If the name rings a bell, it’s purely intentional. After spending years trying to get potential buyers to understand its eclectic alphabet soup naming strategy, Acura is reviving one of the most iconic models in its history, the Integra.
But don’t expect a retro-mobile. The name may harken back to the luxury brand’s early days, but the 2023 Integra is a thoroughly modern offering, introducing Acura’s newest design language and delivering solid performance and plenty of new technology. And if that doesn’t reach far enough, the first 500 buyers who reserve the premium sport compact will get a limited-edition NFT from Swedish graphic artist Andreas Wannerstedt.
“The 2023 Acura Integra is serving the same role in the line-up as the original model that helped launch the brand three decades ago by bringing in the next generation of driving enthusiast,” said Emile Korkor, Acura’s assistant vice president of sales. “With its engaging driving character, flexible five-door liftback body style and advanced technology and features, the Integra will welcome a host of new buyers to the Acura brand.”
Return of an iconic nameplate
Launched by Honda in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese-owned luxury brand. The Integra was one of the most important — and popular — products it offered in its early years.
But it was scrapped in 2001 as part of a series of controversial decisions. Not only were familiar names like Integra and Legend abandoned, but Acura adopted confusing alternatives such as ILX and TLX which, for most customers, had little clear logic or direct connection to vehicle size, body style or cost.
Return of the Integra name suggests the rest of the Acura line-up could move away from those alpha badges.
What’s certain is that Integra ushers in a new design language signaled by a series of concepts that previewed the “Precision Crafted Performance” design language. The new model adopts a five-door liftback layout with a coupe-like roofline. The oversized “Diamond Pentagon” mesh grille, thin A-pillars, narrow “JewelEye” LED headlights and a low cowl give a sporty feel to the 2023 Integra. That’s further enhanced by the Integra’s wide track.
Around back, the new model features an aggressive fascia with dual exhaust finishers, an upswept decklid and LED taillights that flow into the rear quarter panels.
High-tech interior — and an NFT
Inside, the new Integra adopts a driver-oriented cockpit layout that features a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The 7-inch digital touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That can be upgraded to 9 inches with the optional technology package which adds Alexa Built-In, Qi-compatible wireless charging and a 5.3-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). Other upgrades include a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system.
Another tech feature will be added for the first 500 buyers. Acura explains, “Once a customer reserves a 2023 Acura Integra, they will have the chance to claim their base NFT, which will upgrade into a unique Integra NFT upon delivery of the customer’s purchased 2023 Acura Integra vehicle. The unique Acura NFT will feature the surreal textures and colors Wannerstedt is known for, and each will be a unique artistic representation of the next-gen Integra.”
While not quite high-tech, Integra’s front seats use a new “body-stabilizing” design and the driver’s bucket is eight-way power adjustable. With the tech package that jumps to 12-way for the driver while the front passenger seat gets four-way power.
The new five-door also comes with an assortment of smart safety systems such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and rear cross-traffic monitoring.
Powertrain
Under the aluminum hood, Integra draws power from a DOHC 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine making 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Buyers will get a choice of either a continuously variable transmission or a segment-exclusive 6-speed manual.
Expect to see several versions of the new Integra will be offered, starting with the sportier A-Spec. That sport appearance package adds niceties like stainless steel pedals, red gauge needles and contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shifter.
While that model retains the 200-hp inline-4 engine, there’s widespread speculation that a more powerful Integra Type S is in the works and could make an appearance in the next year or so.
Welcome to the metaverse
The 2023 Acura Integra will go on sale this spring with a starting price of “about $30,000,” according to Acura. With the current runup in commodity prices for everything from steel to aluminum to the palladium used in catalytic converters, the automaker appears to be waiting until the last minute to lock things down.
For those who want to get a closer look at the new Integra, Acura intends to become the first automaker to open up a showroom in the metaverse. You can check it out at www.acuraverse.com when it opens its virtual doors on March 22.