Detroit show: Acura previews next-gen design

HONDA'S luxury arm Acura uncovered its edgy Precision concept at this year's Detroit motor show, previewing the company's future design direction.

According to Acura, the polarising four-door concept points to a “bolder, more distinctive future for Acura vehicle design,” and depending on the response, could end up as a flagship production model for the American-focused Lexus and Infiniti rival.

Acura and Honda have previously shared some models, including the NSX supercar that will arrive in Australia later this year, as well as the Japanese-market Legend that is sold in the United States as the Acura RLX.

In 2014, Honda Australia elected not to introduce the new Legend after poor sales of the fourth-generation version and slowing demand for large luxury cars.

Instead, the importer opted to launch a flagship Sport Hybrid variant of its Accord mid-sizer to fill the gap. In Japan, the Legend is only available in Sport Hybrid guise.

It remains to be seen if Acura and Honda will continue to share future models, but if they do, the new design aesthetic could surface on the next-generation Honda Legend.

The Precision concept was designed by the Acura Design Studio in California and according to the car-maker was produced to express the Acura DNA of Precision Crafted Performance.

Acura global creative director Dave Marek highlighted the influence the Precision concept will have on future Acura product.

“The Acura Precision Concept is more than simply a concept vehicle, it is a design study model that literally will shape the direction of all future Acura products around our Precision Crafted Performance DNA,” he said.

“The Acura Precision Concept is the leading edge of a renewed commitment to delivering Precision Crafted Performance in every facet of the product experience and creating a powerful and very exciting direction for the next generation of Acura models.”

Acura said there was an emphasis on high-contrast surfaces and “the intersection of modern, sheer surfaces and muscular, organic sculpting” in designing the Precision, adding that the low and wide stance, long nose and deeply sculpted surfaces showcases the brand's focus on performance and luxury.

The Diamond Pentagon grille makes its debut at the front end, as does a new lighting signature, with LED ‘jewel constellation’ headlights and 'floating' LED tail-lights, while the massive wheel arches house 22-inch wheels.

The sloped-back roof hints at a coupe-sedan body style, or a liftback, while the dramatic nose appears to point towards the road in front.

Acura says the key design theme, 'quantum continuum', is evident in the transition of materials from the exterior to the interior of the Precision, with the door rocker panel flowing into the cabin sill and connecting with the floating rear seats.

Some of the angular design elements are reminiscent of the Lexus L Finesse design language. Lexus and Nissan-owned Infiniti are arguably Acura's biggest competitors in the US market.

The futuristic interior design includes a double-layered instrument panel, ultra-thin seats, hand-crafted audio speaker grilles made of exotic wood, a “race-inspired” sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, a floating centre dial and a head-up display.

Acura has advanced its human-machine interface (HMI) in the Precision, with a curved centre display screen operated by a floating touch-pad that scans the occupants upon entry and selects personalised functions such as audio, navigation and other settings.

No information was forthcoming about what was under the sculpted bonnet of the Precision concept.