Acura has pulled back the curtain on its latest electric vehicle (EV) concept, showcasing a glimpse into the brand’s electric future. The Acura Performance EV Concept made its debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, hinting at an upcoming production model set to be manufactured at Honda’s EV Hub in Ohio.

Acura Unveils Sleek Performance Ev Concept, Hinting At Future Electric Suv

A New Chapter in Acura’s EV Journey

Following the launch of its first-generation electric SUV, the ZDX, Acura is already pushing forward with development on its next-gen EV. This concept represents a significant step for the luxury automaker, as it moves away from General Motors’ technology used in the ZDX and towards its own proprietary EV platform, reports Newsweek.

Dave Marek, Acura Design Executive, explained the concept’s significance:

“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.”

Striking Design Elements

The Performance EV Concept boasts several eye-catching features:

A vented hood and prominent side vents inspired by hydrofoil superyachts
Short overhangs and athletic wheel arches housing 23-inch wheels
High-performance brakes with Moonlit White four-piston calipers
An extended wheelbase enabled by the EV architecture
A rear design paying homage to the second-generation NSX
A new Acura font specifically for its electric lineup

The concept is finished in a semi-matte Moonlit White Pearl paint, emphasizing its futuristic design.

Production Plans and Market Positioning

While Acura has confirmed the upcoming ADX, a turbocharged premium entry-level SUV for early 2025, this Performance EV Concept seems to be a separate, fully electric model. The production version is slated for manufacture at Honda’s Ohio EV Hub, though its official name remains under wraps.

Stephanie Brinley, associate director of research and analysis at S&P Global, commented on the concept’s importance:

“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.”

EVXL’s Take

Acura’s bold move into developing its own EV platform signals a commitment to electrification that goes beyond simply adapting existing technologies. This concept’s striking design and performance focus suggest Acura is aiming to carve out a distinct niche in the luxury EV market.

As we’ve seen with other luxury brands like Tesla, distinctive design and cutting-edge technology are crucial for standing out in the increasingly crowded EV space. Acura’s approach with this concept appears to be on the right track, potentially setting the stage for a compelling entry into the next generation of electric vehicles.

Photos courtesy of Acura