Hot on the heels of revealing its Precision EV Concept as a “design study,” Acura announced that its first all-electric vehicle would be a “performance SUV” named the ZDX, coming in 2024. The ZDX and higher-performance ZDX Type S will be built in collaboration with GM using the latter’s Ultium battery technology and EV platform, though Acura says future EVs will use its own e:Architecture.
According to Acura, the ZDX will share many styling elements with the Precision EV Concept. If the new ZDX retains the concept’s lines, it will be a more traditional-looking SUV instead of adopting its namesake’s more coupelike styling. Given the lack of success of the original ZDX in its four model years of existence, resurrecting the name is an interesting choice.
One of the Precision EV Concept’s most notable design elements is its front lighting. The signature diamond pentagon grille we’ve seen on newer internal-combustion Acuras is illuminated and surrounded by the automaker’s “chicane” daytime running lights and new “particle glitch” lights in the traditional foglight position.
Acura Precision EV Concept | Manufacturer image
The other key feature from the concept that will likely make it into production is an updated version of Acura’s multimedia system, which the automaker says will be a “hyper-wide, curved transparent display.” Acura touts the new system’s touch-based feedback, which could indicate that many of the interior controls will be positioned in the touchscreen.
Unlikely to make it to a production vehicle at this time are the usual raft of concept elements in the Precision EV Concept: camera-based side mirrors, a nontraditional steering-wheel shape and the ability to drive fully autonomously.
Given that the ZDX will use GM’s Ultium technology, it’s possible the new SUV will share similar dimensions with EVs from GM’s various brands, but it’s likely the ZDX’s styling will not have many — or possibly any — common design elements.
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Keyword: Acura Resurrecting ZDX Name for First All-Electric Vehicle