The Enthusiast Performance Sedan Reborn
The last time we saw the Acura Integra was in 2001 as a coupe. A favorite of tuners, especially the high-performance Type R, 20 years later it remains popular with a very loyal fan base. Acura wants to rekindle that spirit with the all-new 2023 Integra, which was shown to the media at a Los Angeles event this week.
Sharing a platform with the Honda Civic sedan, the Integra will replace the ILX sedan in the Acura line-up. When the NSX goes out of production in the next year the Integra, along with the TSX, will be the performance arm of Acura.
The fifth-generation 2023 Acura Integra will come with a high-output turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual with a limited-slip differential or an automatic. Power numbers, curb weight and fuel economy were not revealed at the World Premiere event in Los Angeles on November 11, but expect the performance and efficiency to follow the same lines as other Honda and Acura compact sedans.
The Integra’s fastback, five-door hatchback design has a smooth body, beginning with what Acura calls the frameless Diamond Pentagon grille. Up close, the grille has an intricate design and is framed by the LED head and daytime running lights. The sweep from the grille to the subtle rear lip spoiler is one contiguous line with a sloping rear glass.
Something Borrowed, Something Powerful
The prototype Integra rolled onto the stage was painted Indy Yellow Pearl–borrowed from the NSX. The matte-finish 19-inch split-five spoke wheels looked sharp with Brembo calipers painted in the body color rather than their usual red. The lower fascia was painted in gloss black and featured body-color twin exhaust ports that looked great.
Pricing was not released other than it would begin at under $30,000, which makes it more expensive than the outgoing ILX and the sibling Honda Civic Si. Acura is banking on its increased performance to be the pacing item for those wanting a more upscale, more powerful and hatchback version of the Civic Si. Built in Marysville, Ohio, the 2023 Integra is targeted to go on sale sometime in 2022.
When Clean Fleet Report gets some serious seat time in the all-new Integra, sometime in early 2022, we will report in detail on all aspects of the interior, entertainment system, driver safety systems and the real-world performance.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Story and photos by John Faulkner.
1 thought on “Event: 2023 Acura Integra Introduced”