The automotive market is constantly reinventing itself, inventing new niches to address needs we didn’t even know we had. Acura already has a couple of sport utility vehicles in its lineup, but why stop at two? Adding to the -DX series is the new Acura ZDX.

The Acura MDX is the largest of the bunch, competing against mid- to full-size SUVs. The Acura RDX is its nimbler cousin, offering a slightly upscale alternative to a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. And the all-new 2010 Acura ZDX tackles the “sports activity coupe” market currently occupied by the BMW X6.

As with the X6, the Acura ZDX is supposed to combine all of the best features from a sport utility vehicle, a family sedan, and a sports coupe. You get a higher ground clearance, but you’re also supposed get the sporty handling of a sports sedan or coupe.

Under the hood is a 3.7L V6 engine and all four wheels will be peeling out on the road with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system. Remember that SH-AWD is a trademarked term and not necessarily a descriptor. I kid, I kid.

Look for the 2010 Acura ZDX to hit showrooms a little this year.