New Integra makes global debut

HONDA’S upmarket Acura brand gave the world its first official look at the long-awaited fifth-generation Integra in prototype form, revealing a sporty five-door liftback shape and the nameplate’s first factory turbocharged engine.

As confirmed by a recent teaser video, the engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission in a move designed to appeal to enthusiast buyers.

The “aspirational and attainable” Integra is slated to go on sale in the United States from 2023 and will be priced from “around $30,000”, Acura says. 

Finished in striking Indy Yellow Paint – which pays homage to the Phoenix Yellow offered on the iconic 2000-01 Integra Type R – the Acura Integra prototype is a “strong indication” of the exterior design to be expected from the production model and draws much of its inspiration from past Integra models, promising a similar “fun-to-drive spirit”.

“The Integra is one of the most iconic models in Acura’s history,” said Acura brand officer and president Jon Ikeda.

“This new Integra will continue to deliver on the original’s unique aspirational yet attainable market position, with emotional performance and style, combined with the versatility and utility sought after by today’s buyers,” he added.

The fifth-generation Integra is powered by a high-output Honda/Acura 1.5-litre VTEC turbo engine paired to a standard six-speed manual and limited slip differential. 

Acura did not provide output figures for the Integra prototype, though the same pairing in a North American market Honda Civic Si makes 150kW and 260Nm. 

The engine offering leaves hope that the Integra Type R might return, perhaps with a mighty 228kW/400Nm 2.0-litre unit from the Civic Type R under the hood.

Designed in Japan, the Integra prototype recalls the coupe styling of its predecessors and displays trademark design cues including the embossed Integra name beneath the driver’s side headlight and passenger-side tail-light.

The Integra prototype carries the frameless Diamond Pentagon grille premiered on the Type S Concept, which Acura says lends the front mask a “purposeful and sporty character”. 

Acura’s unique LED JewelEye lighting signature is updated with Chicane daytime running lights positioned above the headlights, “yielding an even more dramatic appearance”, Acura says.

From behind, the Integra prototype’s broad haunches and aggressive rear fascia are punctuated by dual exhaust tips, its single-piece tail-lights again sporting the brand’s Chicane lighting signature.

The Integra prototype rides on 19-inch split-five-spoke alloys and is halted by Brembo high-performance brakes, colour-keyed in Indy Yellow as another nod to the now-legendary DC2R.

It features contrasting Berlina Black accents across its wing mirror covers, roof, decklid spoiler, rear diffuser, and front grille.

Acura will launch its Integra in the United States in 2023. The model will be built at the company’s Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio alongside the Acura TLX. 

GoAuto understands that at this stage, Acura has no plans for a right-hand drive version of the Integra meaning the model is unlikely to grace Australian showrooms wearing a Honda badge.