Honda has unveiled a striking coupe version of the Integra at the Guangzhou motor show, featuring a manual transmission and a roofline echoing the classic CR-X. While the design is bold, it is unlikely to be mass-produced, remaining a unique showpiece for now. This move comes as Honda continues to experiment with the Integra nameplate across different markets.
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Integra’s Global Revival
The Integra name has seen a resurgence in recent years, though not in the way many enthusiasts might have hoped. In 2022, Acura (Honda’s premium division in North America) reintroduced the Integra as a five-door liftback. Simultaneously, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, GAC Honda, began using the Integra badge for a Civic-based sedan (2021) and hatchback (2023). This latest coupe concept builds on the Chinese Integra hatch, though technical details remain scarce.
Coupe Design Details
The show car takes the standard Integra hatchback and dramatically alters its body. The most noticeable change is the removal of the rear doors and a portion of the roof, creating a targa-style opening. The B-pillar has been eliminated, and the remaining roof section retains “Integra” badging alongside windows nearly identical to the hatchback version. The front and rear styling remain largely unchanged.
This design is significant because the current generation Civic (11th gen) is the first to drop two-door coupe and three-door hatch variants. The show car demonstrates what the platform could look like without those body styles.
Powertrain Options
GAC Honda offers the Integra with either a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid. The presence of a manual transmission shifter suggests this concept is powered by the former.
Market Context
The concept’s existence is unusual given the limited demand for coupes in the Chinese market, where hatchbacks also face lukewarm reception. Wagons, however, have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. This shows Honda’s willingness to explore niche designs, even if they don’t align with mainstream preferences.
The dual-joint venture setup in China, with GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda producing similar models under different names (Integra vs Civic, Accord vs Breeze), is also a common practice.
This Integra coupe is a clear statement: Honda knows its audience cares about iconic designs, even if the market doesn’t necessarily demand them. It’s a playful experiment, not a promise of future production.
