Acura Shows First Glimpse of its New Coupe-Inspired Crossover
Rumors have been floating around the automotive world for sometime about a mysterious new Acura crossover, but today Acura officially showed the first real picture of the sporty crossover that will eventually join its lineup. With the BMW X6 and Infiniti FX dead in its sights, the new Acura CUV will sport a unique shape and will probably ride on the same chassis as the midsize Acura MDX. Unlike the conventional design of the MDX, however, the new Acura crossover will have a sleeker, more coupe-like roofline which will most likely limit occupancy to just four passengers.While no details or information were released with the heavily shadowed image, the basic shape of the fenders and greenhouse are clearly visible. Replacing the cargo-friendly roofline that is common on most sport utility vehicles and crossovers, the new Acura will have a steeply sloped roofline from the B-pillar back to the rear end. Recent spy shots show that with the exception of the roofline, the new CUV will use the same angular design language as Acura's current lineup including the hard, rising crease along the side doors. The controversial new signature shield grille will also grace the front end while the pointed decklid opening will give the new model a familiar style to the all-new Acura TL sedan. Evident from Acura's official picture, the new crossover will also have widely flared wheel openings and clean, handle-less rear doors.
Chances are that the new crossover will share most of its underpinnings with the MDX just as the BMW X6 and X5 share most of their basic components, so the MDX's 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 would most likely be at least the base model's engine. The good news for the sleek, new Acura is that there have also been rumors that Honda's first-ever V-8 would make its way under the hood of this new model. Whatever the engine options, Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system will probably be standard equipment. SH-AWD allows maximum torque distribution to of 90 percent at the front wheels and 70 percent at the back wheels when needed.