Automakers are using the old car experience to show off its newest vehicles, the latest being Acura which revealed its new Precision EV Concept for Monterey Car Week.
The new EV reportedly borrows from the coming Honda Prologue EV, which was developed through a partnership formed with General Motors. The two automakers have created a steady string of collaborationsduring the past five years, aiming to accelerate EV development while lowering the costs for doing so.
Although the new battery-electric Acura is based off the Honda, the designers say luxury Italian power boats inspired the EV’s exterior look. Officials say the look sets the cornerstone for Acura’s new design language for the vehicle, which will move from concept to production in 2024.
“The Acura Precision EV Concept is a look into our future direction and continues Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance design language with a modern expression of performance” said Dave Marek, Acura executive creative director, in a release. “The Acura Precision EV Concept will be our North Star as we move into an exciting electrified future, and you will see these design cues translate over to future production models.”
A new look outside
The new Precision EV concept is a crossover — as most new EVs are these days — with an emphasis on athleticism highlight with a dramatic lighting package. The concept is dressed in Double Apex Blue with a matte finish that when coupled with the lighting is too much to ignore.
The front features an updated version of the brand’s diamond pentagon grille centered by angular “Chicane” LED daytime running lights, which wrap around the side of the front fascia and come to a point that gets extended with a crease that runs along the beltline to the middle the door.
It’s met there by another crease that begins at the front of the hood and rolls all the way to the back of car there it connects to the taillight that also wraps around the side into the rear quarter panel.
Adding to the unique look is what Acura’s calling the Particle Glitch “theme.” It shows most prominently as lighting inside two cowls on the look like they could be used to provide some cooling for the brakes. It’s on the rear lighting package as well as on the vehicles 23-inch wheels. No word about those big shoes making it onto the production model, but it seems unlikely.
“The ‘Particle Glitch’ lower detailing explores what EV performance could look like as Acura shifts toward its electrified future,” said Andy Foster, exterior chief designer.
Channel your inner racer inside
Acura says the interior is designed to be an immersive experience inspired by “the cockpit of a Formula 1 race car.” That means you’ll sit low but have a clear view and — also becoming a bit of a trend — the driver gets a yoke-style steering wheel.
Not only does it look the part, but also the vehicle offers to act the part too with its Instinctive Drive Mode. The first of two modes, it’s designed to help the driver become more connected to the EV with racing-style instrumentation and aggression-inspired red ambient and pipe lighting.
The second mode is more laid back: Spiritual Lounge model. It retracts the steering wheel as it transforms the cabin into a warm, calming experience with soothing scents and restful “under water” animated projection so the driver can relax and recharge.
Acura describes the overall feel of the interior cabin as a “sanctuary of speed and spirit.” Designers used sustainable, environmentally responsible materials creating premium, unique finishes including marbled recycled plastic trim and 100% biomass leather.
Additionally, all the aluminum used, as well as the dimensional green cast acrylic that forms the steering wheel secondary controls, were made from recycled materials. Milled FSC certified wood, harvested from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits, adds warmth and a connection to nature, Acura noted.
“The Acura Precision EV Concept gives a sneak peek of our future Dual Experience interior design philosophy,” said Simon Yu, senior interior designer. “We want to provide exhilarating performance driving control with a sophisticated and invigorating lounge environment that immerses the driver’s senses.”
What the sneak peak didn’t offer was any indication what it may cost when it arrives in 2024 … or more specific timing that “in 2024.”
GM Ultium EV battery platform never looked so good!
It’s a dated look… unoriginal.
The beak that wouldn’t die!
Why are car interiors called “cabins” or “cockpits”. They are simply “interiors” with “dashboards”. You are not in an airplane. Sheesh.