(By Tom Lohnes) – A few days after the Integra was teased, Acura brand officer Jon Ikeda revealed some things about it. One, it will be both their entry-level and flagship car, a strategy not very commonly seen in the car industry, and he also didn’t rule out a 4-door variant arriving later. But the most important thing he said wasn’t actually about the Integra at all, he essentially confirmed another NSX.
The current NSX that is ending production is a misunderstood car. It has groundbreaking hybrid technology, acceleration that outright beats European competitors, and some really good looks. But buyers that actually have the money for the car would much rather a Lamborghini Huracan or something like that for reasons known only to them. Is it the stigma of being “simply a Honda?” The car is amazing in performance, but again, didn’t seem to grab that wealthy customer it needed. The slow sales had to have been a financial disappointment to Honda and Acura both.
So, why would they ever desire to revive the name? EVs. In the age of electrification, the cost of developing and producing a new model will be significantly cheapened due to the use of modular platforms. So, once the Integra has had its run, the NSX will return as an EV supercar, and more importantly Acura’s halo car, and essentially share a platform with every other EV Honda and Acura offer. Pretty simple, actually.
But this is all at least 5 years in the future. Until then, we will be left with a supercar-sized hole in Acura’s lineup an Integra really can’t fill. Regardless of that, I am very excited to see both. the Integra in the near future, and the NSX once again revived in the not-so-near future.
Electric NSX would amazing
Wow another electric golf cart.