Honda Stuns World By Showing Off Surprise New Integra

13 years ago - 10 November 2011, Autoblog
Honda Stuns World By Showing Off Surprise New Integra
Only it's not what you think. Acura won't be rolling out a new performance hatch anytime soon. Instead, Honda Motorcycles has pulled the sheets off of a new two-wheeled Integra model at this year's EICMA show.

The vehicle is effectively an overgrown scooter with a 670 cc engine and an optional dual-clutch gearbox. Honda says the vehicle is meant to meld the motorcycle and scooter worlds with plenty of performance, great fuel economy and superior accessibility thanks to its feet-forward riding position. Buyers will be able to chose between two engine specifications, with most Integra models boasting somewhere in the neighbourhood of 52 horsepower.

European buyers, meanwhile, will be able to opt for a slightly less potent variant with around 47 horsepower to meet 2013 European Union A2 licensing requirements. Honda says that both engines are specifically engineered for peak performance below 138 km/h and 6,000 rpm, where the company says that 90 percent of riding typically occurs. All of which is well and good, but the name of this thing is a subtle jab to the ribs for those holding out hope for an affordable performance hatch from the Japanese brand.