At least 70% of reservations are for the 6-speed manual version.
Reminder: The 6M is only available on higher A-Spec trims.
As car enthusiasts, we’re still finding it difficult to let go of Acura’s decision to resurrect the good Integra name and slap it on a CVT-equipped Civic Si. Apparently, the majority of those who are considering the new Integra also feel that Acura’s “automatic” transmission choice isn’t the right one.
In fact, more than 2/3 of current reservations made for the new 2023 Acura Integra, 70% to be exact, have ticked the “A-Spec” trim box for the 6-speed manual transmission.
Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President of Acura sales, as reported by Motor Trend, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the pre-launch response to the 2023 Integra. The total number of reservations has far exceeded our expectations and most exciting is that around 70 percent of Integra reservations are for the 6-speed manual. We’re confident this new Integra will inspire a new generation of enthusiast buyers for the Acura brand.”
2023 Acura Integra | Photo: Acura
There are that many ways to interpret what’s going on. We understand that these are only reservations however they are a clear indication, at least to us, that new Integra buyers are those who remember the original Integra, not the “next generation.” It is widely known and accepted that newer drivers either lack the ability to drive manual or worse, are not interested in learning. We’d love to find out the reservation holder’s average age.
Perhaps this was Acura’s plan all along: Sell a posher, slightly slower, dressed-up Honda Civic Si for more money. And if this was the plan, we have to congratulate the reservation holders for showing that there’s still a market for the manual transmission.
