As Acura marks 40 years since its launch, the brand seeks to establish an outlook for the future. Timed alongside its 40th anniversary, Acura’s Nexera Vision (the name is a portmanteau of “next era”) concept is a low-slung sports car with a dramatic profile and butterfly doors. It’s not meant as a halo car per se, but previews the design language that will guide the brand’s styling in the coming years.
The Nexera Vision was conceived at the Acura Design California studio in Los Angeles under the direction of Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura Creative Director and VP of Auto Design. “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,” Tsuchida said, “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.”
The most prominent feature is its new lighting signature, inspired by the Acura caliper logo. This cue will propagate throughout the Acura lineup, starting with the next-generation RDX Hybrid, as models are refreshed and redesigned.
Finished in Matte Titanium and sporting a long dash-to-axle ratio with headlights located close to the ground, the Nexera Vision is reminiscent of the Honda SSM concept that debuted at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. That car formed the basis of the S2000.
Sadly, the Nexera Vision probably won’t have a similar production counterpart. And if it does, don’t expect features like the aero channel nose, forged carbon fiber inserts, and 22-inch centerlock wheels to fully make the transition from concept to street car.
Some of the ideas for the interior are more realistic. The cabin prioritizes sustainable materials, such as recycled aluminum, Alcantara containing certified post-consumer recycled polyester, and CircuLeather, a genuine leather material engineered by Midori Autoleather that contains plant-based components and is intended to break down and be used as fertilizer when its use cycle is finished.
To make the side profile as low as possible, the seats are bolted directly to the floor without rails. Seating position is adjusted by moving the pedals and steering wheel instead as the seat stays stationary.
The Nexera Vision concept will be on display at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week on August 14, and then at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Concept Lawn on Sunday, August 16.
Images courtesy of Acura.
