2023 Acura Integra dealership leak and Honda Civic similarities article highlights:
- An alleged dealership guide leak suggests that the 2023 Acura Integra will come standard with the Honda Civic’s CVT—with an optional manual—and a Civic-like interior
- Based on interior pictures, though, the 2023 Integra will have a more upscale cabin as well as the Civic Si’s drivetrain
- The leak didn’t mention the Integra Type S, but more information might come when the order books open on March 10th, 2022
Since Acura announced the Integra’s return for the 2023 model year, fan furor has run rampant. There were AWD rumors, critique of its not-a-two-door design, and, of course, Type R speculation. Officially, some of the mechanical details are still under wraps. However, as the reborn Integra’s release date draws near, a leak claims to have the inside scoop on some of that information. Specifically, about what should be familiar to Honda Civic fans—and what might not be.
The 2023 Acura Integra may have a Honda Civic CVT, but it could have a Civic Si engine
2023 Acura Integra Prototype rear 3/4 | Acura
Now, we already know that the 2023 Acura Integra is based on the current Honda Civic. So, a significant amount of parts sharing, especially in the powertrain department, isn’t shocking. However, one aspect of that parts-sharing might be, at least to some.
According to the alleged dealership order guide posted on the IntegraTalk forum, the 2023 Acura Integra will come in three different trims: base, A-Spec, A-Spec Tech. And only the last one will offer an optional six-speed manual, MotorTrend says. The other two trims will only come with CVTs.
Admittedly, that’s not the best news for the enthusiast crows. But it’s worth noting that Honda only offers a manual in the 2022 Civic Hatchback Sport Touring and Sport. And the only way you can get a 2022 Civic Sedan with a stick is if you buy a Civic Si.
Speaking of the Civic Si, it might be giving the Integra a consolation prize of sorts. As of this writing, Acura hasn’t confirmed which engine is in the 2023 Integra. But given its Civic origins, it’s likely a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. However, MT doesn’t think that it’s the 180-hp version the base Civic uses. Instead, it claims that the 2023 Integra will get the 200-hp version in the Civic Si.
Although the Si is manual-only, its engine is basically a tuned-up version of the base Civic powerplant. Thus, the CVT should bolt in, no problem. Furthermore, based on recent dyno findings from tuner Hondata, Honda could be deliberately underrating the 2022 Civic Si. Why? Per MT, it’s so the Civic doesn’t step on the Integra’s toes. If that’s true, the 2023 Acura Integra could make even more than 200 hp on paper.
Its interior may have Honda Civic roots, but the 2023 Acura Integra should have a slightly fancier cabin
2022 Honda Civic Si front interior | Honda
Although the 2023 Acura Integra is based on the Honda Civic, it’s still an Acura. So, you’d expect it to offer a bit more standard luxury. And based on a different information source, that seems to be the case.
Admittedly, this isn’t a leak so much as an early view. A few weeks ago, Acura brought the new Integra to Daytona International Speedway for the Rolex 24 Hours. And photographers were able to get a few undisguised glances at its interior.
While this Integra’s trim isn’t known, the interior shots show a strong familial resemblance between the 2023 Integra and 2022 Civic. Both cars have long dashboard air vents with mesh designs, for example, as well as similar HVAC and infotainment controls. The undisguised Integra even has Civic switchgear, or at least Civic-like switchgear, MT notes.
Yet this interior isn’t a carbon copy of the 2022 Honda Civic cabin, either. The steering wheel, for example, is leather-wrapped and has “more silvery trim,” MT says. That same trim also appears in greater quantities throughout the rest of the cabin. And you know why MT thinks the 2023 Integra has the Civic Si’s powertrain? Because of the Daytona car’s Civic Si shifter.
Also, while Honda offers leather and leatherette upholstery in the 2022 Civic, it’s only available on the highest trims. Meanwhile, the Daytona Integra, even though it’s likely not an A-Spec Tech model, has white leather/leatherette upholstery. And it has contrast stitching. It’s admittedly a minor detail, but it is an upgrade over the Civic Touring models’ leather.
What about the hypothetical Integra Type R/Type S?
The alleged dealership guide leak mentioned earlier only detailed the base 2023 Acura Integra trims. There was no mention of any spicier Integra models, i.e., nothing about a Type R or Type S. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen, though. And there are a few things we can hazard a guess about with some certainty.
Firstly, if Acura does release a hotter 2023 Integra, it likely won’t bear the Type R nameplate. Yes, the ITR is an icon, both to Acura fans and those who grew up in the ‘90s and early-2000s performance import era. However, Acura and Honda have repeatedly stressed that ‘Type S’ is an Acura thing. As noted earlier, Acura is a luxury brand, so its performance models can’t be as track-focused as a ‘true’ Type R should be. Also, Acura recently trademarked a bunch of Type S model names, including one for the Integra, MT notes.
Secondly, this hypothetical Integra Type S will likely have Honda Civic Type R parts. It makes sense given the Integra’s Civic-based origins and what the Type S moniker represents. And it will have a manual, no worries there.
But while the 2023 Acura Integra might not resurrect the ITR, it could bring back a beloved ITR symbol. The alleged dealership leak lists several color choices:
- Platinum White
- Lunar Silver
- Performance Red
- Liquid Carbon
- Majestic Black
- Apex Blue
Notice what’s missing? The Integra Prototype’s yellow paint, which mimics the ITR’s yellow hue. Perhaps, MT muses, that’s because Acura is saving it for the Type S.
When will we know more about the 2023 Acura Integra?
You can reserve a 2023 Acura Integra starting March 10:https://t.co/25Wmcr2uKT
— The Drive (@thedrive) February 14, 2022
The good news is that we won’t have to wait long for more 2023 Integra information. Acura will open the 2023 Integra order books on March 10th, 2022. At that point, official details about pricing, specs, features, etc. will go live.
Come what may, Integra fans, the wait is almost over.
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Keyword: 2023 Acura Integra Leak Shows Honda Civic Inheritance Scale