How Did We End Up With a Big Sedan Integra?

A Raging Debate

The recently resurrected Acura Integra's design has been a hot topic of debate since the first photos were leaked to the public. In fact, it's been nothing short of polarizing. The debate over Integra's design stems largely from the fact that it has four doors instead of three. Arguments against the Integra claim the design fails to capture the essence of the previous generations, it's unworthy of the Type R badge, and that it's not available in a coupe. Those in favor of the new 'Teggy are simply thrilled we're getting an attainable sport compact with a turbo and a manual transmission at all reports Road & Track. Truly rare qualities in today's automotive market.

Photos - Acura 

Expanding the Base

"I really believe the fact that we stuck with the hatch and the versatility that it brings is... we might be able to get a little bit more than just what the segment is putting out right now," shared Acura brand chief Jon Ikeda "We need to be able to reach with this car beyond our segment." Clearly, Acura's intentions are to expand its customer base for the Integra. Initially, that sounds to be exactly the opposite of what we enthusiasts might want. But adding to the Integra's customer base might strengthen the nameplate's run long-term. My point? The more successful the Integra is, the more likely we are to get special editions and some of those extra steps we're hoping Acura might take. In the meantime, Acura ensures us a Type S is on the way. 

Photos - Acura

>>Join the conversation about the new 2023 Integra right here in S2Ki.com.

In Pursuit of a Bargain Performer

Ikeda shared that the development team initially tried their hardest to use the Civic Coupe Si as the base for the Integra. The Civic Coupe was ultimately discontinued for the car’s 11th gen. That said, the development of a stand-alone coupe simply wasn't feasible for the new Integra. The Integra is still based on the Civic, but the numbers simply don't support manufacturing an Integra coupe. "We were trying the hardest to the very end with the manual Civic Si Coupe, and if we had that car [as a base], maybe we could have thought about something else, too. But the more you do things that aren't there, the more it gets out of the zone of what people can afford," shared Ikeda. "The pricing is what we're looking at, and the entry point, and market behavior more than anything. And the numbers just don't play out." 

Photos - Acura

>>Join the conversation about the new 2023 Integra right here in S2Ki.com.

Engineering From Experience

Obviously, the importance of Integra's history to the automotive community isn't lost on Ikeda and Acura. As such, he made sure to tap a chief engineer who's owned two previous Integras. and knows how special the nameplate is. "I said, 'Why did you buy an Integra?' "He said, 'It was a very cool car, and I was young, and I was excited.' I said, 'Well, you know all the ingredients already. Just make that, because that's what it is,'" shared Ikeda.

Photos - Acura

>>Join the conversation about the new 2023 Integra right here in S2Ki.com.

Saving the Classics

I'm sure most of us can agree that it's great to see cheap, sporty, tunable cars are making a comeback. For some of us, we get to see our dream cars roam the streets once more. Although they aren't always in the way we'd imagine them, these classic nameplates are no longer being ignored. Automakers are, for the most part, at least trying to listen to their fanbase. That alone is worth celebrating. Oh, and cars like the Integra are keeping our beloved manuals alive. Props to you, Acura. 

Photos - Acura

>>Join the conversation about the new 2023 Integra right here at S2Ki.com.