2023 Acura Integra Revives a Beloved Nameplate, Stirs up Controversy
The 2023 Acura Integra revives a beloved nameplate that’s been gone for 20 years, but some folks aren’t happy with it.
Bringing back anything that has a rabid fanbase is always a risk. Most of the time, movie sequels are never as good as the originals, and worst case, they do nothing but make fans hate Hollywood for even trying to recapture that magic. The same phenomenon often happens in the automotive world as well, and we’re seeing it right now with the recent reveal of the 2023 Acura Integra. After tremendous excitement revolving around a handful of teasers, a lot of folks were let down by the full unveiling of the 2023 Acura Integra prototype seen here, but should they be?
It’s been 20 years since the last-gen Integra was discontinued in the U.S. market, and now it has returned with a heavy dose of Civic underneath. The 2023 Integra shares a lot in common with the Civic Si, including its platform, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, and limited-slip differential. No power figures have been shared just yet, but the big news here is a six-speed manual will be available with rev-matching, while an automatic is also available as an option – something you can’t get in a new Si.
Many aren’t happy with the fact that the 2023 Integra is so heavily influenced by the Civic, and that’s fair. Some are also displeased by the fact that the new Integra is a four-door hatchback and not a two-door, but this body style was present on the first-gen Integra, so it’s not unprecedented, at least. Overall styling features influence from the second- and third-get models, with a bit of modern Acura flair thrown in for good measure. Looks are highly subjective, and the Integra has understandably created some decidedly mixd reactions in that department.
Outside of these details, Acura didn’t provide much additional information about the Integra, save for the fact that it will launch next year with a price tag of around $30,000. This prototype is just the first of many trim levels and performance variants to come, including, most assuredly, a Type S and/or Type R model. And while we understand the qualms many have with this very first example, we’re just happy to see the return of a beloved nameplate and another fun, manual-equipped, affordable car on the market. As far as how we feel about the new Integra, well, we’ll reserve judgement for when we actually get to drive it.
Photos: Acura
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