Tag Archives: Acura

Tony Stark’s NSX Is Back — and It’s Ready to Save Monterey Car Week

It’s been over a decade since we last saw Tony Stark’s most understated accessory — no, not the Iron Man suit — the Acura NSX Roadster from The Avengers. And now, like every good Marvel character, it’s getting a dramatic comeback. This August, at Monterey Car Week, the one-off superhero supercar will roll into The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, looking exactly as it did when it first stole scenes back in 2012 — complete with its “Stark 33” plates and Hollywood swagger.

Acura’s bringing it out as part of the 35th anniversary celebration of the first-gen NSX, which is a bit like having a birthday party and inviting Robert Downey Jr. to bring cake. And in true Tony Stark fashion, it’s not just for show — the roadster will be auctioned next year, with all proceeds going to charity. If you’re interested, Acura’s accepting “hand raisers” at Monterey. Think of it as RSVP-ing for the chance to outbid other rich petrolheads.

Now, for the petrolhead gossip: this roadster wasn’t some digital movie magic. Built by Trans FX in Oxnard, California, it started life as a very real, very tired 1991 NSX with 252,000 miles on the clock. Yes — that’s enough mileage to lap the planet ten times, but Marek and his crew decided nothing could be more reliable for filming than an OG NSX. They slapped on a hand-crafted resin and fiberglass body, dropped the suspension two inches, bolted on 18-inch wheels, fitted aftermarket seats, and — voila — Stark’s superhero cruiser was born.

The styling came straight from Acura’s LA Design Studio, drawing inspiration from the second-gen NSX Concept shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Unlike most movie props, this one isn’t a hollow shell — it’s fully driveable and, frankly, cooler than half the stuff that came after in the Marvel garage.

And because Acura knows how to party, the NSX Roadster won’t be alone. Sitting alongside it at The Quail will be a 1995 NSX-R, a 1999 Zanardi Edition, and the brand-new RSX Prototype — Acura’s all-electric premium performance SUV of the future.

So, if you happen to be at Monterey Car Week on August 15, brace yourself. You might not see Iron Man, but you will see the car that proved Tony Stark didn’t just have good taste in tech — he had impeccable taste in wheels.

Source: Acura

2026 Acura Integra: A Fresh Face and Sharpened Edge for a Performance Icon

As Acura celebrates four decades of the Integra nameplate, the Japanese premium automaker is giving its award-winning sport compact a notable update for the 2026 model year. The refreshed Integra lineup brings sharper styling, enhanced tech, and a more engaging driving experience, ensuring its continued reign as the segment’s go-to liftback for enthusiasts with taste.

Since its 2022 revival, the modern Integra has dominated the premium sport compact segment, claiming over 40% of retail sales and earning accolades such as the North American Car of the Year. With a youthful buyer base and the highest conquest rate of any Acura model, it’s no surprise the brand is doubling down on what makes the Integra tick.

A Sportier, Smarter Integra

For 2026, Acura introduces three new paint options—Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, and the striking Double Apex Blue Pearl, borrowed from the electric ZDX Type S. A new aero body kit adds a more aggressive touch to the A-Spec trim, featuring gloss-black front corner spoilers and a redesigned side sill garnish. Updated 18-inch black wheels round out the visual upgrades, while a color-matched grille is now available in select hues.

The cabin receives meaningful tech upgrades across the board. A larger 9-inch touchscreen is now standard, up from 7 inches, and brings with it wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Wireless phone charging and a faster processor ensure the user experience is more seamless than ever.

For A-Spec models, interior personalization has been pushed further. A fresh trim pattern spans the dashboard, ambient lighting has been expanded, and upholstery options have become bolder—blue microsuede inserts grace the Orchid interior, while yellow contrast stitching animates Ebony-trimmed cabins.

Performance With Precision

At the heart of the Integra remains the spirited 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with either a CVT (with paddle shifters and step-shift logic) or an enthusiast-approved 6-speed manual transmission—still a segment exclusive. The manual variant also includes a helical limited-slip differential for improved traction through corners.

Driving dynamics remain a strong point. Built on an ultra-rigid chassis, the Integra continues to deliver confidence-inspiring handling with its independent suspension, precise variable-ratio steering, and available Adaptive Damper System (ADS). The standard Integrated Dynamics System offers Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an “Individual” mode added on A-Spec models with the Technology Package.

Form Meets Function

One of the Integra’s most compelling features is its unique 5-door liftback design, offering the sleek silhouette of a coupe with the cargo flexibility of a hatch. Rear seat legroom remains generous for the class, and split-folding rear seats make practical use of its spacious layout.

Inside, the Integra balances luxury and sportiness. Leatherette-wrapped heated front seats are standard, with optional microsuede inserts, contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals, and red gauge needles on A-Spec trims. Visibility is aided by slim pillars and well-positioned side mirrors, while the Acura Precision Cockpit™ 10.2-inch digital cluster adds clarity and customization to the driving experience.

Tech and Safety Take Center Stage

The Integra isn’t just about driving fun—it’s packed with class-leading technology. The Technology Package adds a 5.3-inch Head-Up Display, built-in Alexa voice integration, and a premium 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D® sound system.

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Integra’s appeal. AcuraWatch™, the brand’s suite of driver-assist technologies, is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition. A blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic monitoring is also standard, while A-Spec models with the Technology Package add front and rear parking sensors and Low-Speed Braking Control.

Already earning a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA, the Integra continues to set the benchmark for safety in its class.

Built for America, by America

True to its roots, the 2026 Integra is built exclusively at Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio. Its turbocharged engine is also made stateside at the Anna Engine Plant, reinforcing Acura’s commitment to American manufacturing excellence.

As Acura prepares to usher in the next chapter of the Integra’s story, the 2026 model demonstrates a perfect balance of heritage and innovation. With sharper styling, improved tech, and the same fun-loving spirit, the Integra remains one of the most compelling entries in the premium sport compact segment.

Source: Acura

Acura Donates 75 Electric ZDX SUVs to The Nature Conservancy

In a bold move reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship, Acura is donating 75 units of its all-electric ZDX performance SUV—currently one of America’s best-selling premium EVs—to The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The donation represents the largest vehicle contribution in the brand’s history and is aimed at helping the nonprofit transition to a cleaner, lower-emission fleet as it continues its vital conservation efforts across the U.S.

This initiative builds on more than three decades of collaboration between Honda—Acura’s parent company—and The Nature Conservancy, a partnership rooted in shared values around sustainability and ecosystem protection.

But the donation doesn’t stop at the vehicles. The Honda family of companies in the U.S., which includes Acura, is also contributing $1 million to support the deployment of EV charging infrastructure and operational costs associated with the new ZDX fleet. The vehicles will be delivered via Acura dealerships nationwide, enabling local TNC teams to travel efficiently to fieldwork locations, connect with communities, and access remote conservation sites—all while minimizing environmental impact.

“We’re proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy and Acura dealers across America to help advance sustainability by contributing to a lower-emissions future,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. “The Acura ZDX fleet will support The Nature Conservancy’s important fieldwork, enabling more efficient travel to conservation sites while reducing the environmental impact of transportation.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Acura for this donation,” added Daniel Salzer, Director of Sustainability for The Nature Conservancy. “The donation of these vehicles has significantly accelerated our efforts to electrify our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint, and setting a powerful example of climate leadership.”

A Legacy of Conservation

The roots of the Honda–TNC partnership trace back to Ohio over 30 years ago, when Honda first collaborated with TNC to protect the Big Darby Creek watershed—one of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse aquatic systems. Over the years, Honda has contributed more than $1 million to safeguard the headwaters of this vital tributary to the Scioto River, which supplies drinking water to tens of thousands of Ohioans.

In 2020, Honda donated 90 acres of land to TNC in Ohio, further reinforcing its commitment to conservation. More recently, in 2023, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation donated $625,000 to TNC programs across 10 states, including support for local chapters in Alabama, California, and Indiana.

Electrifying the Future

The all-new Acura ZDX, launched earlier this year, marks a turning point in Acura’s electrification strategy. As a performance SUV designed with both luxury and sustainability in mind, the ZDX embodies Acura’s vision for a zero-emissions future without compromising on driving dynamics or design.

This strategic donation to TNC not only underscores Acura’s leadership in the premium EV space, but also signals a new era of cross-sector collaboration between automakers and environmental organizations working toward shared climate goals.

With this high-impact initiative, Acura is doing more than just delivering EVs—it’s delivering on a promise to drive change, protect natural ecosystems, and electrify the road ahead.

Source: Honda