The Acura ZDX was seen as a redemption play of sorts from the Japanese automaker. The ZDX was Acura’s first foray into EVs but came after an ICE-powered model which was a slow seller and quietly retreated into the shadows after a brief production run. This time around, the ZDX is promoting technology, luxury, and range. However, the ZDX is not the raw performance model that some EV buyers want when compared to rivals from Tesla, Rivian, and others. Acura appears to have listened to these concerns and has unveiled an all-new EV SUV concept that might push the envelope in the right direction.
Monterey bound concept looks stylish
Acura chose to phone it in a bit with the name of this concept with the brand calling it “The Performance EV Concept.” The snore-inducing name aside, the concept is very stylish with the SUV getting a long wheelbase that’s complimented by short overhangs and a sloping roofline. The front end gets a pointed nose with a vented hood and wide headlights. A large full-width lightbar dominates the rear end and large 23-inch wheels help give it a considerable amount of presence and the brake calipers get cool neon green accents.
Acura didn’t discuss performance numbers but the concept is the first one to be built on the brand’s dedicated EV platform which will use in-house built EV powertrains versus the current state of affairs where the ZDX is built on GM’s Ultium platform and uses the associated powertrains that come with it.
“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,” said Dave Marek, Acura Design Executive. “As with our previous Acura concept vehicles, the Acura Performance EV Concept introduces a number of design themes that will be seen on future Acura vehicles.” Acura also didn’t release any photos of the interior but expect the cabin to embrace core Acura design values while also adding some new things in too.
When will we see a production version?
This latest concept is the fifth show car that Acura has brought to Monterey Car Week and its odds of making production are pretty good since the other four made it into production. If this fifth vehicle gets the green light for production it will be produced at Honda’s EV Hub facility in Marysville, Ohio.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.