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Meh. Even if it looks good, like the TLX concept, it'll just be dumbed down and the athletic red won't be available at release, just like the TLX.
OK, I'm only half kidding.
I'll be in Detroit to get pics of this, regardless. It can't be the new ILX, it's not due for replacement yet and just had MMC. Can't be the TLX, just replaced. There's no marketing of the RLX, so maybe it is a new RLX. I sure hope so.
Or, maybe it is something altogether different. We'll see in less than a month!
How much in advance of the Detroit show would Acura typically indicate what if any new concept cars or new production models would be shown at the show? Wouldn't they already have indicated that they would unveil something to build the drama, even if they hadn't teased a shadowy pic like the one posted above?
I like the idea of a 2 dr coup, RLX sport hybrid.....a passable rear seat, slightly smaller and lighter than the current RLX SH but with the same great drive train and power. That kind of option would make many of us beta testers drool with envy. A more affordable and practical version of the NSX! I think that would really help with the Brand image, even if the production numbers were limited.
After further reading online, I'm left wondering if this concept will be nothing more than a "fantasy" design concept to let Acura's designer gauge public opinion of some styling ideas that MAY find their way into Acura designs in 2020 and beyond when the RLX, ILX and TLX are due for their scheduled FMC's.
After further reading online, I'm left wondering if this concept will be nothing more than a "fantasy" design concept to let Acura's designer gauge public opinion of some styling ideas that MAY find their way into Acura designs in 2020 and beyond when the RLX, ILX and TLX are due for their scheduled FMC's.
You're probably right. And seeing as how they've done this in the past, it will probably lay the ground work for new models due in 2018 like the RLX refresh, that's still two years out (not 2020).
The approach is very similar to the "Advanced Sedan Concept" vehicle they released at the LA Auto Show in 2006, which was when they first introduced the "Power Plenum" design language. That concept design paved the path (and a very bad path IMO) for numerous sedan designs we saw come to production from 2009-2013 like the horrendous 4G TL, the lack-luster 2G RL MMC, and so on. You can easily tell they were trying to cater to Cadillac customers (bad move). But the concept car was nothing more than just that, a concept car to lock in the design language for the next 5-6 years of production vehicles.
So I think you're dead on Hondamore and if the past is any indicator, we'll see this take the same strategy. The good news is that this upcoming "Precision Crafted Performance" concept doesnt look to be anywhere near as weird and grotesque as that monster from 2006, and looks to take a lot of cues from the NSX styling.
I also think this confirms we probably wont see anything major come of the 2017 model for the RLX and won't come until at least 2018, so that def seals the deal for me on moving to Audi for the TT for at least the next 1-2 years until the next gen of Acura sedans come around based off this upcoming concept.
Last edited by holografique; Dec 19, 2015 at 07:21 AM.
You're probably right. And seeing as how they've done this in the past, it will probably lay the ground work for new models due in 2018 like the RLX refresh, that's still two years out (not 2020).
The approach is very similar to the "Advanced Sedan Concept" vehicle they released at the LA Auto Show in 2006, which was when they first introduced the "Power Plenum" design language. That concept design paved the path (and a very bad path IMO) for numerous sedan designs we saw come to production from 2009-2013 like the horrendous 4G TL, the lack-luster 2G RL MMC, and so on. You can easily tell they were trying to cater to Cadillac customers (bad move). But the concept car was nothing more than just that, a concept car to lock in the design language for the next 5-6 years of production vehicles.
So I think you're dead on Hondamore and if the past is any indicator, we'll see this take the same strategy. The good news is that this upcoming "Precision Crafted Performance" concept doesnt look to be anywhere near as weird and grotesque as that monster from 2006, and looks to take a lot of cues from the NSX styling.
I also think this confirms we probably wont see anything major come of the 2017 model for the RLX and won't come until at least 2018, so that def seals the deal for me on moving to Audi for the TT for at least the next 1-2 years until the next gen of Acura sedans come around based off this upcoming concept.
At least the first peak at this NEW design concept looks "pretty cool" and, in comparison to the earlier concept holographique shared, it's down right gorgeous.
There's provenance to the Integra and Legend names, but I'm not sure about the Vigor. I think I recall some bad press about the five cylinder motor.
And if they want to give us more vowels, they'll have to decide what to do with the MDX and RDX, which are selling very well despite unpronounceable names.
There's provenance to the Integra and Legend names, but I'm not sure about the Vigor. I think I recall some bad press about the five cylinder motor.
And if they want to give us more vowels, they'll have to decide what to do with the MDX and RDX, which are selling very well despite unpronounceable names.
I owned a 1993 Vigor. Bought new (actually a demo) and drove for 8 years.
No issues with the motor. The criticism against it was that it was viewed as a bit noisy and the gas mileage wasn't such that it had an advantage over the inline 6 in the BMW 3 series. Given the longitudidly (sp?) mounted engine (like it's big brother Legend), the balance was pretty good. The other criticism was that for a four door, the back seat was pretty tight. Actually for me it was unusable when I had the seat all the way back, but I bought the car when I was single, got married and had kids in car seats and then moved to a 2001 TL.
The Vigor was my initial leap from the domestics and was my first Acura. My brother had a '92 Vigor and was the one who sold me on the car. He gave it to my mom and she still has it. It's in her place in Florida and she drives it whenever she is down there. I guess it's almost a classic.
I did enjoy my Vigor. The transmission did self-destruct when it had just over 100K miles and we replaced the unit with a used one.
Why'd you post that monstrosity in this thread? That can't be unseen!
*Bob averts eyes*
Yea I know. It hurts my soul.
But honestly, I think it's a good reminder for those folks who don't understand why Acura has gotten soo much distaste over the last few years on their sedan exterior designs. I don't think a lot of people realize where the last few years of design language came from.
The only thing good that came out of that concept were the jewel eye headlights. I believe that was the first time they were introduced in any Acura vehicle design?
If the next RLX looks like the Acura Precision Concept released today, and keeps the eSH-AWD system, and the price is reasonable, I will be first in line to buy one. I love the design.
Please, please, please, pleeeeeeeeze Acura let the 2018 RLX be like this--bold, yet pleasing.
If they can deliver a product like that INCLUDING the wheels and big brakes, that will be a slam dunk worthy of a "flagship" designation. My check book is ready Acura. Go build it and I will buy it!!!!
I'm not letting my Blackbird leave my hands though.
Very nice. Interesting, edgy and well proportioned. I can see the C pillar form already in the new Civic. I am sure this concept captures intended design themes going forward.
That said, it reminds me of the Buick Avista also launched at Detroit. Different face and tail, but similar proportions and profiles. Seems this is the new shape of premium sedans (IMHO introduced with the Audi A7). And I can already hear the carping on the lack of rear headroom to accommodate that sloping coupe-like roof-line.
That and the rear 3/4. This is a slam dunk external design IMHO.
As long as Acura starts the sedan redesign process with the RLX (i.e. do the FLAGSHIP sedan first) and not the ILX, I'll be happy. .
1+ to this.
In addition, they should update the entire Acura line up first before moving down to Hondas.
But sadly Honda seems to have its priorities screwed up.
Unfortunately for me at first glance (which Ikeda has noted is the important moment in which to capture your customers), I'm not a fan of the front or rear. I like all the other aspects of it, but it looks too much like a mix of a muscle car (Dodge Charger) trying to be as futuristic as a Tesla. And I've never been a fan of "muscle cars". I've always preferred sleek modern sophistication that carries just the right balance of sizzle and sex appeal.
It also seems like a departure from the NSX language versus carrying (and creating) a lineage. Something Acura continues to be unable to do, create a lineage.
But...at the end of the day, rather than harp about it and put blame on Acura, it's ultimately me who simply doesn't like Acura's general production direction and strategy anymore. For me form is just as much as important as function. And the reality is that I've simply become more and more appreciative of German design & form. That's all there is to it. Acura is who they are and will continue to do what they think is best as a company, and my opinions, thoughts, ideas, likes and dislikes...are nothing more than just that.
While we have yet to see how all of this translates into actual products, if the new Civic and some of the similar elements we see here in this concept are indication of where things are headed, then it really is time for me to move onward.
I really like the look of the design concept, but I will definitely be one of those "carping" about the design when it gets to production if it takes a shoe horn and a can of Crisco to get into the back seat.
It looks like this concept signals the death of the "shield" in the grill - hooray - and instead sticking to a uniquely Acura shaped opening in front.
Overall, it shows a good direction to move forward.
1+ to this.
In addition, they should update the entire Acura line up first before moving down to Hondas.
But sadly Honda seems to have its priorities screwed up.
I'm guessing this grill will be seen in the Acura line up first since Honda is plastering that gawd awful chrome grill on their cars.
Acura needs to build and put the Legend name on it and the design would look even hotter with 2 less doors but we all remember the tlx prototype, hopefully they are taking notes from Nissan (build as close to prototype and they will buy it) love it
If you squint your eyes do you see any resemblance? Please offer some me some liberty as I am just looking at the front clip and grill basic layout.
Don't worry, you're not the first to mention the resemblance to "Mazda". And I definitely agree it's very Mazda-esque. Not sure yet if that's a good thing, a bad thing, or a null thing.
What has me thinking now is going back to the concept from 2006, and how we saw "trickles" of the concept design makes it's way to the 2009 TL. And while the results of that were horrendous, my point in bringing it up is that all in all, the concept was VERY far off from what the actual production models finally came out to be from 2009 to 2013. This is a concept, not a prototype, meaning it won't carry anywhere near the semblance or similarities as we saw with the TLX prototype and the final production model.
So if history repeats itself, we'll see some small elements of this thing start showing up in 2018 (2019 models). My bet is we'll see the grill and some of the sharper lines start showing up in the next RLX. Maybe a few elements of the rear section as well. But not a complete overhaul as we see above. And I think that may end up coming out really nice as I do like certain elements of the current body designs. It's all gonna come down to the details and how they balance the mix and mash of current design with the new concepts above.
I do like how they accentuated the heavy shoulders on the rear wheel wells. Something that I always liked about the pre-MMC ILX body design.
My quick reaction to the concept is that the "beak is back". I am not a big fan of the front end of the concept.
Perhaps it also hints to a 2 dr. "sport coupe" version of the RLX. I am probably dating myself but I remember the 2 dr Legend coupe that came out shortly the original Acura debuted in the mid '80s.
In addition to the similarity to the A-7, the basic lines remind me of the CLS Benz which first appeared 10 years ago. It was referred to as a 4 door coupe.
At least Acura seems to be acknowledging they need to be more aggressive in their design language
I think if they just tighten up that grill area a bit by raising the lower section by an inch or so to make it thinner, it would blend better with the overall sleekness of the car
Those are the types of "details" I mentioned earlier that are still to be seen once they start to actually implement this language into the future lineup.
They are calling the beak, 'Diamond Pentagon Grille'. But it has six sides, not 5. Perhaps 'Diamond Polygon Grille' would be more accurate, if less dramatic.
I see the love child of Mazda, and Cadillac with some Mercedes ques.
^^^When viewed directly from the front and in a 2 dimensional frame of reference, the grill shape is a pentagon. That is, the top of the opening is flat when viewed 2D from the front. When viewed from a side angle, the top appears to have two sides because of the projection away from and towards the center of the car.
Sorry if I just confused the issue further with a clumsy explanation.
maybe it is a new RLX. I sure hope so.
Perhaps 'Diamond Polygon Grille' would be more accurate, if less dramatic.