Extra gas-powered automobiles are coming from Acura, regardless of an Automotive Information (subscription required) report stating that the Acura Integra hatchback launched for the 2023 mannequin yr would be the model’s remaining launch for a car nonetheless outfitted with an internal-combustion engine. The story was reported primarily based on an interview with Emile Korkor, assistant vp of Acura nationwide gross sales, however the model refutes AN‘s conclusion.
Acura spokesman Andrew Quillin shared a press release correcting the document. “The AutoNews article referenced is speculative, and never primarily based on confirmed plans or statements. Whereas we will’t touch upon future product plans, the not too long ago launched 2023 Integra is not going to be the final new ICE car from Acura. Acura will play a vital function in Honda’s transition to electrified automobiles. In truth, as we introduced final fall, Acura will lead American Honda’s transition to electrification and digitalization. This begins with an all-new full electrical Acura SUV coming in 2024.”
Given the product cycle of Acuras such because the RDX compact crossover and TLX mid-size sedan, the swap to battery-electric powertrains could be extraordinarily troublesome. Each are due for an replace within the subsequent few years, and we anticipate them to proceed with fuel engines.
Nonethless, Acura is transferring towards electrical automobiles. Korkor in a separate interview with Automotive Information revealed final December mentioned Acura was dedicated to electrical automobiles and would skip launching extra hybrid automobiles because it makes the transition from fuel to battery energy.
Teaser for Honda electrical flagship sports activities automotive
The transition will begin as early because the 2024 mannequin yr when Acura launches an electrical SUV that will likely be constructed by Normal Motors on its Ultium platform discovered within the 2022 GMC Hummer EV and 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. Guardian firm Honda will additionally launch an SUV primarily based on the Ultium platform for 2024. Honda (and certain Acura) additionally plans EVs primarily based by itself e:Structure platform ranging from 2026.
As well as, we’d see an electrical NSX within the not too distant future. Acura boss Jon Ikeda confirmed plans for a third-generation NSX final summer season when Acura rolled out the 2022 NSX Kind S to mark the tip of the present second-generation mannequin’s run. His feedback on the time implied that the subsequent NSX could be powered by one thing aside from a standalone internal-combustion engine just like the first-gen automotive and a hybrid setup just like the second-gen automotive.
Honda has since teased a pair of electrical sports activities vehicles, one in every of which was described as a “flagship” mannequin (proven above) and appears to have proportions like a mid-engine supercar. The opposite automotive appears to be like to function the proportions of a front-engine rear-wheel-drive sports activities automotive and because of this might function a non secular successor to the S2000.
Replace: This story has been up to date to incorporate the assertion from Acura and to right the document that the Integra is not going to be the final car launched with a fuel engine.
—Senior Editor Kirk Bell contributed to this report.
