After much teasing, the new Acura Integra is finally in showrooms across the country after an over 20-year hiatus. Unfortunately, enthusiasts are still uncomfortable with the new Integra, with critics claiming Acura relies on the iconic nameplate to "phone it in." The new Integra is available solely in a 5-door variation (four doors and a hatchback), unlike the original, which also features a 3-door body style. The coupe-like appeal of the 3-door attracts enthusiasts with its sleek lines and compact body. While the new Integra is fun to drive and even sports a manual transmission, true fans of the original feel it is too conservative. A new HotCars concept from our car renders segment imagines a world where Acura ignores the masses and focuses on building a fun vehicle that, while less practical, gives the sex appeal that consumers desire.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2023 Acura Integra

Throwback Up Front

front 3/4 acura integra rendering
HotCars

Fans of the iconic Integra nameplate will immediately notice that the car is a homage to the third-generation car, a favorite among Acura fans. Deep air intakes for brake cooling reference the coupe's performance nature. The grille moves low like the original but retains the beak shape of the current Acura corporate design. The clamshell hood stretches down to a sharp body line while the designer sculpts the word "Integra" into the bumper cover. In the center of the hood, the Acura badge is prominent. Round LED running lights remind us of the sealed beam lights on the US market examples. The hood slowly crests up with a strong bulge running down the center.

Slick Sides

Acura Integra rendering 3/4
HotCars

The throwback theme continues down the side of the Integra. Overall, the look is a modern evolution of the third generation, softening lines that are already there. Similar to the original, a ridge runs the length of the car, rising in height and giving the tail a "kick-up" look. Aside from the large carbon fiber side mirrors, massive alloy wheels are the only thoroughly modern fact from this angle. The small greenhouse reflects the original by maintaining symmetry. While poor for rear seat headroom, it is great for the look as a whole. The 'C' pillar floats at the rear as a piece of black reflective trim modernizes the rear. Wide-rear hips cover the wide rear tires.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The 2023 Acura Integra Is Worth Every Cent

No Hatch This Time

Acura Integra rendering rear 3/4
HotCars Photo © 2023 Valnet

Fans of the original Integra will immediately notice the glaring lack of a handle cutout in the rear. Unfortunately, this design departs from the hatchback style that original made the Integra so popular. In an effort to look sportier and be something that could truly compete with the likes of the Toyota Supra, our new Integra revival only features a small trunk with a heavy liftover. An exceedingly tall spoiler also draws plenty of attention, like the original. Narrow rectangular taillights are still present, framing the Acura logo in the center. Meanwhile, the rear diffuser is more aggressive than anything its 1990s grandfather could ever hope for.

Related: Why We Long For A New Acura Integra Type R

Why Won't They Build It?

Acura Integra render front 3/4
HotCars Photo © 2023 Valnet

The question still remains, why won't Acura build a modern Integra coupe? The answer lies in the car's structure, and every Acura Integra is essentially a Honda Civic beneath the skin. Despite dumping the Integra name in the past, historically, every entry-level Acura is a Civic, including the previous ILX that the new Integra replaces. Unfortunately, there is no longer a Civic coupe, and an entirely new body would push the price of the car far past what it would be worth. In conclusion, the penny-pinching Acura will be dooming the Integra nameplate to a decently conservative 5-door. While it is unknown what the future may hold, at least this rendering allows us to dream.