With the Acura NEXERA Vision, the brand is giving us a first-hand look at its next design era and what to expect from the future RDX Hybrid. It is clear that Acura is ready to put its current design language behind it, and this striking concept is the harbinger of change.
The NEXERA Vision will have its worldwide premiere on August 14 at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering as part of Monterey Car Week. In doing so, it previews the styling that will be found on upcoming Acura models, not least of which is the next-generation Acura RDX Hybrid slated for the coming years.
This is no mere exercise in far-off design for the fans; the concept’s new lighting and overall philosophy are set to inform production vehicles down the line. Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura’s Creative Director and VP of Auto Design, has overseen the project from his studio in Los Angeles. “We wanted to capture the brand’s ‘challenger spirit’,” says Tsuchida, a fitting theme as Acura marks its 40th year.
In terms of proportions and stance, the NEXERA Vision is a proper performance coupe: low roofline, wide body, a one-motion cabin and a long dash-to-axle ratio. Clad in Matte Titanium, it is a show car with dramatic flair, yet one that Acura says will point the way for its future lineup.
You will find an aero-channel fascia up front for a more technical, sculpted look, while the exterior makes use of forged carbon fiber on everything from the rocker panels to the inner door structures. The side profile is particularly arresting, made so by the 22-inch centerlock wheels (an Acura first) and dual-hinge butterfly doors. A 3D directional design and matte anodized finish are complemented by carbon fiber inserts on the wheels, and carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes are on hand to back up the performance credentials. An active spoiler at the rear is there to manage airflow over the decklid for better aerodynamic efficiency and stability.
Perhaps the most notable feature is what Acura dubs “phantom lighting.” These ultra-thin head and taillights remain concealed behind the bodywork until they are lit.
“The ‘A’ mark was our inspiration for a unique signature that is unmistakable,” Tsuchida explains. “We created it to make this new era of Acura instantly recognizable.”
Don’t expect this to be a concept-only affair. That new identity will be carried over to future production work, starting with the next RDX Hybrid.
Step inside and the performance-first attitude continues in a minimalist, driver-centric space. Acura has gone to some lengths to remove distraction. The front seats are fixed to the floor to lower the position and give a more connected feeling; rather than moving the seat to you, the pedals and steering wheel come to the driver. It is a setup you would be more apt to find in a race car or high-end sports car than a conventional luxury vehicle.
The black-and-white scheme is accented with gloss black trim, forged carbon and touches of pink. There is also an emphasis on sustainability, with the use of recycled aluminum and CircuLeather, a genuine leather with a circular lifecycle. Acura intends for such premium materials to become more of a factor in its vehicles going forward.
Though no technical specifics have been put out for the next RDX Hybrid, the NEXERA Vision makes it clear that the SUV will be the first to wear the brand’s new face.
Acura is tight-lipped on a debut date for the RDX, saying only that it is in the “coming years.” But if the production version has even a fraction of the NEXERA’s drama, it could well be the most distinctive chapter in the brand’s history for some time.
For now, the public can see the NEXERA Vision at The Quail on August 14 and later on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on the 16th.
