Honda has finally launched Acura 2010 TL SH-AWD onto the U.S. market. The new manual transmission equipped with TL SH-AWD allows the enthusiast driver to take full advantage of the performance of Acura’s SH-AWD system,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, “Not only is the new 6-speed manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, it is the top handling performer among every vehicle in its class.”

Acura tweaked the TL SH-AWD’s chassis by upgrading the suspension and steering wheel system. Along with the specially tuned coil spring and shock absorber rates for flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under acceleration and braking -or so Acura claims, the front dampers on the manual model incorporate 5-percent more compression damping to improve turn-in feel and generate 14-percent less high speed compression damping better ride quality. While Acura has yet to disclose performance figures, the automaker did announce that the TL SH-AWD with the 6-speed manual gearbox returns an EPA estimated 18mpg city and 26mpg highway, which is 1mpg better in both cases than the automatic version.

The manual model keeps the same pricing as the five-speed automatic SH-AWD at $42,385 when combined with the Technology Package and at $43,385 with the Technology pack and high performance tires. Just so you know, the above prices do not include taxes, license or an $810 destination and handling charge.

All-new 2010 ZDX has been revealed ahead of its US market debut later this year. The ZDX was first shown as a pre-production concept at the NY Show this past April.

With the exception of a few minor cosmetic details such as the head- and tail-light trims, the alloy wheels, the lower bumper designs and the interior trim, the production ZDX is identical to the NY Show concept.

The five-seater ZDX will be offered with a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque which is paired to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

Acura said that when the ZDX goes on sale in the U.S. this winter it will be offered with three trim levels: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the premium, ZDX with Advance Package.

All models will be equipped with a panoramic glass roof with moveable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a high powered audio system with CD player as standard.

The ZDX will be positioned and priced  between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury sedan, with pricing set to be released at a later date.