After a few great teasers and even a clip of all four generations rowing their shift levers, Acura USA has unveiled the Integra Prototype at a simple digital broadcast event earlier today.
When the company first announced the revival of the nameplate, many expected the Integra to bring back fond memories of the DC2 and DC5 Honda Integra Type-R models, the exceptionally good compact coupes with very admirable dynamism.
However, Acura was quick to point out that earlier generations of Acura Integra’s are also available in five-door fastback body type, and as such, this fifth-generation (to be called 2023 Acura Integra) continues the lineage.
Visually, when compared to the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback, the “hardlines” of the Integra Prototype’s body structure are familiar- the windscreen angle, the thickness of the A-pillar, the long bonnet and even the shape of the rear doors all point to the Honda model.
However, Acura has restyled the C-pillar on the Integra Prototype, omitting the sharp upwards kink that is a new Honda design signature. The rear quarters have been heavily reworked with bulging wheel arches to create the fastback visual look. Both the front and rear bumpers also display trademark cues of the sporty model with an embossed Integra name at the right corners when viewed straight ahead.
The Acura Integra Prototype model is painted with a striking Indy Yellow Pearl paint that pays homage to the Phoenix Yellow that was offered on the iconic 2000 Integra Type R. The yellow highlights are also applied to the large brake calipers and exhaust tips.
The Honda Integra sedan is being offered, but only in China! More info here!
While we earlier speculated that the 2023 Acura Integra could be fitted with a larger displacing turbocharged engine, an existing 1.5-litre unit from the 2022 Honda Civic Si will be used to keep the pricing within USD30,000 (approx. RM125k), signalling the replacement of the ageing Acura ILX that is also based on a Honda Civic sedan.
At USD27,300, the 2022 Honda Civic Si (only in a sedan) pairs its 202 hp / 260 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission and helical-type limited-slip differential driving the front wheels.
The 2023 Acura Integra will be made in the USA at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio and is targeted to reach dealers by the first half of next year.
