Crown Acura

Acura announced today that for the second consecutive year it received the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2010 Residual Value Award for Best Luxury Brand.  According to ALG, Acura's line of luxury performance vehicles is expected to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period. Acura beat out other luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz for the highly coveted award.

"It is an honor to win the award for Best Luxury Brand a second year in a row," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It sends a clear message to our customers that Acura vehicles represent a smart choice in today's luxury market".

Residual value is a measure used to recognize vehicle quality, reliability and overall brand strength. ALG determines the award winners after carefully studying the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts include vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, pricing strategies and resale performance.

Source: [Japanese Sports Cars]

Honda's all-new 2010 Acura ZDX luxury crossover officially on sale now, starts at $46,305*.

The ZDX is one of two new CUVs for 2010 from the Japanese automaker, the other being the Honda Accord Crosstour. The ZDX is likely to square off against the BMW X6.

Honda notes that the ZDX, which was formally unveiled earlier this year at the 2009 New York Auto Show, was designed and developed in North America and is being built here as well.

The 2010 ZDX is being offered in three trim levels. In addition to the base model, a Technology package boosts the sticker to $50,805*, while the ZDX with Advance package is priced at $56,855*.

The Technology package bundles a navigation system, an upgraded audio system, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate controls and smart key with push-button start.

The Advance package builds on the Technology package, adding blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigating brakes, active damping, heated/ventilated front seats with perforated leather and a sport steering wheel.

The all-wheel-drive ZDX is powered by a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that is rated by the EPA at 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway.

*Price plus tax, tag and title.

Source: [Inside Lane]