The prototype of the new Acura Integra has been making waves since its unveiling on November 11. One of the things that disappoints a lot of auto enthusiasts (and automotive journalists) is the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which barely puts out 200 horsepower in the 2022 Honda Civic Si.
We do not yet know the exact power that the production model will generate, but we should not expect big gains. After all, said Civic Si starts at $ 33,150 and the Integra is going to arrive with a base price of around $ 35,000, maybe a bit more.
In all likelihood, however, Acura may add a sportier Type S version later. What is now certain, too, is that there will be no hybrid-powered Integra to increase performance.
In fact, there will no longer be any hybrid, such as the old MDX or the NSX which will retire in 2022. Unlike Honda, its luxury brand wants to go directly and more quickly to electric vehicles.
Photo: Acura
This has just been said by Acura’s vice president of sales in the United States, Emile Korkor, who previously held a similar role in Canada. According to him, full electrification is one of the best ways to achieve a higher level of performance.
Acura expects electric vehicles to account for more than half of its total sales by 2030, compared to 40% for Honda.
For each of the two brands, the spearhead will be an electric SUV developed with the help of GM. Honda’s will be called Prologue, but on the Acura side, it remains a mystery. These electric vehicles are expected to hit the market in late 2023 (or early 204) as 2024 models, let’s remember.
Subsequently, in the second half of the decade, the Japanese manufacturer plans to launch a new range of battery-powered vehicles based on a new platform of its own, called “e: Architecture”.