Reservations for the 2023 Acura Integra started back in March and they were reportedly skewed toward one transmission: the six-speed manual. According to Acura officials, around 70% of those reservations were from prospective buyers that would rather shift the gears themselves for the best experience. As for the other 30%, they’ll be experiencing the new Integra via a CVT.

That begs the question: Why did Acura decide to go with a CVT for the Integra instead of a dual-clutch transmission (DCT)? Let’s take a closer look

Acura used a DCT on the ILX, but it won’t offer it on the 2023 Integra

why did acura choose to use a cvt in the 2023 integra?

2021 Acura ILX A-Spec | Acura

Up until this year, the Acura ILX has been the brand’s gateway into its lineup of luxury sedans for the past decade. However, the Integra is set to replace it and give buyers an entry-level way into the Acura brand. One interesting fact about the ILX is that Acura equipped it with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission starting in the 2016 model year.

That transmission was unique in that it not only provided quick shifts between all eight gears but also utilized a torque converter much like normal automatic transmissions do. According to Acura, the torque converter allowed for “smooth, low-speed operation.” All in all, this type of transmission sounds like it would work well with the all-new Integra and its 200-hp turbocharged engine. So why didn’t the Japanese automaker include it?

The Acura Integra uses a CVT for fuel economy over performance

why did acura choose to use a cvt in the 2023 integra?

2023 Acura Integra A-Spec | Acura

To cut to the chase, the 2023 Acura Integra is fitted with a CVT for fuel efficiency purposes. When asked why Acura forwent the DCT in favor of a CVT, Jonathon Rivers, the lead product planner for the Acura Integra told Road and Track, “When they [Acura] did the first refresh of ILX, they, unfortunately, got rid of the manual transmission and to keep the sportiness, they put the DCT out there.”

And although the DCT was meant to keep two-pedal enthusiasts happy, it didn’t quite win everyone over and it didn’t last. “In our case, that particular transmission in our lineup actually went out of production. So there’s that side of the story,” Rivers continued.

“But the reality is, we looked at the customer, we knew that fuel economy was going to be a top priority. We know that with the transmission tuning that we could do we could still get it to be sporty and compliant. And, having the six-speed manual as the true enthusiast option, we knew we were covering both bases.”

Is the CVT in the 2023 Integra any good?

why did acura choose to use a cvt in the 2023 integra?

2023 Acura Integra A-Spec six-speed manual transmission | Acura

Apparently, it is. Instead of having the droning sound at higher RPM and wide-open throttle that many CVTs traditionally have, the Integra’s CVT “shifts” at redline to mimic a normal automatic transmission.

As far as it being fun to drive,  J.D. Power reported that the CVT-equipped Integra was “nearly as fun as the manual one” and that the CVT offered “crisp response and a step-like feel at wider throttle openings,” thanks to its short final drive ratio.

That’s a relief, considering CVTs are usually known for taking the fun out of any car. In that case, it looks like the other 30% of Integra reservations will have their fun with the car as well, it will just be with two pedals instead of three.

Keyword: Why Did Acura Choose to Use a CVT in the 2023 Integra?

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

That Acura Integra Type S Flip Failed

Image: Cars & Bids I guess we’re going to have to keep posting these until you guys learn: The auto market isn’t the same place it was a year or two ago. You flippers out here trying to make a pretty penny off a hot model will come out ...

View more: That Acura Integra Type S Flip Failed

Of Course Someone Is Already Trying To Resell A 2024 Acura Integra Type S

Photo: Cars & Bids Depending on who you ask, the Acura Integra Type S is either a fantastic driver’s car that’s far more fun than the spec sheet might suggest or an overpriced turd that has ruined the Integra name. The latter opinion usually comes from people who haven’t ...

View more: Of Course Someone Is Already Trying To Resell A 2024 Acura Integra Type S

Motor1.com Test Car Happy Hour #54: Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary, Acura Integra Type S, Range Rover Velar

Ford Mustang GTD, Acura ZDX, Lambo Lanzador, Maserati MCXtrema, Monterey Review: RAC Podcast 138

Editor-In-Chief Seyth Miersma joins to talk about his time in Monterey, notably with Maserati and Audi.

View more: Ford Mustang GTD, Acura ZDX, Lambo Lanzador, Maserati MCXtrema, Monterey Review: RAC Podcast 138

Acura NSX Electric Successor Previewed as Design Study

Acura used the occasion of Monterey Auto Week in California to preview the electric successor to the sporty NSX. Meet the Acura Electric Vision Design Study concept, which the automaker did not exactly confirm is the official follow-up to its NSX supercar, but there’s little doubt from what the images ...

View more: Acura NSX Electric Successor Previewed as Design Study

The Acura ZDX is the faster, plusher cousin of the Honda Prologue

Sitting on a platform designed by General Motors

View more: The Acura ZDX is the faster, plusher cousin of the Honda Prologue

Acura unveils 2024 ZDX

•    The 2024 Acura ZDX makes its official entrance. It's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance week, which is increasingly an occasion for automakers show off new concepts and production models. Acura was there this time aorund to present the 2024 ZDX, the brand's first all-electric vehicle. This was the EV's first ...

View more: Acura unveils 2024 ZDX

Best reveals from the world’s greatest car show – Photos

Electric Standouts Electric Workhorses Internal Combustion Power Super Specialized and Rare No auto show in the world can compete with the quality of new car debuts during Monterey Car Week in Carmel, California. The annual multi-day festival of all things automotive—classic car concours, product launches, races, auctions, rallies, and plenty of posturing – has replaced the traditional ...

View more: Best reveals from the world’s greatest car show – Photos

Honda And Acura To Follow GM And Adopt Tesla's NACS

Acura teases Electric Vision concept that could be a potential NSX sports car EV

Podcast: new software-locked Tesla Model S/X, univeral charger, Acura ZDX, and more

Acura Performance Electric Vision Concept Debuts, Teases Possible NSX EV

2024 Acura ZDX: This Is It

2024 Acura ZDX EV Revealed With 325-Mile Range, $60K Starting Price

Acura finally joins the EV ethos, unveils ZDX with competitive range, hands-free driving

LA To Vegas EV Run, Twin-Turbo Lamborghini, 1,000 Miles With An Acura Integra Type-S: The Best Automotive Videos On YouTube This Week

Acura teases its first electric SUV, the 2024 ZDX, ahead of Monterey debut

2024 Acura ZDX To Make World Debut On August 17 As Brand's First EV

Acura Teases Its 2024 ZDX EV Ahead Of Monterey Car Week Reveal

At $4,250, Does This 2001 Acura MDX Touring Offer Three-Rows Worth Of Value?

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel