The Honda Integra moniker will be making its return after its discontinuation 15 years ago. Local JDM lovers may be disappointed by the announcement however, as its likely that this will be a USA-specific product under the guise of the brand’s premium Acura division.
The announcement of the new Honda Integra took place at the official unveiling of the Acura NSX Type S and has been pitched as a new compact premium product that will be introduced into the brand’s product line-up by next year.
“The Integra is back,” said Jon Ikeda Vice President and Acura Brand Officer. “I’m thrilled to say Integra is returning to the Acura lineup with the same fun-to-drive spirit and DNA of the original, fulfilling our commitment to Precision Crafted Performance in every way – design, performance and the overall driving experience.”
The brand confirms that more information regarding the Honda Integra will be revealed closer to its introduction date.
The Honda Integra was first launched in 1986 but adopted the Acura badge one year later as an introductory product to the Japanese brand’s American affiliated badge. The car was so popular, that in 2004, the CCC Information Services confirmed that the 1999 Integra was the most stolen car in the USA with the 1998 model being the third most pilfered. In 2014, LoJack named the Integra as the sixth most stolen car among vehicles equipped with its car tracking service.
By the DC5 generation, the Honda Integra adopted the Acura RSX moniker in the North American market and was produced for five years before being discontinued due to a diminishing demand for the compact coupe bodystyle.
The introduction of the new Honda Integra comes as a surprise but is a logical move considering that Acura’s Marysville, Ohio plant will be somewhat vacant with the discontinuation of the NSX.