LOS ANGELES — Acura’s shock announcement that it’s reviving the Integra identify for a coming compact sedan gives hope for a return to its efficiency roots within the entry-level section.
Acura used an occasion at Monterey Automotive Week on Thursday that centered on the ultimate mannequin yr of the NSX supercar to additionally announce the return of the Integra, which was one in all its unique fashions when the model was launched in 1986.
The model’s present compact sedan, the ILX, dates again to the 2013 mannequin yr and is predicated on a platform that was utilized by the Honda Civic two car generations in the past. Acura offered simply 10,190 of the ILX within the first seven months of this yr, though that was an enchancment over the 6,625 gross sales in the identical interval final yr.
The Integra was initially supplied as a three-door or five-door hatchback however was later supplied as a four-door sedan earlier than being discontinued in 2006.
Throughout the Thursday announcement, Acura supplied little data on the revived Integra, besides to say that particulars will are available spring 2022.
“The Integra is again,” Acura Vice President Jon Ikeda stated in an announcement. “I’m thrilled to say Integra is returning to the Acura lineup with the identical fun-to-drive spirit and DNA of the unique, fulfilling our dedication to precision-crafted efficiency in each means — design, efficiency and the general driving expertise.”
With a brand new era of the Honda Civic launched this yr, the upcoming Integra may have an up to date platform to construct on. However much more thrilling for Acura followers, the model has promised a Sort S model of the compact sedan that may higher compete with rivals.
The 2022 ILX has simply 201 hp from a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. In distinction, the newly redesigned TLX midsize sedan has a normal turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 272 hp and the Sort S model has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 with 355 hp.
The present ILX can be supplied solely in front-wheel drive, whereas the redesigned TLX might be optioned with the corporate’s “tremendous dealing with all-wheel-drive” system that improves energy supply and cornering. A possible awd model of the Integra with the 272-hp motor would higher match luxurious sports activities sedan rivals.
A leaked Acura presentation to sellers final yr confirmed the 2022 timeline for a “new compact sedan” with an non-obligatory Sort S efficiency variant. There had been media hypothesis that it might use previous Acura names corresponding to RSX or TSX given the model’s three-letter naming conference.
Though Honda discontinued the coupe physique type for the Civic final yr, Acura might be unlikely to revive it for a two-door Integra. Most probably is a four-door sedan provided that Honda axed the coupe due to extraordinarily sluggish gross sales. Honda sells each a sedan and hatchback model of the redesigned Civic.