From the original ground-breaking Legend coupe to the Ferrari-beating NSX supercar and today’s Integra, Acura has built some pretty cool rides over the past four decades. As it reaches the precipice of a new decade, the luxury brand channels the sporty styling of past generations and imagines what roads it could take.
Fresh off its world premiere at The Quail on August 14, the NEXERA Vision coupe was showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16.
“We are using the 40th anniversary of Acura as a springboard to our future, with the Acura NEXERA Vision serving as the design language for future Acura models,” said Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura Vice President of Auto Design at the automaker’s Los Angeles studio. “Our goal with this new design direction is to define Acura performance through disciplined proportions, sculpted form and the seamless integration of advanced technology, creating an expression that is both progressive and authentic to the brand.”
It’s a beautiful car with sculpted body surfaces and “phantom lighting” that disappear into the bodywork when turned off. Aero channels in the long sloping nose echo an active rear spoiler that enhances both aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability. Dual-hinged butterfly doors reference performance cars past and present. It could very easily be a next-generation Integra, but you’re more likely to first see NEXERA’s design cues on the upcoming redesigned RDX Hybrid crossover…minus the fancy doors of course.
Enhancing performance are carbon ceramic Brembo brakes peeking through 22-inch wheels featuring a 3D directional pattern and matte finish with carbon fiber trim. Look close to notice carbon in the aero-channels, rear diffuser, lower sills and door structures too.
“To reinforce the new Acura styling identify, we developed a unique lighting signature inspired by the Acura ‘A” mark – an unmistakable design element created to make this new era of Acura instantly recognizable” Tsuchida said. “The NEXTERA Vision sets the course for the next generation of Acura design, and we are committed to evolving that direction with clarity, consistency and purpose across future Acura products.”
Understated sophistication continues to the cabin that takes on the feel of a sports car’s cockpit. A wide dash and thin roof pillars create an airy environment where drivers can grab the yolk, glance at floating flatscreens and make haste. Designers strived to do nothing that took away from driving enjoyment, focusing on form and materials to enhance the experience.
Front seats are fixed into the floor to lower the driving position, but pedals and steering wheel adjust for driver fit. Materials rendered in forged carbon, gloss black and high-contrast pink accents include recycled aluminum, Alcantara suede, post-consumer recycled polyester and genuine leather designed to be recycled.
“Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in how premium quality and performance are defined, and the Acura brand is embracing innovative material technologies that bring fresh possibilities to the customer experience while supporting broader environmental ambitions,” Tsuchida said. “These advancements help reduce the carbon footprint associated with our products and create new opportunities to challenge conventional ideas of quality, inspiring a new perspective on what premium can be.”
I think Acura needed updated styling that is modern while paying homage to its rich history of being environmentally sensitive and exciting to drive. Let’s hope the production models are even remotely as beautiful as this concept.
Storm Forward!
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