Acura Reveals Performance EV Concept At Monterey, Signalling Electric Future

Published: Friday, August 16, 2024, 2:57 [IST]

Acura has unveiled the Acura Performance EV Concept, marking a significant step in its electrification strategy. This concept previews the brand's next all-electric model and was introduced during Monterey Car Week, a premier event for automotive enthusiasts. Developed by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, this performance SUV is set to go into production in late 2025.

The new Acura EV will be the first model engineered on an all-new Honda-developed EV platform and produced at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. "The Acura Performance EV Concept kicks off the exciting next step in our electrification strategy, showcasing the styling direction of our next all-new, all-electric Acura model that will debut next year," said Mike Langel, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales.

Honda is making strides in establishing its EV Hub in Ohio, which will guide electric vehicle production in North America. The Marysville Auto Plant is being retooled for EV production starting in late 2025. This includes preparing for vehicle production and assembling the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) in-house. Honda has committed at least $700 million to transform its Marysville, East Liberty, and Anna Engine plants.

Mike Fischer, executive chief engineer and leader of the Honda North American BEV Project, stated, "We began production of Acura vehicles in America almost 30 years ago, so we are excited to make an Acura SUV the first EV we build at the Honda EV Hub." The establishment of this hub represents not only the start of EV production but also a complete reimagining of manufacturing approaches.

The Acura Performance EV Concept showcases a vented hood extending from the A-pillars and prominent side vents on its sculpted sides. Its aggressive front fascia draws inspiration from hydrofoil superyachts. The concept features a coupe-like silhouette with a teardrop cabin finished in "Moonlit White Pearl" paint with a semi-matte finish.

The rear design includes an upswept decklid, full-width taillight, and large diffuser reminiscent of the second-generation NSX. The tailgate features "ACURA" in a new font unique to their electrified vehicles. Dave Marek, Acura Design Executive, noted that this concept introduces design themes that will appear on future Acura vehicles.

Public Debut

The Acura Performance EV Concept will debut publicly at two major events: The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on August 16th with a press event at 10:36 a.m., and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 18th. This marks the fifth time an Acura concept vehicle has been displayed at Monterey Car Week over the past 11 years.

The powerful stance of the concept is highlighted by its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and muscular wheel arches covering massive 23-inch wheels with wide performance tires. The sculptural wheel design includes brushed machined edges and unique spoke patterns to evoke movement even when stationary. All four corners feature high-performance brakes with Moonlit White four-piston calipers.

Investment and Future Plans

A key component of Honda's EV Hub is the construction progress at L-H Battery Company Inc., a joint venture battery facility near Jeffersonville, Ohio. Honda and LG Energy Solution have committed $3.5 billion to this facility, with total investment projected to reach $4.4 billion. Scheduled for completion by end-2024, it will have an annual capacity of approximately 40GWh.

The new electric platform allows for extreme design freedom in stance and proportion. This flexibility pushes Acura's design boundaries further than ever before. Striking neon green scripting on each brake caliper ties back to last year's Acura Electric Vision Design Study revealed at Monterey Car Week.

Acura's lineup currently includes two sport sedans (Integra and TLX) and three SUVs (RDX, MDX, ZDX). A fourth SUV model called ADX will join as a gateway model in 2025. High-performance Type S variants further demonstrate Precision Crafted Performance virtues.

This unveiling signifies Acura's commitment to innovative engineering while maintaining engaging dynamics built on Precision Crafted Performance DNA.