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By Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Senior Editor, Autos, Travel and Lifestyle
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Acura's just launched its first-generation battery-electric SUV, the ZDX, and is already deep into development of their next-generation model. The first concept vehicle of that future model made its debut today during The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
The premium automaker, an arm of Honda, currently makes and sells the Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S electric vehicles (EVs) utilizing General Motors technology and manufacturing. Honda previously committed to creating its own platform and manufacturing capabilities for future electric vehicles following the rollout of the ZDX and its Honda-branded near-twin, the Prologue.
Acura Performance EV Concept was developed by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles and is scheduled to go into production at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. Its name has yet to officially be announced.
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The automaker previously confirmed that the ADX, a premium entry-level SUV, would be joining the lineup in early 2025. Acura describes this model as "turbocharged". Battery-electric vehicles do not have a turbocharger.
"The Acura Performance EV Concept is the archetype of Acura Performance in the electrified era, taking full advantage of the extreme design freedom of stance and proportion offered by our next-generation EV platform to push the boundaries of Acura design even further," said Dave Marek, Acura Design Executive, in a press release.
"As with our previous Acura concept vehicles, the Acura Performance EV Concept introduces a number of design themes that will be seen on future Acura vehicles," he said.
The new Performance EV Concept features a vented hood and prominent side vents that are meant to look sculptural. Designers drew inspiration for these elements from hydrofoil superyachts.
The model's short overhangs and athletic wheel arches frame 23-inch wheels that are wrapped in wide performance tires.
High-performance brakes with Moonlit White four-piston calipers sit at all four corners. "Acura" scripting in neon green is featured on each caliper and ties this model to the 2023 Acura Electric Vision Design Study.
Its long proportions come courtesy of an extended wheelbase, allowed for my the electric vehicle architecture below.
The car's rear features an upswept decklid, full-width taillight and large difffuser. These style elements pay homage to the second-generation NSX, Acura says.
The word "Acura" features across the tailgate in a new-to-the-company font, which the automaker says is unique to its electric model lineup.
Acura has swathed the car's high-riding hatchback silhouette in Moonlit White Pearl paint in a semi-matte finish.
"The upcoming Acura SUV previewed is critical as a next step for the company's electric vehicle efforts. As the first internally developed Acura EV, the company does need to prove out capability, Stephanie Brinley, associate director of research and analysis at S&P Global, told Newsweek.
"Expanding Acura's EV presence effectively in 2026 may be better positioned than entries in 2024. At that time, we should be seeing stronger consumer demand for EVs, as infrastructure continues to grow and consumer experience and exposure grows. At the same time, many consumer expectations are being set in these early years. With high competition, the bar is set and Acura must meet it," she said.
Acura frequently uses Monterey Car Week to showcase its future vehicles. During the last 11 years, five models have been revealed during the Week, including the NSX Concept (2013), Precision Concept (2016), Type S Concept (2019) and Precision EV Concept (2022).
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