Acura recently pulled the covers off of the eagerly anticipated 2023 Acura Integra range, which upon first impression, looks sounds, and feels like a home run. The automaker has managed to get all the fundamentals right including its Civic-derived powertrain with a manual gearbox, upmarket interiors, and an affordable starting price of $31,859. So, here are 10 cool facts and things that all fan-boys and enthusiasts should know about the 2023 Acura Integra.
Early Integra Buyers Get Free NFTs
At a time when Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are all the rage, Acura's marketing division has knocked it out of the park with its latest campaign where they went on to give the first 500 individuals to reserve the 2023 Acura Integra an NFT. The digital art featuring an all-new Integra covered in gold where it sits over a pool on a pedestal was converted into NFTs and distributed to the 500 lucky individuals, and as is the case with NFTs, it's destined to go up in value. Sources suggest that the first NFT has already traded hands for 0.35 ETH or the equivalent of $416.
It Will Make Its Racing Debut at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Pikes Peak is one of the most prestigious and daunting hill climb challenges that features 156 turns over a 12.42-mile mountain course, starting at 9,390 feet and climbing to the 14,115-foot summit. This iconic hill climb has been pushing the boundaries of drivers since 1916. For 2023, which is Acura's 12th consecutive appearance at this hill climb event, they are bringing in the whole cavalry to Pikes Peak, which includes the 2023 Acura Integra, two Acura TLX Type S sports sedans, and two track-special NSX Type S limited-run supercars. Honda claims this latest iteration is the quickest and most powerful Acura product to date.
Coming back to the star of the show, the 2023 Acura Integra that will be taking part at the Piles Peak Hill Climb is a largely stock car powered by a stock turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and the only upgrades are bigger brakes, a stiffer suspension, improved aero, and Honda Performance Development differential. The car will be driven by Paul Hubers and the car will sport a red, grey, and white livery that pays homage to the first-gen Integra that secured back-to-back wins at the IMSA Championship in 1987 and 1988.
Is It The Last Gas-powered Acura?
There were rumors that this could be the last gas-powered Acura car, but Acura has put the rumors to rest. According to an Acura spokesperson Andrew Quillin, who spoke to Carbuzz. said "While we can't comment on future product plans, the recently introduced 2023 Integra will not be the last new ICE vehicle from Acura. Acura will play a critical role in Honda's transition to electrified vehicles." The statement also confirmed that Acura does indeed plan to go all-electric and the first step in that direction will be the all-new EV SUV that is set to debut in 2024.
How Expensive Can The Integra Get?
The Acura Integra range for 2022 features three models which include the entry-level 2023 Integra which carries a base price of $31,895, then comes the A-Spec spec which features bigger 18-inch wheels, a sporty body kit, and most importantly is available with the optional 6-speed manual transmission.
The third and final trim is the range-topping A-Spec Technology, priced at $36,895 which as the name suggests adds technological upgrades like the adaptive suspension system, a 10.2-inch digital gauge display, and a 16-speaker ELS stereo system, wireless smartphone charging, and more. But, opt for optional accessories and goodies, and the price can shoot up to $44,756, which makes it over $12,000 more than the base price of the Integra.
The Integra Makes More Power Than Advertised
The age-old gentleman's agreements have been fairly common with German and Japanese automakers often setting these up to support healthy competition and keeping safety in check, but to circumvent these inconveniences, most of them often end up quoting underrated figures. The current scenario isn't all that different at Honda where first we saw the 2022 Honda Civic Si making more power than what was quoted in its official paperwork.
This is why, this comes as no surprise that the 2022 Integra, which shares most of its powertrain with the Civic Si also comes with more power than advertised. ACH Garage's YouTube channel recently tested a stock 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec with the 6-speed manual and it recorded 199 horsepower to the wheels, so taking into account the mechanical losses, the Integra makes between 220 and 230 horsepower to the crank which is higher than Honda's advertised 200 horsepower and same goes for the torque figures which was measured at 220 pounds-feet instead of the company stated 200 pounds-feet.
It Comes With An Amusing Easter Egg
Newly launched models of legacy models, especially the ones that bring with them a rich history usually feature easter eggs that pay tribute to the brand's rich history, case in point is the new Ford Bronco range or even the Jeep Wrangler. Acura has done something similar with the all-new 2023 Integra by giving it a catchy easter egg. So if you flip the spill mat placed inside the center console storage cubby you will be greeted with the image of a boxy Civic with the caption "The Civic History Goes On..."
The same easter egg did find its way into the 11th gen Civic but since the Integra is largely based on the Civic, it shares many key components including this easter egg which features the same Honda design.
Manual Daily Driver
There are three trims offered in the Intergra range. All of them are powered by the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four with 200 horsepower, but only the mid-range A-Spec trim or the range-topping A-Spec Technology trims are available with the optional six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential with the added finesse of the rev-matching system which can be switched on or off based on your driving needs.
With a light clutch, well-spaced paddle box and a nicely judged and weighted gear lever that delivers satisfying shifts almost every time, the new Integra is a true driver's car that can be enjoyed every day, thanks to its practical four-door sedan design and frugal i-VTEC engine, all without compromising on performance with 0-60 mph time of just 7.4 seconds.
Practicality in Spades
Even though it comes with an Acura badge, the 2023 Integra range is just as practical as the best-selling Civic. With a practical four-door design that offers ample space to seat four occupants in utmost comfort, and a boot measuring 24 cubic feet, the Integra can be the perfect family car, capable of handling a wide range of scenarios that can include everything from grocery runs to cross-continental road trips.
The 1.5-liter turbo engine does make a healthy dose of power, but more importantly, it manages to deliver between 30 to 33 MPG of combined fuel efficiency which makes it very economical. In addition, the Integra is well-appointed with range-topping A-Spec Technology trim packing features like an adaptive suspension system, a 10.2-inch digital gauge display, a 16-speaker ELS stereo system, and wireless smartphone charging, and more which can make your daily commutes a joy.
Better Value Than The Competition
Honda products, and by extension, Acuras, come with the promise of Japanese reliability. It is very common to find 20-year-old Civics and Integras with big aftermarket turbos strapped to them because these cars are extremely reliable and the factory engine block is known for its abuse-friendly nature which has led the Civic and Integra to become legends in the tuner community. The same holds true with modern Acura/ Honda products like the 2023 Integra that may not match its rivals in outright luxury or finesse, but is simpler and much more reliable.
Speaking of competition, the new 2023 Integra undercuts its competition by a good margin which includes the 2022 Mercedes A-Class sedan, 2022 Mercedes CLA, 2022 Audi A3, 2022 2-Series Gran Coupe, and the Cadillac CT4 all of which have a higher starting price and higher annual maintenance costs the closest competitor is the 2022 A-Class sedan which for a starting price of $33,650 offers less power and less equipment than the entry-level Integra for 2022 which is also nearly $2,000 cheaper with a starting price of $31,895.
Best-in-class Warranty and Reliability
Acura offers the best-in-class warranty with the 2022 Integra range which includes a Limited Bumper-to-Bumper coverage of four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), Powertrain coverage for six years or 70,000 miles (whichever comes first) and Acura goes the extra mile and throws in complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.
The powertrain warranty and bumper-to-bumper coverage provided by Acura for the all-new Integra is significantly longer than competitors like the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA, and the fact that it shares so many components with the new 2022 Honda Civic, it is also cheaper to run and maintain compared to its premium German rivals.
FAQ
Q: How much will the 2023 Integra cost?
The 2023 Acura Integra range carries a base price of $31,895 while the mid-range A-Spec costs $33,895 and the range-topping Integra A-Spec Technology trim is priced at $36,895.
Q: When can I buy the new Integra?
The all-new Acura Integra is expected to go on sale from June 2022 as a 2023 model-year car.
Q: Why was the Acura Integra discontinued?
The original Acura Integra was discontinued in March of 2006 due to a lack of sales which was primarily caused by a shrinking coupe market.
Q: Will 2023 Acura Integra have AWD?
No, the 2023 Acura Integra that. Shares most of its underpinnings with the 2022 Honda Civic platform specifically the Civic Si, i.e. a Front-Wheel-Drive layout that based on Honda's history with Civics will never get the option of AWD.
Q: Where will the 2023 Acura Integra be built?
The 2023 Acura Integra is assembled at Honda's plant located in Marysville, Ohio.