2023 Acura Integra: Future Plans Being Crafted by Enthusiasts

When thinking of the Acura Integra, its iconic reputation as a customizable platform immediately comes to mind. This is not only due to the Type R enhancements of the DC2 generation but also the adaptability of previous Integra iterations to performance upgrades and spirited driving. With the 2023 Integra now a reality, we are excited to witness the additional excitement and performance that aftermarket modification can bring to it.

While opinions have been divided since its introduction, the Integra’s close relative, the 11th-gen Honda Civic Si, has shown promise in captivating enthusiasts with its torque-rich turbocharged engine and spirited chassis. Given the strong aftermarket support for the Civic, there is optimism that the new Integra will also attract tuners. To delve into potential modifications, several companies were approached, and their responses brought forth exciting news.

From tweaks in suspension to enhancing control and increasing power, a plethora of enhancements are on the horizon for this stylish compact sedan.

Chassis and Input Tuning

Eibach provides a diverse range of suspension offerings across various brands, including Honda/Acura, and it appears that many of its staff members are enthusiasts of all types of aftermarket tuning as well. One such individual is Mark Krumme, Eibach North America’s Head of Marketing and proud owner of a DC2 Integra Type R.

“Our plans include offering our full range of springs, sway bars, spacers, and alignment components for this vehicle,” shared Krumme. “Considering Acura’s design philosophy aimed at revisiting the past with parts compatibility across models, it’s likely that some Civic components will seamlessly fit as well. On receiving the vehicle, we will develop parts to optimize the Integra, delivering the performance enhancements that Eibach is known for.”

Similarly promising insights were provided by ACUiTY Instruments, an Atlanta-based entity specializing in innovative shifter components and other control-enhancing products for Honda models.

“We are currently collaborating with Team Honda Research West (THRW) for the Integra designated for the 25 Hours of Thunderhill,” reported Co-founder Russell Garehan. Fun fact: THRW conducts extensive research and development during this event, and it’s quite fascinating. “Our focus is on upgrading shifting and drivetrain elements. We intend to launch a retail shifter upgrade for the 11th Gen Civic and the new Integra. The Civic shifter upgrades are expected to hit the market late this year or early next year. The 3D scanning of the new Civic’s interior occurred last month, and the project is currently in progress.”

When discussing compatibility, such as the potential for parts designed for the 11th-gen Civic Si to work on the new Integra, Garehan offered interesting insights. “While many of Honda’s shifters may appear similar, they are not always interchangeable. Nonetheless, we invest substantial effort in 3D scanning and comparing OEM components. I have noticed Honda’s trend towards making designs more interchangeable across various models. It is probable that many components being developed for the 11th Gen Civics will also fit the new Integras. We should have a clearer picture soon, fingers crossed!”

Furthermore, he shared additional insights on the evolution of Honda tuning over the past 25 years, highlighting the continued advancements. “Upon receiving our test 10th Gen Si in 2017, we quickly became enamored with the new turbocharged engines that Honda was producing, indicating Honda’s efforts to regain popularity in the enthusiast market,” Garehan elaborated. “My sentiments are mirrored with the 11th Gen Civics, and despite the changing landscape, there are exceptional developments continuing to take place.”

appeared somewhat disheartened by the fact that the new Integra was not an exact duplicate of the DC2 Integra (although it was nearly impossible due to 20 years of safety regulations and changes in consumer demands). Nonetheless, I am thoroughly enjoying my current daily driver, the 11th Si, which gives me hope that the Integra will also be a great choice.”

All this news is quite thrilling, as are the exciting developments that some prominent personalities have in the pipeline for exhilarating longitudinal G experiences.

Engine Tuning

Insider information reveals that Honda’s turbocharged L15 engine series packs quite a punch and ample torque for its compact 1500cc displacement. Personally, I had the pleasure of driving the 2021 model year Civic Si coupe and found its power output quite impressive. For enthusiasts seeking an added kick, fulfilling their Earth Dreams (notice the pun?) can become a reality through aftermarket ECU tuning.

Two Step Performance, located in Mississippi, serves as a tuner and supplier of performance components known for devising popular methods to amplify power in modern Hondas. They also provide several installation guides.

“The new Integra platform has sparked enthusiasm within Two Step Performance,” expressed Corey Poole, the Founder and Operations Manager. “Although it may differ from the Integra of the past, the growing enthusiast community is quite evident. TSP is committed to supporting Integra tuning, and we anticipate that our partners in manufacturing will introduce performance enhancements and accessories to elevate the platform.” Poole added: “Honda’s turbocharged direct-injection engines have injected fresh vitality into their product range in the last 6 years. While these engines were primarily adopted for enhanced fuel efficiency, the performance aftermarket sector has made remarkable strides with both the Honda 1.5T and 2.0T platforms. Enhancing your Honda with substantial power and enjoyment has become more accessible and cost-effective than ever.” Truly remarkable progress!

Innovative MotorWorks (IMW), a tuning specialist based in Pennsylvania, focuses on maximizing power output from the Honda L15 and had some intriguing insights to share. “We plan to extend our support to the Integra model, pending key players (such as KTuner) offer hardware/software that facilitates our involvement,” revealed Derek Robinson of IMW.

Regarding the compatibility across various Honda/Acura models, Robinson confirmed that “the drivetrain (and the entire vehicle in general, as far as I can tell) seems notably similar (if not identical) to the latest Civic models. I am confident that our existing knowledge about the previous-generation Civic/Accord L15 engines and the current 11th generation Civic L15 engines will seamlessly transfer to the Integra platform.”

Although the L15 engine may not replicate the high-revving, spirited B-series powertrains of the past, Robinson asserts that it possesses its own unique appeal. “The L15 has established itself as a lively yet fuel-efficient platform. While it deviates from the high-flow, flat-torque Honda engines from earlier times, the contemporary high-torque turbocharged engines provide comfort and enjoyment for daily driving. With merely ECU calibration adjustments, significant gains in midrange and top-end power/torque are achievable while retaining all factory components.

Speed World Challenge RealTime Racing Acura Integra Racecar

To gain firsthand insights from the provider of hardware and customizable software, I conversed with the renowned Arizona-based Honda tuning authority KTuner LLC to understand their plans. “We are preparing to offer support for the Integra once it hits the market,” a representative informed me. “We anticipate that Acura will largely stick with the same engine platform and electronic control systems for powertrain management, akin to other 1.5T offerings. This means we can integrate some of our top features from other platforms into the Integra lineup as well. Our products are not limited by application, so we expect our current hardware to function seamlessly once we introduce support in our software. This broad compatibility also allows any of our customers transitioning from a Civic or Accord to the Integra to experience similar benefits.”

migrate swiftly over with their current units once the assistance becomes accessible.

KTuner expressed: “We are greatly enthusiastic that the Honda and Acura brands have established a robust engine foundation to collaborate with and have left space to not only enhance the power output of these engines reliably but also remain comfortably within emissions regulations while doing so. We are awaiting approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the existing 1.5T lineup of engines and are optimistic about extending that to encompass the Integra model as well.”

Platform sharing seems to have greatly facilitated matters and streamlined processes for the aftermarket sector, particularly in terms of regulatory compliance, as well as the simplicity of research and development. The realm of sport compact tuning will persist and thrive thanks in part to the L15-powered Acura Integra, which echoes the significance the initial generations held for enthusiasts. The aftermarket backing for the recent vehicle we just deliberated demonstrates that tuning isn’t purely steeped in nostalgia. The art and science of customizing cars evidently endures in 2022.

Update: Thursday, May 26, 2022, 11:20 a.m. ET: Integrated additional quotes and perspectives from another tuner who responded to our inquiry.

[ad_2]