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At the 2024 Monterey Car Week, Acura unveiled the highly anticipated Acura Performance EV Concept, a show car that provides a glimpse into the brand's next-generation electric vehicle. This concept marks a significant step in Acura’s electrification strategy, previewing a coupe-SUV that is set to debut in production form in 2025. Built on a Honda-developed EV platform, this crossover represents the first electric vehicle to be manufactured at Honda's Ohio plant and sets the stage for a new era in Acura's lineup.
The Performance EV concept draws inspiration from the brand's NSX sports car, reflecting the dynamic styling and aggressive stance of its predecessor while integrating electric vehicle (EV) features. With a design that focuses on sleek, modern lines and a futuristic appeal, Acura promises that many of the concept’s design elements will influence the styling of future production vehicles.
A Bold Design Language
The Acura Performance EV Concept showcases a bold, sporty crossover design with styling cues inspired by the NSX. The concept features a vented hood that extends forward from the A-pillars, emphasizing its aggressive front end. Prominent side vents and deeply sculpted body panels add to the vehicle's muscular appearance, while the front fascia is inspired by the sleek form of hydrofoil superyachts, blending high-tech design with performance.
The concept's coupe-like silhouette and teardrop-shaped cabin are finished in an eye-catching Moonlit White Pearl paint with a semi-matte finish. The rear design incorporates an upswept decklid, a full-width taillight, and a large diffuser—nods to the second-generation NSX. Additionally, the “ACURA” lettering across the tailgate is rendered in a new font, signaling a fresh look for the brand’s electrified vehicles.
Dave Marek, Acura Design Executive, described the concept as "the archetype of Acura Performance in the electrified era." He emphasized the design freedom offered by the new EV platform, which allowed Acura to push the boundaries of stance and proportion in ways that were not possible with traditional combustion-engine vehicles.
Performance and Features
The Acura Performance EV Concept is not just about looks; it promises impressive performance capabilities. The concept’s stance is enhanced by its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and muscular wheel arches. Massive 23-inch wheels wrapped in 295/35R23 performance tires give the vehicle an athletic presence, and the sculptural wheel design includes brushed machined edges and a unique spoke pattern that evokes movement, even when still.
The vehicle’s performance credentials are further underscored by its drilled high-performance brakes with Moonlit White four-piston calipers, matching the vehicle's exterior color. Neon green Acura scripting on the calipers adds a touch of vibrant contrast, tying back to the Acura Electric Vision Design Study revealed at Monterey Car Week in 2023.
Although technical details remain limited, the concept hints at a performance-oriented electric SUV that will deliver the exhilarating driving experience Acura is known for, while embracing the benefits of electrification.
Honda's New Electric Platform
The Acura Performance EV Concept is a precursor to a production vehicle that will debut in 2025. The production model will be the first electric crossover built on Honda’s newly developed electric platform, signaling the brand’s transition away from the Ultium platform previously used in partnership with General Motors. Acura and Honda had initially planned to adopt the Ultium platform, but after facing delays and issues with its development, the two companies decided to focus on their own proprietary platform.
This upcoming electric platform will power other Honda and Acura electric vehicles in the future, and the Acura Performance EV will be the first model built at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant, currently home to vehicles like the Honda Accord, Acura Integra, and Acura TLX.
Looking Ahead: Acura’s Electrified Future
The debut of the Acura Performance EV Concept marks the beginning of a new chapter for the brand, which is rapidly moving towards full electrification. The upcoming production model, expected to be released in late 2025, will be the first in a new lineup of electric Acura vehicles. This will follow the launch of the 2024 Acura ZDX, further expanding the brand's commitment to providing an exciting, high-performance driving experience in the electric age.
Acura's electrification strategy will not only focus on luxury and performance but also on creating vehicles that offer cutting-edge technology and innovative design. With the Performance EV Concept, the brand has made it clear that it is determined to lead in the electric vehicle market while staying true to its performance-driven roots.
