Last time we checked, today isn’t April Fool’s, but apparently Acura is going to revive the Integra in 2022. That’s right, the 90s Tuner Era darling, perhaps even the platonic ideal of a sport compact, will be making a comeback next year.
The surprise announcement came during Monterey Car Week, where Acura was also unveiling the 2022 NSX Type S. That reveal was bittersweet, because while the Type S is the most potent NSX yet and will have a host of performance upgrades — a boost to 600 horsepower, bigger turbos from the NSX GT3 race car, more powerful batteries, and the all-important red engine cover — it’s only going to be offered for one year, and that year will be the NSX’s last. After 2022, there will be no more NSX for the foreseeable future.
However, the Integra news arrived with some flair, using drones in the Monterey night sky to spell out “Integra” and give a hint as to the car’s profile. Roadshow’s Daniel Golson captured the moment.
“The Integra is back,” Acura VP Jon Ikeda said. “I’m thrilled to say Integra is returning to the Acura lineup with the same fun-to-drive spirit and DNA of the original, fulfilling our commitment to Precision Crafted Performance in every way—design, performance and the overall driving experience.”
While precious little is known about the Integra right now, the teaser image does provide one throwback clue. The “INTEGRA” logo is debossed and located on the bumper near the left headlight, exactly like the third-generation Integra. As one of the most beloved nameplates in Acura history, and a huge influence on getting Americans hooked on Japanese sport compacts, there’s a lot riding on this name. We look forward to seeing what comes of it.
I hope this portends a good future for small car performance at Honda. Still one has to wonder about how this new Integra will actually pan out, what with the Civic platform on which it no doubt will be based, tipping the scales at 3000+ pounds. My fear is it will turn out to be what the Detroit manufacturers would call a “personal luxury car”, that is, a car with “sporty” styling and all the reflexes of a beached whale. Think Thunderbird.
Honda needs to turn things around and get their old fun to drive mojo back. Please make the new Integra a willing and agile dance partner, and not just another ILX, that trips over it’s own feet when the tempo of the music picks up above that of elevator music.
Mustang Mach-E. Need I say more?
I heard a rumor it would be 2800-ish pound NA 226hp 8600rpm 6-speed manual coupe. I sure hope it doesn’t turn out to be what the CR-Z was to the CRX.
I doubt the normally aspirated part of your post ACSK , as Honda has no such engine in it’s inventory, but I hope the rest is accurate. And yeah, the last thing Honda needs is another CR-Z or Del Sol debacle.
Looking forward to seeing one with a K24 and giant turbo making 1000whp on youtube in 2-3 years.
Honda, give us a Prelude version please!
Or, better yet, shorten up the wheelbase, ditch the rear seating, and pin a CRX badge on it. Honda would get my money for sure if that happened.
Compared to the fan render that’s been buzzing about for the past few days, Honda’s actual photo leaves a lot to be desired. That big stately upright grille just doesn’t suit a small sports car. Its like tacking a Rolls Royce front end on a Miata.
Acura and Honda design language seems to have a big distinction.
Like the NSX and NSX Type S, design decision seems to come from Acura.
Many Honda Asia owners felt like Acura design language is more catering towards American market, what do you think?