GoKawiilAcura unveiled the Nexera Vision concept this weekend during Monterey Car Week in California. The low-slung GT coupe blends motorsports and racing hardware with high-end materials and design — but the element most likely to trickle down to dealerships isn’t the bodywork. It’s the light signature, which Acura says will grace future models starting with the upcoming RDX Hybrid.
The concept lands as Acura works to refocus on hybridization. The automaker recently canceled its upcoming RSX SUV as part of Honda’s broader North American EV retreat.
When illuminated, the phantom light signature highlights the concept’s aggressive aerodynamic elements. Acura
The new face of Acura
The Nexera Vision was designed at the Acura Design California studio in Los Angeles under the direction of Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura’s creative director and vice-president of auto design. Acura says the concept will influence the styling of future models beginning with the fourth-generation RDX Hybrid.
“To reinforce the new Acura styling identity, we developed a unique lighting signature inspired by the Acura ‘A’ mark,” Tsuchida said. “The Nexera Vision sets the course for the next generation of Acura design, and we are committed to evolving that direction with clarity, consistency and purpose across future Acura products.”
At the front and rear of the concept, you’ll find what Acura calls “phantom lighting” — angular slashes of ultra-thin headlight and taillight strips that disappear into the bodywork, only appearing when illuminated. The result is uninterrupted sculpted surfacing when parked, but a high-contrast highlight of the coupe’s more aggressive aerodynamic elements when it’s time to drive. The main A-shaped lights are complemented by vertical light strips marking the vehicle’s centerline and illuminated “Acura” lettering at the rear.
Rear visibility looks poor, but that’s OK for a concept car. Acura
Motorsports-inspired proportions
Following that fascia is a low-slung GT coupe chassis with dual-hinge butterfly doors, active aerodynamic elements and a wide, sporty stance, all finished in matte titanium paint. Acura points to the concept’s long dash-to-axle ratio as a hallmark of classic race car proportions, though the “aero-channel” front end — designed to route air through a small grille, up and over the hood — gives it an oddly long front overhang. Personally, I think this long nose leaves the concept’s proportions looking a bit wonky and awkward.
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