Acura Precision Concept – a bold future for the brand

It turns out the Acura Precision Concept, unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, was far more outlandish than previously thought – the teaser image hinted that it could feature an evolution of the current Acura design language, but the real deal goes much further than that.

Developed by the Acura Design Studio in California and previewing the future styling direction of its sedans, the Precision was designed to express Acura’s DNA of “Precision Crafted Performance.” The distinctive design starts with a new front end that debuts the company’s new Diamond Pentagon grille, flanked by sharp Jewel Constellation LED headlights with fractal elements, as well as deep gashes for air intakes.

The proportions feature a long dash-to-axle ratio, providing the Precision a more premium long bonnet look afforded to its rear-wheel drive rivals (and which current front-biased Acuras lacked). The strong stance is accentuated by large haunches, muscular surfacing and 22-inch wheels. Around the rear, there are floating LED tail lights and large dual integrated exhaust outlets.

Acura designed the Precision with a theme it calls “quantum continuum,” seamlessly blending the transition between exterior and interior materials and structure. These can be seen through the floating A-pillar, the suicide doors and lack of a B-pillar, the side sills that flow into the interior and the floating rear seats, as well as the high-mounted third brake light that goes through the rear windscreen, forming the structure for the metal aerofoil shape of the rear headrests. Boring this certainly isn’t.

Inside, it’s a little closer in design to current Acuras, even if the resemblances are abstract in nature. As with the exterior, the cabin features a faceted design with cantilevered surfaces and unique materials and detailing. The dual-tier dashboard is dominated by a large, thin curved centre display and a smaller instrument display ahead of the driver, with a head-up display sitting behind.

Other touches include a race-style steering wheel with paddle shifters and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) controls, a floating centre console, lounge-style seats and handcrafted exotic wood speaker grilles.

Also included is Acura’s new digital human-machine interface (HMI) that is more intuitive, with a touch pad controlling the centre screen. The system also scans each occupant and selects personalized features and functions, including maps, audio and customized vehicle performance settings upon entering the vehicle.

There are no mechanical details released so far, but given the aforementioned rear-biased proportions, expect future Acuras to feature at least a longitudinally-mounted engine at the front, if not a full-blown rear-wheel drive layout.

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