High-performance electric vehicles are hitting the spotlight as automakers amp up their ambitions for EV lineups. The electric vehicle (EV) renaissance isn’t just about making cars quieter and cleaner; it’s also about performance.
Acura recently confirmed plans for a new electric performance car, which will follow the high standards set by their previous NSX models. During the 2024 Monterey Car Week, Shinji Aoyama, global executive vice president for Acura's parent company Honda, indicated this car would be based on the Zero EV platform.
While it won’t necessarily be named NSX, Aoyama described it as akin to the iconic vehicle. This new electric car will be manufactured at Honda's extensive facility near Marysville, Ohio, dubbed the Honda EV Hub, which is also home to the Performance Manufacturing Center.
The production site is being retooled for EV output, and the initiative is aimed at creating lightweight electric vehicles. Aoyama stated the focus would not be on solid-state batteries, signifying Honda's commitment to innovative battery design.
Acura teased this new model last year with the Acura Electric Vision Design concept, aiming to inspire a modern electric lineup. The transformation is part of Acura’s broader strategy, which also included hints of the next-generation NSX powered by something other than traditional internal combustion or hybrid setups.
Shifting gears to Rimac, the company’s ambitions also stretch beyond traditional electric models. During the reveal of the Nevera R, which is itself an upgraded hypercar version, CEO Mate Rimac announced plans for a track-only vehicle intended to outperform both Formula 1 and Le Mans racing cars.
The upcoming single-seater is expected to feature closed cockpit technology and won't be derived from the Nevera’s design, signaling Rimac’s intent to innovate from their existing models. Rimac expressed excitement about this venture, mentioning it could lead to setting new records as soon as next year.
Interestingly, the specifics around whether the Rimac track car will be fully electric have yet to be disclosed. Rimac has noted the potential to incorporate alternative fuels, including hydrogen and natural gas, as the company continues to push boundaries beyond solely electric technologies.
On the competitive front, Rimac faces challenges from major players like Red Bull Racing, which is developing its two-seater track vehicle, the RB17. This car will sport a powerful naturally aspirated V-10 coupled with hybrid technology, generating upwards of 1,200 horsepower.
Meanwhile, news from Ford suggests they are addressing potential issues with 757 Mavericks related to previous recalls. This development showcases the industry's need for rigorous safety and quality standards as they pivot toward electric solutions.
The increasing speed of development and competition among automakers emphasizes the push toward high-performance electric vehicles. Whether through innovative designs, racing ambitions, or safety measures, the industry seems ready to transform the way performance is viewed on both the road and the racetrack.
With companies like Acura and Rimac leading the charge, the future of high-performance electric vehicles is not just bright, it’s exhilarating. The combination of cutting-edge technology, design, and performance promises to bring about exciting changes for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
