Acura Integra is Reborn and Will Look Like This
The return of the Acura Integra is finally becoming real with the introduction of the next-generation Integra Prototype. The famous sporty compact, which was replaced by the RSX in the early 2000s, will hit the road again next year as a 2023 model.
As demonstrated by the latest RDX and MDX, Acura prototypes (and Honda’s) tend to be near production-ready, so what you see here is a pretty good indicator of the car that will come out of the factory.
- Also: Acura Integra to Offer 6-speed Manual Gearbox
- Also: There Will Be Another Acura NSX, Company Says
Five-door Liftback
The Acura Integra is coming back not as a coupe like the last one but rather as a five-door liftback, a body style that was available when the original debuted in Canada. The swooping roofline gives it a very dynamic profile.
Up front, the look is typical Acura with a Diamond Pentagon grille and "Chicane" LED daytime running lights similar to those on the TLX. The taillights are unlike anything else, though. The company says it put a lot of effort into the design in order to please today’s young drivers.
By the way, the Integra Prototype's striking Indy Yellow Pearl paint is borrowed from the NSX supercar and simultaneously pays tribute to the iconic 2000-2001 Integra Type R’s Phoenix Yellow. High-gloss Berlina Black accents have been applied to the roof, decklid spoiler, mirror caps, rear diffuser and front grille.
An Integra With a Civic Engine
Driving enthusiasts will be happy to learn that a six-speed manual transmission is available, unlike the TLX. An automatic transmission will also be offered.
As for the engine, Acura will likely disappoint a number of fans, settling for the Civic Si’s turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder. There’s no information yet about power, torque or acceleration times, unfortunately. A limited-slip differential is included, but we don’t know if the car has front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Brembo performance brakes take care of slowing down the 19-inch wheels.
"The Integra is an exciting new chapter in the history of one of the most iconic models Acura has ever built," said James Marchand Assistant Vice President Acura Canada. "It's return marks our commitment to delivering performance-focused and fun to drive vehicles that are rich in style, versatility and attainable to a variety of consumers and lifestyles."
The production-spec 2023 Acura Integra will launch in the first half of next year with a starting price in the mid-$30,000s in Canada, slotting between the entry-level ILX sedan and the TLX. As always, keep following The Car Guide for more details.