roofline adds sportiness. It provides the appearance of a 4-door coupe with sport utility intentions; ready and seeking adventure at every corner.
Acura has never been a company intent on appealing to everyone. Instead, they offer a unique approach to vehicle design, hoping to convince buyers in the near-luxury and luxury segments to live on the edge. The new ZDX concept is the next clean sheet step for this growing, progressive company.
Performance is generated by a powerful V-6 engine matched a 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.
Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, one of the best in the industry, tackles pavement and bad weather with tenacity. Having experienced this for myself during a recent blinding storm in northern Ohio, I can attest to its superior handling abilities. Even at high speeds on snow covered roads, SH-AWD was up to the task.
Inside, the Acura ZDX showcases the latest technology.
The Acura Navigation System is equipped with real-time traffic and weather. Premium audio sound is standard as is an all-new blind spot information system. Though some may experience technology overload when first sitting down behind the wheel of this or any current Acura model, the interface is easy to understand and one quickly appreciates all that is possible. The new Acura ZDX concept is expected to slot in above the Acura MDX for what Acura describes as a segment bending sedan for the 21st Century.

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron

Making its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show, the Spyker C8 Aileron landed stateside just a few weeks after its world debut at the Geneva auto show. Perhaps unfamiliar to most Americans, Spyker Cars from the Netherlands only started building exclusive premium cars in 2000, but the name has a long history as a coachbuilder dating back to 1875 and as a fighter aircraft manufacturer during World World I. And since the turn of this century, Spyker has introduced a number of exquisitely designed sports cars, and even competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
From the outside, the Spyker C8 Aileron styling is an evolution of the previous Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 first shown at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show. While the Laviolette carried a propeller theme through most of the car, the Aileron emphasizes the jet propulsion age via the use of turbine-engine-shaped air scoops. Compared to the Laviolette, the Aileron is longer and rides on a wider front track for improved driving comfort and stability.
Power for the Aileron comes from an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 400 bhp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Either a Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox or a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission can be ordered with the car. The chassis is new, an aluminum space-frame design with suspension designed and produced by Lotus. The front and rear aluminum double wishbone suspension carries 19-in. wheels that are slowed by 13.8-in. front and 12.1-in. rear brake rotors.
The manufacturer suggested retail price for the Aileron is $209,990 with the manual gearbox, and $219,990 with the automatic, both excluding options. Expect to see a convertible version at this summer's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
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Slideshow: 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron

2010 Mazdaspeed3

With 263 bhp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, the Mazdaspeed3 has plenty of motor compared to its competitors. That must be what Mazda thinks, because the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 unveiled at the New York auto show has new styling and suspension tweaks, but a basically untouched engine compartment.
The car's new Nagare-inspired styling follows the same lines as the Mazda3 4-door and 5-door previously introduced. The Mazdaspeed3 distinguishes itself from its more economical siblings with a lower airdam and round foglights, flared front fenders and a Subaru-like hood scoop to feed air to the turbo's charge cooler.
The interior also follows the new Mazda3's design, with a new dashboard intended to give a roomier feel. Of course, it adds Mazdaspeed touches, such as red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shifter boot and center armrest. Plus, for the first time the Mazdaspeed3's instrument cluster includes an LED turbo boost gauge.
The Mazdaspeed3's handling is said to be improved due to stiffer springs, higher damping rates, larger anti-roll bars with new mounting points, as well as a stiffer body shell with double the amount of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel. Giving the car better grip are wider Dunlop tires, size 225/40R-18 (versus 215/45R-18), mounted on new 18 x 7.5-in. alloy wheels with a style similar to those found on the RX-8 R3. Mazda engineers say they've improved steering feel and response by giving the steering rack a more rigid 3-point mounting (previously 2-point), while the power steering has been switched from hydraulic assist to electric.
Although the Mazdaspeed3's 2.3-liter direct-injected turbocharged 4-cylinder is mostly carryover (power figures are identical to the '09 model), Mazda says the improved airflow to the top-of-engine charge cooler via the new, direct hood scoop allows the engine to produce more consistent power, while also freeing up grille space to provide air for the engine's air intake. Because of this, Mazda says real world power and fuel economy have improved.
Mazda says revised gear ratios on the 6-speed manual transmission — 2nd through 5th gears all now slightly taller — make better use of the engine's plentiful torque. Low-viscosity transmission fluid is said to reduce shift effort when the engine is cold.
Despite the flashy new body and numerous small updates, the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 will remain a performance bargain when it goes on sale this summer. It will start at just $23,195, versus $22,740 for the 2009 model.
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Slideshow: 2010 Mazdaspeed3
The latest cars from Mazda for 2009