Fuji Heavy Industries, better known to be the parent company of the car brand Subaru, will now be putting on their new GM-Subaru design to a halt, and start making cars that Toyota wants. Rumors had that both companies are working on a current coupe model which will see the first product that the new partnership's effort.
The STi comes packed with a 2.5 liter turbocharged horizontally-opposed four cylinder motor. Depending on the year, the car produces either 300 or 320 horsepower, and 300 torques. All of this is channeled through Subaru's time-tested asymmetrical all-wheel drive system, which assists in providing solid traction in both cornering and acceleration. The STi also features performance-tuned suspension, and Brembo performance brakes.
For starters, the STi comes equipped with four doors - something rarely seen on any vehicle faster than a golf cart driven by a septuagenarian. When children are involved, four doors is absolutely a necessity, and the Subaru delivers. If you go with an 08+ model, you also get a rear hatch instead of a standard trunk, which makes storing things like strollers, bags, etc. a breeze. The STi rear seats are also "car seat ready," which really just means they have the little plastic clips pre-installed, but is a welcome addition.
According to Acura, the ZDX features the world's first continuous glass surface, extending from hood to bumper to bracket the panoramic sunroof. When closed, the power roller sunshade allows only three percent of outside light to reach occupants. With the shade open, 20 percent of light reaches the interior. Acura promises two-passenger comfort inside the ZDX, but with seating capacity for up to five occupants.
Enhanced intake and exhaust sounds yield "a little bit of exciting flavor in the upper rpm areas," said principal engineer Jason Widmer. Otherwise, Active Noise Cancellation and other engineering features help keep the ZDX pleasantly quiet. All models roll on 255/50x19-inch tires, but the ZDX suspension may be set for either Comfort or Sport mode. Fifteen sensors react to road conditions, altering the suspension's effect as needed.
Delivering a comparatively firm ride overall, the ZDX hits an occasional bump hard. Such incidents are appropriate for an SUV-based vehicle, but less so for what's deemed a sports coupe. Sufficiently supple in suspension capability, this four-door recovers nicely from any excess reaction. Acceleration qualifies as enthusiastic, if not exactly startling, perhaps not quite as dramatic as some sport-coupe enthusiasts might crave.
Getting inside demands a moderate climb?almost like some actual SUVs. Substantial side bolstering cradles the driver snugly, but these serious yet comfortable seats are abundantly cushioned, augmented by superior thigh support. The rear seat is more comfortable and roomy than anticipated, but substantial head-ducking may be needed to twitch one's body into the back. Cargo space totals 26.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats up; 55.8 with those seats folded.
On sale around mid-December, the Canadian-built ZDX will be priced between the MDX sport-utility vehicle and the RL sedan, which puts it in the mid-$40,000 neighborhood. Three versions will be offered, starting with the base model, which includes a standard power tailgate. The Technology Package adds Acura's navigation system, with Real Time Traffic information and a Weather Radar View. Lane Guidance can show which lane to be in, when anticipating a turn. The multi-view backup camera can provide a normal, wide, or top view. In base models, the 8-speaker audio system is rated at 266 watts.
