the SEMA Show is the ultimate car show when it comes to modified vehicles and aftermarket parts and accessories, but it is also an opportunity to have some fun with various concepts. Acura is the latest firm to join this year's event, but unlike other automakers that modified existing cars, it created a custom trailer for the NSX GT3 race car. The trailer is being towed by a matching, beefed-up MDX SUV, giving the NSX the perfect transportation vehicle for racing events across the United States.

A joint collaboration between Acura Design, led by Dave Marek, Acura’s Executive Creative Director, and the Jimmy Shine Workshop, the trailer incorporates styling elements from both the NSX GT3 it's supposed to carry and the MDX that provides the necessary motivation. The trailer is fully functional and was designed using the latest building techniques. But, even though it is promoted as a next-generation trailer, there's no official word as to whether it will go into production. Most likely it won't as Acura isn't planning to offer such transportation assemblies anytime soon, but outsourcing the project to another firm in order to provide optional trailers to NSX GT3 customers could be on the table in the future.

But, until that happens, let's have a closer look at this unique MDX and trailer combo and possibly the most advanced transportation platform we'll see at SEMA this year.

Continue reading to find out more about the Acura MDX custom trailer.

Exterior

Comparison: Acura MDX NSX GT3 Custom Trailer vs Standard Acura MDX

The most important part of the project is obviously the trailer, which comes in a rather standard two-axle layout, but sports a modern, sleek design. The first thing that catches the eye is the lower than usual ride height for a trailer, with the platform sitting only a few inches above the ground in the wheel area. The surface that carries the car is actually higher, but the two horizontal bars just behind the wheels give it a sporty ride height. The arches are also unusual for a trailer, wrapping around 75 percent of the tires, which is similar to the NSX race car. Needless to say, these features make the trailer rather unpractical on bumpy roads, but perfect on smooth surfaces, such as race track.

Just over 23 feet long and 112 inches wide, the trailer is powder-coated in Pearl White to match the Acura MDX up front and NSX GT3 it carries. It also features orange accents on its chassis and wheels, the latter also having a sporty rim design in gloss-black. Both the black and the orange match the highlights seen on the NSX GT3 and MDX. At the rear, it has two elements that mimic a racing wing. It probably doesn't do anything as far as aerodynamics go, but it definitely helps with the racy look.

Moving over to the SUV, it's far from standard. Although most of the body work is identical to the SUV you can buy in showrooms, the front bumper is devoid of daytime running lights and sports a big splitter with orange accents. The wheel design is similar to the trailer's, being based on the race car for which this transporter combo was designed. Finally, the Pearl White paint is highlighted by light-gray geometric shapes placed in an apparently random layout on the front fenders and doors.

Interior

Note: Standard Acura MDX interior shown here.

The only thing we can talk about here is the SUVs cabin. Unfortunately, Acura didn't provide any details, so either changes aren't noteworthy or the MDX is bone-stock on the inside. The latter is more likely, as the main highlight of this build is the trailer.

Drivetrain

Although trailers don't have engines, there is some sort of drivetrain we can talk about, as loading and unloading a vehicle requires working, movable parts. In this case, the trailer comes with hydraulic pumps powered by a 12-volt battery. The system lifts and lowers the bed, while also extending the platform to allow the vehicle to be driven on and off the trailer.

Moving over to the drivetrain that actually motivates the platform, Acura had nothing to say about the unit powering the MDX. So it's safe to assume we're looking at a standard SUV engine-wise. Facelifted for 2017, the MDX kept the familiar 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet, but also received a hybrid drivetrain. Consisting of a 3.0-liter V-6, an electric motor, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission it generates 325 horsepower. Given that the NSX GT3 is also a hybrid, Acura probably went with gasoline-electric combo for the MDX too.

Conclusion

Needless to say, Acura designed a neat-looking concept that not only can be used as a full-time trailer for the NSX GT3 car, but will also wow SEMA visitors with its unique approach. I actually think it would make a great production trailer for customer race cars, but Acura needs to do something with the ride height. The current setup probably works well on smooth road surfaces, highways, and pitlanes, but it's not exactly suitable for less than even roads. But, even if it remains only a concept, this custom trailer is a great piece of work and a cool alternative to the otherwise utilitarian and dull-looking platform designs.