When it comes to concept designs, they can span from the whimsically absurd to groundbreaking for the industry. Among these, certain prototypes play a pivotal role in shaping the future design language of a company. These concepts serve as a foundation from which all future models will draw inspiration. Acura’s latest design concept, the Precision EV, which was unveiled on Thursday, hints at a future where illumination plays a crucial role in defining the design as much as the structure itself.
This concept envisions a striking representation of future Acura vehicles, boasting an elongated hood despite its electric powertrain, accentuated by defined angular lines both at the front and rear. A notable aspect is the choice to illuminate the brand’s distinctive “grille” area with seamlessly integrated lights, rather than opting for a blank front bumper or excessive glossy black plastic. However, the interior raises some reservations with an abundance of LEDs directly in the driver’s field of view and a steering yoke in place of a traditional wheel, which has been a standard feature for over a century now.
It is important to mention that none of this will be hitting dealership floors. The Precision EV will remain merely a conceptual exercise, offering a glimpse into the design inspiration for the company’s upcoming electric vehicle. The first electric SUV from the brand, yet to be revealed, will be based on the same GM-developed platform as Honda’s Prologue, set for a 2024 release. Until then, the Precision concept will have to suffice in piquing our interest.
It is worth pointing out that Acura’s previous Precision concept, the 2016 Precision sedan, did not influence the design of any production sedans to the same degree; its legacy mainly lives on in the brand’s now-iconic five-pointed diamond grille. Conversely, the 2019 Type S preview, the latest design concept from the company showcased at Monterey, bears a resemblance to the current TLX Type S that is currently available for sale. This makes it challenging to predict the extent to which the unique style of the Precision EV will manifest on the streets in the future.
Right: 2006 Acura Advanced Sedan Concept / Acura
In conclusion, I anticipate that more design influences from the Precision concept will potentially reach production compared to some of Acura’s earlier and more outlandish concepts from the early 2000s; their intentions during that period remain quite enigmatic.
