The premium Japanese automaker just nailed the world reveal of the GM-based all-electric 2024 ZDX and ZDX Type S crossovers also has a big surprise in store, potentially hinting at an all-electric NSX.
Just like its parent Honda, Acura now has an all-electric crossover SUV in its lineup. And just like the Prologue, the upcoming battery electric mid-size crossover SUV was put together with General Motors. However, unlike the Honda Prologue, the Acura ZDX isn't an all-new moniker – the company sold for model years 2010-2013 a first generation aimed at BMW X6 fans.
It's safe to say the model was ultimately a failure, which is somewhat counterintuitive for Acura relaunching the nameplate as its first foray into the EV lifestyle. Maybe they're not superstitious and hope the first-gen didn't jinx it. Anyway, the GM underpinnings mean two things for the new Acura ZDX – BEV3 platform and Ultium technology, just like in the Cadillac Lyriq, Buick Electra E5, and Chevy Equinox EV plus Blazer EV, as well as Honda's Prologue.
Acura wanted to make sure it would cover all angles of the EV lifestyle, so the base A-Spec single-motor configuration, tipped to start from around $60k when it goes on sale in early 2024, has an anticipated EPA range of 325 miles (523 km). Designed at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, the all-new ZDX welcomes the company's new styling, previewed by the Precision EV Concept. It also includes many other firsts, like Google built-in, Bang & Olufsen luxury audio, and the AcuraWatch 360 with Hands Free Cruise in the Type S model.
The flagship Acura ZDX Type S, by the way, is packing an estimated 500 horsepower (the same as a V8-powered Ford Mustang Dark Horse, for example), the most an Acura SUV ever had. There's also a dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configuration for the 340-hp A-Spec, and the Type S will kick off at around $70k. By the way, all of them will feature DC Fast Charging rates of up to 190 kW, giving some 81 miles of range in ten minutes to ZDX A-Spec RWD's 102-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
That's for those eager to blend zero emissions with familiar crossover practicality. But how about fans who want more from Acura? They won't be disappointed as the Japanese carmaker also had a surprise for the Monterey Car Week – the Performance Electric Vision design study preview. Also penned by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, the electrifying concept car has "thrilling performance proportions; powerfully sculpted, contrast surfacing; and striking neon green lighting signature" to advance the company's Precision Crafted Performance design language into the zero-emissions future.
"Our Acura design team in Los Angeles is dreaming up the future of Acura Precision Crafted Performance in the EV era," said Dave Marek, Acura executive creative director. "This latest expression of an all-electric high-performance model is inspiring everyone in our studio to push the boundaries, and we wanted to share the fun with our Acura fans." Unfortunately, this isn't the full unveiling but rather just a preview of things to come. Additionally, the brand didn't let slip when we should expect this prototype's world premiere. However, we can take a hint and ask the million-dollar question: is this also the harbinger of NSX EV things to come? Frankly, as far as I am concerned, I sure hope so!
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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