During a journalists' roundtable today with Honda CEO Takanobu Ito at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show, the obvious highlight was the very last question. One of our colleagues asked Ito-san something like, well, Honda used to be known for its iconic affordable sports cars (CRX, Prelude, Integra), and now you've introduced all this new engine and transmission technology, so isn't there room for an affordable sports car that isn't a hybrid or an EV, a car that just uses a simple internal combustion engine?
CEO Ito's answer: "I completely agree with you. We have to prepare such a kind of car."
So there you go. Apparently, probably, hopefully, there is something with two doors that's better than the Civic Si, not at all like the CR-Z, and less expensive than the reborn NSX in the works. Who knows if it will be called Integra or Prelude, but really, what's in a name so long as the car is good to drive?
Ito wouldn't comment when we inquired about the reports that another NSX concept will debut in Detroit this January. Actually, he chuckled over that one and said, "Stay tuned."
alphabetfuel says:
12:05 AM, 11/30/11
About as likely as a real life Godzilla destroying Tokyo... but what the hell, no one saw Hyundai actually putting passion into their cars. still though the integra was the right car at the right time, i pray they don't crap on it's reputation like they did with the CRX. The Integra has already been draged through the mud by the RSX let it die with some honor still intact . Fix Honda then swim up stream (imo).
mark19 says:
12:11 AM, 11/30/11
You have to wonder if Honda is just agreeing since all the hype over the "Toyobaru" coupe, which is the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GT-86. Makes you think that Honda is quite aware it's going to get its butt kicked by Toyota and even Hyundai (that has already commenced)..
People keep screaming at Honda to stop acting like the old Buick (lazy, slow) does anyone thing they're actually going to go back? Who is at the helm of that company? Someone who's numb AND blind? makes ya wonder...
jscion says:
04:22 AM, 11/30/11
Now that Toyota is putting out an affordable sports car, I guarantee we will see a Honda counterpart in the very near future.
bankerdanny says:
05:31 AM, 11/30/11
Great, now dispense with the stupid meaningless and confusing 3 letter names and actually call it an Integra.
throwback says:
06:09 AM, 11/30/11
bankerdanny says:
Great, now dispense with the stupid meaningless and confusing 3 letter names and actually call it an Integra.
If only! Same goes for Lincoln, Cadillac etc. Is it really that hard to name a car?
blackdynamite1 says:
06:47 AM, 11/30/11
I've owned the Integra, and like many who have, I miss it so.......
BD
ed124c says:
07:05 AM, 11/30/11
I agree with all the comments above.
hondacura4 says:
09:37 AM, 11/30/11
I don't see why people keep whining over names as the change was purely for marketing and brand recognition. Get over it!
greenpony says:
10:04 AM, 11/30/11
People whine over names because the average consumer can't tell the difference between RSX, SRX, RX, RL, R8, R/T, etc. But it's harder to confuse a Taurus, Tercel, Tacoma, Trailblazer, etc.
greenpony says:
10:07 AM, 11/30/11
FWIW, a new car in the spirit of the old Prelude/Integra would be welcome on Honda/Acura lots.
indy_mistert says:
10:34 AM, 11/30/11
HIP HIP HUZZAH - I hope he means it. no MacPherson in front too, please. and hydraulic steering. I have quite a wish list (we've owned an 86 Si, a 90 Si and an 03 Civic Si) - and I've lamented what I regard as a tailspin by Honda
stylepergallon says:
11:36 AM, 11/30/11
Let's hope this rumor actually goes somewhere. My last car was a RSX Type-S; great little car. I'm now driving a 2010 GTI, but I still miss the RSX's insanely tossable handling. Not to mention it still held a ton of stuff because it was a hatchback in disguise. Such a great formula for a car.
bankerdanny says:
03:44 PM, 11/30/11
In '88 when I 23 and looking to buy my first new car I was all ready to snap up an '87 Integra GS 5-speed with only 8k miles on it. Bright red as I recall and still had its new car smell. Running it to redline during the test drive was pretty heady stuff after years of driving 2 VW Beetles, a Ford Fiesta and a 1971 Celica GT.
But the day before I was supposed to go sign the papers I found an '87 Mustang LX 5.0 5-speed with 20k miles on it. One drive and that was it, it was American muscle for me.
Later when my insurance rates went through the roof from speeding tickets, had to replace a $180 damaged Goodyear Gatorback (a lot of money for a guy making barely $20k), and I lost a 5th gear synchro around 75k miles, I was wishing I had bought the Acura.
It really was a game changing small car.
scottyscooter says:
05:23 PM, 11/30/11
I have no faith what-so-ever that today's Honda is capable of successfully resurrecting any of their iconic cars. If Honda's current culture attempted to build a new Integra, the finished product would end up being half as special as the original and mediocre at best.
Harsh words, I know, but that's honestly how I see it. Its time for some tough love; wake up Honda!