The 2022 Acura Integra Could Be a Re-Badged Honda Civic Type R and That’s Ok
Shared platform architecture isn’t exactly a new idea. Automakers have been doing it for years. Just look at both generations of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86. Or the new Supra. Or any number of early 2000s GM vehicles. And if previous models are any indication, we’d say that’s exactly what’ll become of the 2022 Acura Integra.
What engine will the 2022 Integra have?
And that’s not a bad thing. Supposing this is true, then the most likely candidate for some Integra platform sharing is, of course, the Honda Civic Type R. First, it’s important to remember that Honda and Acura are technically the same company, sort of like Toyota and Lexus. That means if you take apart an Acura TLX Type S, you’re more than likely to find some parts with a Honda logo on them. In fact, various versions of the Honda Civic Type R’s K20 motor are already in a few Acura models like the TLX.
That’s exactly why it’s almost impossible to imagine that Honda won’t be giving the Type R’s engine to the 2022 Acura Integra. Not only does it fit within the Type R model range, but it’s very cost-effective. Car and Driver have already begun speculating on this to some degree, citing the parts sharing, and the information we do have certainly points that direction.
The Honda Civic Type R will have a lot to live up to as an Integra
Obviously, it’ll take a lot more than a heart shared with the Honda Civic Type R to get the new Integra to satisfy the rabid, rose-tinted nostalgia that awaits the highly-anticipated coupe. You can’t have the 2022 Acura Integra drive like Honda’s Type R, or it’ll be heavily criticized for the same reasons as the Toyota Supra.
However, if Acura go it alone in the handling department and mess up, we’ll never hear the end of it. Then, of course, there’s the issue of making these shared parts feel like an Acura product. Again, stray too far from Honda, and the masses will cry “havoc” or rather, “Civic.” Stay too close and it’ll “just be a Civic Type R” (again, not a bad thing). It’s a hard balance to strike.
How much will the new Acura Integra cost?
With Acura being Honda’s luxury arm, we can expect the 2022 Acura Integra to be priced above the Honda. Right now, you can get a new Honda Civic Type R for $37,895. Expect the Acura to come in a few thousand above that. Ideally, that means more go-fast bits. And for rabid Type R fans, that’ll be something worth paying for.
