The Acura Integra Prototype Previews a Return to Sport-Compact Glory

 

The Acura Integra Prototype Previews a Return to Sport-Compact Glory

After 20 years, Acura is bringing the Integra back. The Integra Prototype is a concept that previews the production Acura Integra that's set to arrive at dealers next year as a 2023 model. Starting at a base price of around $30,000, the new Integra seeks to continue the legend of the sport-compact that helped launch the brand here in America. With a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed manual, Acura hopes this will be a continuation of the legendary name. The Acura Integra Prototype Previews a Return to Sport-Compact Glory

Acura is looking to its past for inspiration, trying to win over the sort of enthusiasts who gravitated towards the brand when it was new on the scene. Nowhere is this more evident than with this, the Integra Prototype, a preview of the upcoming 2023 Acura Integra. It's a long-awaited comeback for the sport-compact icon, and when it arrives in dealers in 2022, it will start at around $30,000. The Acura Integra Prototype Previews a Return to Sport-Compact Glory

This will be the fifth generation for the Integra, and the return of the nameplate to the U.S. after a 20-year absence. (The fourth-generation Integra was sold as the Acura RSX here.) As with all Honda/Acura "prototype" vehicles, the Integra Prototype previews the exterior design of the upcoming production car. Expect the production 2023 Integra to look almost completely identical to this. The Acura Integra Prototype Previews a Return to Sport-Compact Glory

Acura is saving most mechanical details for a later date, but in a livestream presentation tonight, Ikeda confirmed that the new Integra will use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. In the current Civic Si, this engine makes 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, so we expect similar output in the new Integra. As with all previous models, we expect the fifth-gen Integra will borrow heavily from the Civic.

Acura has also confirmed that the new Integra will offer a manual transmission—the first in an Acura in five years—and the teaser video that announced this fact shows a center console almost identical to the current Civic Si. The car will come with a limited-slip differential as well.

The car debuted in a striking coat of Indy Yellow Pearl, a color made famous by Acura's other performance icon, the NSX. Acura president Jon Ikeda noted that this color was inspired by the third-generation Integra Type R's signature Phoenix Yellow paint.

So The Acura Integra Prototype Previews a Return to Sport-Compact Glory

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