Acura unveiled its Nexera Vision concept sports car yesterday, and shortly thereafter, I had a discussion with Yasutake Tsuchida, the design genius behind the sleek coupe featuring butterfly doors.
Despite my persistent inquiries, Tsuchida remained steadfast in the official stance that this was merely a design exercise; however, he did share a few insights about his latest creation for the Acura brand.
When asked why the announcement specifically highlighted the Nexera Vision as the design precursor for the forthcoming RDX—which is clearly not a sporty coupe—Acura opted to unveil a sports-car concept instead of a crossover concept?
“As designers, it’s vital to showcase our vision through this kind of sporty vehicle,” Tsuchida told The Drive. “That’s why we present our vision in this manner and why we display [these] proportions.”
Tsuchida, who designed the attractive Mazda3 and CX-7 before becoming Acura’s Creative Director and Vice President of Auto Design, reiterated that, at present, this concept is merely meant to illustrate where Acura is advancing in terms of exterior and interior design language, as well as to showcase some new technologies and materials on the horizon. These include “phantom lighting” in the exterior and a variety of sustainable materials within the cockpit, such as recycled aluminum, Alcantara, certified post-consumer recycled polyester, and CircuLeather.
When asked if brand enthusiasts could anticipate another sporty coupe in the lineup someday, Tsuchida replied, “Personally, I desire the car.” And since Acura did not specify what drivetrain was hypothetically in charge of the Nexera Vision concept sports car in its press release, I inquired which engine he would personally like to see in that vehicle.
After a brief pause and a chuckle, Tsuchida simply stated: “Something fast.”
Exactly two years ago, The Drive reported on an “NSX-type” performance EV in the Acura product pipeline. Could this be the design for such a car? Possibly. Will it actually be an EV? Highly doubtful.
My instincts suggest that there is more to this than what Acura claims, but I guess all I can do is wait and see.
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**Acura’s Sports Car Concept: A Preview of the Upcoming RDX Design**
Acura, Honda’s luxury vehicle division, has a long-standing reputation for its groundbreaking designs and performance-focused vehicles. The brand’s dedication to merging luxury with athleticism is highlighted in its latest sports car concept, which provides an enticing look at the future design language of the soon-to-be-released RDX.
### Design Philosophy
The new sports car concept exemplifies Acura’s bold and daring design ethos, characterized by sharp angles, a low profile, and a broad body. This design philosophy is anticipated to transition into the next-generation RDX, emphasizing a more sporty and vigorous look. The concept showcases an eye-catching front end featuring a prominent diamond pentagon grille, complemented by sleek, angular LED headlights that impart a fierce demeanor.
### Performance Inspiration
Though the RDX is primarily positioned as a luxury SUV, Acura’s sports car concept champions performance, suggesting a possible evolution in the RDX’s persona. The concept is equipped with a robust turbocharged engine, which might impact the RDX’s powertrain choices. Acura aims to elevate the driving experience through the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension systems, ensuring the RDX remains engaging and responsive on the road.
### Interior Features
Inside, the sports car concept is a testament to contemporary technology and luxurious materials. Anticipate the upcoming RDX to adopt a comparable interior aesthetic, showcasing premium finishes, a driver-centric cockpit, and the latest infotainment advancements. The concept features a digital instrument cluster and a sizable touchscreen interface, providing seamless access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle configurations.
### Sustainability and Innovation
Acura is also emphasizing sustainability in its future models. The sports car concept utilizes eco-friendly materials and advanced aerodynamics, which are likely to shape the RDX’s design and production methodologies. This focus on sustainability aligns with the automotive sector’s broader movement towards greener technologies and practices.
### Conclusion
As Acura gears up to launch the next-generation RDX, the sports car concept acts as an exhilarating preview of what lies ahead. With its striking design, performance-driven features, and commitment to sustainability, the forthcoming RDX is set to redefine the luxury SUV segment. Enthusiasts and consumers alike can anticipate a vehicle that not only reflects Acura’s legacy but also pushes the limits of innovation and style.