There is something brutal, like the 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ, and something overly theatrical, like the Batman car, about the Acura Advance. This striking quality of the design makes a big impression, but for most it was not a positive impression. The view of most designers we spoke to at the LA show was that it was an unattractive design that lacked sophistication in its theme or resolution. None-the-less there are many interesting design elements within the car and it might be part of a strategy to prepare the market for more aggressive Acura production design in the future...

Advance's core design elements are deep sheer-surfaced extremities with a simple V-shape in plan, deep body side scallop, sharp shoulder crease line that encircles the hood surface which sits recessed within this, and a shield-like grille design. A full depth central vertical rear light, Acura embossed twin door handle (the hard model show car suggested that the rear door would open from a rear hinge) and low set front lamps were also interesting details.

Ultimately this fanciful design seems to be a missed opportunity: it could have proposed a new thematic direction for forthcoming Acuras; instead it lacks any apparent relevance to the brand.