Acura's press conference was all about one car: the Advanced Sports Car Concept.

This design study was introduced by Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co. and Jon Ikeda, head of the company’s California design team, who created it. It’s the first step toward a new version of the much-loved NSX high-performance coupe―and the presenters hinted that this, or something close to it, is likely to show up at Tokyo’s auto show this fall.

Photo Gallery: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

“Advance” is very much the keyword for Acura. “Our goal is to help our customers get where they're going more quickly, more efficiently, and more connected to the world [using] advanced technology” said Mr Fukui. “This commitment can be summed up in just one word: Advance.”

The Advanced Sports Car pays homage to the original NSX with its broad, low stance, wraparound rear lights and inset, all-black glass cockpit. A realistic design, it’s exotic and head-turning, but not outlandish. Complex sinewy curves and fold lines emerge from and vanish back into the metalwork; front and rear the centerline is sharply defined with a vertical crease. Side repeater indicators sit in triangular recesses that ensure they’re visible only from intended angles. Silver-painted body panels have a silky textured paint finish described as “machined." It sits on 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear. From the rear, the carbon fiber underside with its airflow diffusers do more than hint at its performance potential.

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Emphasizing his company’s sporting credentials, Mr. Fukui said "[Our] burning desire for performance can be found in Acura products. The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive. This vehicle is about more than just great styling. As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance.”

Exactly what that advanced technology will be isn’t yet clear, though one important point was revealed: at the core of that vision is the new V10 engine, the most powerful Acura powerplant ever. The front-mounted engine drives all four wheels via Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system.

“Exciting” is an easily overused word when it comes to concepts but this is one time it’s safe to use it. We’re eager to see where Acura will take Advanced Sports Car Concept next.