Acura showed a (too-long) video describing the design features of their ZDX we’re-calling-it-a-concept-but-this-is-99%-production-identical hatchback/SUV/thing. References were made several times about the “sports car aspect” of the rear haunches (fenders), the “sports car-like styling,” or it being a “four-door sports coupe.”

That got me thinking--why doesn’t Acura build a real sports car, or at least a sports coupe? The Integra and RSX sold well and brought young buyers into the brand. Now Acura’s line-up is a combination of nearly indistinguishable sedans and SUVs.

Seems there would be more buyers for a modern-day Integra--you know, fuel economy and fiscal responsibility and all of that--than for a BMW X6-like hatchback that’s smaller and less flexible than a MDX but costs more money.

--Tom Mutchler

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 New York auto show.