MARK TAKAHASHI: In 1986, Honda created its own luxury
brand, Acura.
Just a few years later, Toyota and Nissan
followed suit with their Lexus and Infinity brands.
Acura's first models with the Integra hatchbacks,
in both two and four door body styles, and the larger and more
luxurious Legend sedan.
The Integra name stayed with the Acura lineup
up until the early 2000s when it was renamed the RSX.
Here we are some 20 years later and Acura revived the Integra
and it's coming our way in the first half of 2022.
Well, here it is.
At least, here's a prototype.
Before we get into the sneak peek,
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We don't have a lot of specs or information on the 2023 Integra
just yet.
But we should have them and driving impressions
in the upcoming months.
Here's what we do know.
Like previous Integras, this new one
is based on the Honda Civic platform.
Underneath the hood is a 1.5 liter four cylinder engine.
For the first time the model's history, it'll be turbocharged.
It's the same engine that's in the new Honda Civic PSI.
And we expect power output to be similar
right around 200 horsepower.
Also included is a limited slip differential
to improve traction and a sport tuned
suspension for better handling.
The standard transmission is a six speed manual unlike the SI
though, Acura will offer an automatic option.
All wheel drive seems pretty unlikely though.
At least on this prototype.
We also have upgraded brembo brakes
to shorten stopping distances.
Prices will start right around $30,000,
which is about three grand more than the Civic SI.
And it will only be available as a four door.
Sorry, no coupe this time but let's face it,
most shoppers wouldn't buy the coupe anyway.
So that's it for the specs and information we have.
Let's take a walk around to get a better sense of its styling.
The grille has been tweaked slightly
but it remains unmistakable for anything but an Acura.
It's framed nicely by these wraparound headlights
and I'm becoming a fan of these chicane accent lights too.
The hood is more pronounced almost
like a rear drive car with its length and flatter pitch.
It makes it seem visually bigger than past Integras
with their sloping hoods.
There are some really nice sharp creases
in the hood that adds some personality that's
missing from the Civic SI.
There are also some sharp creases on the body sides
that help break up any monotony.
Obviously, these splashy graphics do too.
But I wonder if it'll make it to production
or if it'll be an option from a design perspective.
The front and sides don't really get me too excited.
At the same time there's nothing I'm really critical about.
It's nice but it doesn't get the blood pumping.
The back end.
That's a different story.
Come with me.
I kind of love it.
I see hints of the Infinity G 35 or Q60 and the proportions
and the sculpting.
And maybe a little hint of Hyundai Genesis Coupe
in the tail lights.
And that's a good thing.
I really like both of those.
It really merges well with the hatchback roofline
and I think it's the best angle on the car.
Now at this point, I usually hop in and give you
a tour of the interior but sadly this prototype isn't yet ready
for prime time.
So we'll just have to be a bit more patient.
On the surface the Integra is a sportier
looking Civic Hatchback maybe enough to justify the $3,000
premium over the Civic SI.
I'm hoping its performance will increase over the Civic too.
But we won't know for sure until Acura finally lets us drive it.
There is a hint of a more powerful Type S in the works.
And we're also rooting for the revival of an Integra Type R.
One can hope, right?
Keep checking back at edmunds.com for latest Integra
developments.
And don't forget to hit Subscribe to see when we
do finally get some seat time.
As always, thanks for watching.