Skip advert
Advertisement

New 2023 Acura Integra revealed with VTEC power and manual gearbox

Honda sister brand Acura has offered an early look at the new Integra, which features a six-speed manual gearbox and a “high-output” 1.5-litre VTEC engine

Acura, Honda’s upmarket sister brand in the US, has offered a first glimpse at the reborn Integra. It’s due to go on sale in the States in 2023, where it’ll have a starting price of around $30,000 (roughly £22,000).

We haven’t seen the Integra badge since 2006, when it was fixed to the rump of the fourth- generation coupe that was never officially sold in the UK. 

Until now, the nameplate has been primarily associated with the iconic DC1 and DC2 models of the 1990s, which found fame in the early days of The Fast and the Furious movie franchise.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This fifth-generation model will be a stark change for the Integra nameplate, with the new car moving away from its coupe roots and morphing into a five-door fastback. 

Honda says the new Integra will be aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts. It’ll be available with a six-speed manual gearbox, a limited-slip differential and a “high-output” 1.5-litre VTEC engine. It’ll also be the first model in the Integra lineage to feature a turbocharger.

Honda hasn’t yet confirmed the new Integra’s performance specifications, though, because the model you see pictured here is still being referred to by the brand as a “Prototype.”

We expect the Integra will be based on the same platform as the new Honda Civic, which was revealed earlier this year. That means its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine could easily be the same 201bhp unit found in the recently announced US-market Honda Civic Si.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Being based on the Civic is no bad thing, though, as it means Acura could soon launch a Type R variant, using the running gear from Honda’s hot hatch. Honda has confirmed that a Type R version of the new Civic is coming, so the road is already paved for a hotter Integra.

And while the new Integra’s 1.5-litre engine may sound a little underwhelming in comparison to the screaming 2.0-litre units of the past, there’s no denying it certainly looks the part. That yellow paint, for example, is a homage to the Phoenix Yellow paint that was available on the 2000–2001 Integra Type R.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The “Prototype” features 19-inch alloy wheels, a lairy “Integra” decal for the doors and enormous Brembo brakes. Its design is also a departure from the angular lines seen on Hondas of late, and more in tune with Acura’s swoopy styling language. 

The car’s surfacing is neat and smooth, with minimal sharp creases, a distinctive LED tail light signature and a lip spoiler for the boot. The Integra badge has also been carved into the rear bumper, while the front end features a unique LED daytime running light signature and a pentagonal radiator grille design. 

We’re struggling to see any resemblance to the previous-generation Integra, but Honda’s styling department has a habit of moving designs forward rather than echoing its older cars. We expect this will also be how the finished car will look, despite the “Prototype” suffix.

As yet, it’s unknown whether the next-generation Integra will be available to UK customers but, if it makes the leap across the pond, it will be badged as a Honda. 

However, it’s starting to look doubtful, because Acura has confirmed that the Integra will be the first model in the car’s 36-year history to be built in the United States. It’ll be assembled at the firm’s Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio, alongside the recently replaced Acura TLX, which is only available as a left-hand drive car.

Read all the latest news on the upcoming Honda Civic Type R

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Honda GT cars are the ultimate screenfest
Honda GT cars - front

New Honda GT cars are the ultimate screenfest

We counted no fewer than six screens on the dashboard of Honda’s new electric four-door
News
24 Apr 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
Radical Honda 0 SUV prototype makes public debut, and you’ll never guess who was driving
Honda 0 SUV prototype being driven by Max Verstappen - front

Radical Honda 0 SUV prototype makes public debut, and you’ll never guess who was driving

The new electric SUV will be pivotal to Honda’s future, and is due to go into production next year
News
3 Apr 2025
New Honda Prelude fully revealed as iconic coupe prepares for return in 2026
New Honda Prelude - front 3/4

New Honda Prelude fully revealed as iconic coupe prepares for return in 2026

Sixth-generation Prelude will be the first car to get Honda’s new S Shift technology
News
3 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025