Yahoo Autos 2023 Acura Integra: Everything We Know So Far
Update 11/11/21: Acura just revealed the Integra Prototype, previewing the production 2023 Integra set to arrive at dealers next year.
The Acura Integra is one of the most celebrated front-wheel-drive performance cars to ever leave Japan. Initially launched in 1986 alongside the Acura brand, the Integra would leave the U.S. market after three generations back in 2001. After more than 20 years, Acura has announced that the Integra is coming back in 2022, and previewed the exterior styling with a new "Prototype." Here's what we know.
Turbo Power and a Six-Speed
At the reveal of the Integra Prototype, Acura president Jon Ikeda confirmed that the new Integra would be powered by Honda's 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder. In the new Civic Si, the engine makes 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. The automaker previously confirmed that a six-speed manual will be the standard transmission, fulfilling the wishes of many enthusiasts. The teaser image and video announcing the manual gearbox bears a striking resemblance to the Civic Si's shifter.
A Surprise Announcement
News about the 2022 Integra came as a surprise following the debut of the NSX Type S during Monterey Car Week 2021. A fleet of drones was responsible for letting everyone in on the secret, lighting up the sky in a rather spectacular fashion. The drones first assumed the shape of a first-generation Integra, before the shape morphed into the upcoming offering. From there, the word Integra was illuminated in an oh-so Nineties style font. Thankfully for everyone, journalists at the reveal of the NSX Type S managed to capture some photos of the surprise drone show in action. While not as detailed as other forms of teasers, the drones did give us a look at what a variant of the new sporty compact could be shaped like.
Acura just announced that the Integra is coming back next year with a freaking drone show pic.twitter.com/8mQEi04MCV
— Daniel Golson (@dsgolson) August 13, 2021
The Five-Door Hatchback Returns
Back in September, Acura released a teaser image of the Integra with a five-door hatchback design. Fans of the nameplate might note that this is the first time we've seen a five-door Integra since the first-generation model debuted. This surprise was met with some hesitancy from fans, as the Integra is perhaps most famously remembered as a two-door model. That said, the automaker hasn't entirely ruled out the possibility of a variant with just a single pair of doors joining the lineup.
The general shape isn't the only place Acura is harking back to the past however. A teaser image uploaded by the automaker highlights the headlight design of the new Integra, which are accented by the same "Integra" script below the lenses as the older variants. Furthermore, Jon Ikeda, vice president of Acura, said at the event that the new car will carry the same fun-to-drive spirit as its ancestors. More specifically, the 2023 Integra will adhere to the brand's mantra of precision crafted performance across every aspect of the car.
In an interview with MotorTrend, Ikeda confirmed the Integra's design has already been locked in. He also confirmed the Integra will be Acura's new entry-level vehicle, but makes it clear it will not be an ILX replacement.
Platform Potential
While Acura hasn't shared any details about what platform will underpin the Integra for the 2023 model year, there are some likely candidates. Basing the Integra off of the Honda Civic platform wouldn't be a bad move for Acura, as its parent company has already developed a ton of performance hardware for the hot Civic models. MotorTrend is confident the Integra will use the Civic's underpinnings. Lesser Integras could follow a similar strategy as the other Civics, though that remains speculation at this time. MotorTrend has gone a step further to suggest the car will arrive in AWD form.
Expect More News Soon
With the Integra returning for the 2023 model year, we won't have to wait much longer for more details about the returning icon. Whether or not the car is able to capture the same love from enthusiast as its predecessor, we're glad to see Acura taking performance cars seriously again. This post will be updated as more information about the Integra comes to light, but for now you know as much as we do.
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