Acura, the renowned American luxury and performance brand under Honda’s ownership, is charting an exciting course toward performance-oriented, Type-S-branded all-electric vehicles, aiming to establish its distinctive identity among rival electric cars.
Leading the charge is the highly anticipated ZDX mid-size SUV, built on the cutting-edge General Motors Ultium platform, which also serves as the foundation for the recently unveiled Honda Prologue and Cadillac Lyriq. The ZDX will introduce a Type S variant, offering a thrilling electric driving experience. Both the base ZDX and the ZDX Type S will roll off the assembly line at GM’s Spring Hill Complex in Tennessee, sharing the stage with the Lyriq.
Emile Korkor, Acura’s Assistant Vice President of National Sales, expressed the brand’s commitment to delivering a dynamic driving experience. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Korkor emphasized the importance of avoiding a “numb feeling” in cars, stating, “We want our vehicles to offer more than just raw acceleration. It’s not just about going fast in a straight line; it’s about enhancing the driving experience in everyday scenarios where speed limits apply. With electric power, we have the freedom to optimize performance by intelligently managing battery usage and refining the suspension system. These defining characteristics will set us apart, ensuring our vehicles stand out from the crowd.”
Acura’s parent company, American Honda Motor Co., has set an ambitious goal of selling up to 800,000 electric vehicles in North America by 2030. Out of this target, 500,000 EVs are allocated to the Honda brand, while Acura aims to contribute 300,000 EV sales. Although Acura’s electrification strategy remains partially shrouded in secrecy, it has hinted at a more aggressive approach compared to its sibling, Honda. The brand foresees electric vehicles comprising 60 percent of its sales volume by 2030.
The transition to electrification doesn’t signify an immediate abandonment of internal combustion engines for Acura. The automaker recognizes that traditional Acura enthusiasts, including those drawn to the sporty Integra Type S, may not be ready to embrace electric vehicles just yet. Consequently, Acura intends to keep these loyal customers engaged until they are prepared to make the switch.
“We believe that our existing lineup, from entry-level models to top-tier offerings, will cater to the performance-oriented customer base as we gradually transition to electrified vehicles, with Type S playing a pivotal role,” noted Korkor. Recognizing the untapped potential for agility and performance in the realm of electric vehicles, Acura aims to leverage its expertise to deliver dynamic capabilities that go beyond mere acceleration, thereby reinforcing its position as a performance leader.
While specific technical details regarding the forthcoming Acura ZDX are yet to be unveiled, industry insiders anticipate that it will closely resemble the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer, both utilizing the Ultium platform. This suggests that the ZDX could feature a high-voltage battery with a capacity around 100 kilowatt-hours and offer up to 415 kW (557 horsepower) in its top-spec, all-wheel drive variants. Projected driving range falls within the 250 to 320-mile bracket, judging from the Blazer’s capabilities. Enthusiasts eagerly await the official specifications of the ZDX as it makes its highly anticipated debut.
