Acura's initial venture into electrification was marked by the ZDX. However, at this year's Monterey Car Week, the luxury brand unveiled an electric SUV concept that hints at its forthcoming production EV. Unlike the ZDX, this concept vehicle will utilize a completely unique EV platform. Acura refers to it as the Performance EV concept. This coupe-like SUV features a lengthy wheelbase with minimal overhangs, introducing a fresh design language for the brand. The front end boasts a sharp nose, a vented hood, and exceptionally wide headlights. If you look closely, it bears a resemblance to certain contemporary Buicks (apologies).
In line with current trends, the Performance EV concept showcases a sleek, coupe-like silhouette and a full-width light bar at the rear. Large 23-inch wheels encased in 295/35R23 performance tires conceal four-piston brakes highlighted with neon green accents. Although specifications for this concept are absent, it is set to be Acura's inaugural electric vehicle on the brand's dedicated EV platform, eschewing GM’s Ultium platform. This SUV will be produced at Honda's EV Hub in Marysville, Ohio.
"The Acura Performance EV Concept epitomizes Acura Performance in the electrified era, leveraging the extensive design freedom in stance and proportion offered by our next-generation EV platform to further advance the boundaries of Acura design," stated Dave Marek, Acura Design Executive. "As with our previous Acura concept vehicles, the Acura Performance EV Concept introduces several design themes that will be featured on future Acura vehicles."
This marks the fifth concept Acura has introduced during Monterey Car Week. The original NSX concept debuted at Monterey in 2013, followed by the Precision concept in 2016, the Type S concept in 2019, and the Precision EV concept in 2022. Similar to its predecessors, this concept is anticipated to transition into production.
