S6-E78 – Driving the 1986 Acura Integra: The car that started it all
About this episode
Exploring the legacy of the 1986 Acura Integra, this episode dives into the origins of Acura as a brand and its significance in the automotive landscape. The hosts reminisce about the car's launch, its specifications, and how it catered to a growing market for more luxurious and performance-oriented vehicles. With insights from Honda's heritage division, listeners learn about the preservation of vintage models and the importance of maintaining their history. The episode also highlights the Acura brand's evolution and its connection to car enthusiasts today.
In this episode we’re in Redondo Beach, California with Acura for an exclusive first drive of the 2026 Integra. Before hitting the road, we sit down with Carl Pulley, curator of the American Honda Collection Hall, to revisit the car that launched the brand’s luxury legacy nearly 40 years ago—the original 1986 Acura Integra.
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Honda HR-V
"This is fascinating because my very, very first interview when I started in public relations was with you in the HRV."
The HR-V is a small SUV from Honda that’s popular for its space and fuel economy.
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV introduced in the mid‑2010s, known for its versatile interior and efficient powertrain.
1986 Acura Integra
"Because this is the 1986 Acura Integra. So one of the two first vehicles that came to the US with the new brand, right?"
Acura is Honda’s upscale brand. The 1986 Integra was the first car they sold in America, showing Honda’s move into higher‑end cars.
The 1986 Acura Integra was the first model introduced by Acura in the United States, marking Honda’s entry into the luxury car market with a sporty compact sedan.
V6 engine
"And that was the first vehicle that we sold in the US with a V6 engine. So obviously a lot more performance than the equivalent Accord at the time."
A V6 engine is a type of car engine with six cylinders that are set in a V shape, giving the car more power and smoother running.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine arranged in a V configuration, offering more power and smoother operation than four-cylinder engines.
Honda Integra
"And then the second model was the sports coupe, which was the Integra."
The Integra is a small, fast Honda car from the 1990s that people liked for its sporty look and feel.
The Honda Integra is a sporty compact coupe produced in the 1990s, popular for its sharp handling and performance-oriented design.
Acura RS
"We had the RS and then the LS. Which is the one that we had drove."
The Acura RS is a special version of an Acura car that has extra sporty features and looks more like a sports car.
The Acura RS was a trim level of the 2003‑2005 Acura RS, offering sportier styling and performance upgrades compared to the base model.
Acura LS
"Yes, the LS was the higher trim level. And it came with either a three door or a five door hatchback."
The Acura LS is a more upscale version of an Acura car, with extra comfort and space inside.
The Acura LS was the higher trim level of the same model range, offering more luxury features and a larger interior compared to the RS.
Civic platform
"And the platform was based upon the Civic. But the three door was almost exactly like the Civic platform."
A car platform is like a common skeleton that many different cars share. The Acura RS/LS were built on the same basic structure as a Honda Civic.
A vehicle platform is the shared set of mechanical components and architecture that underlies multiple car models. The Acura RS/LS used the same platform as the Honda Civic.
Honda Civic
"So it was based on the four cylinder 1.5 Civic engine."
The Civic is a small, everyday car from Honda that many people use for commuting. It’s famous for being dependable and not using a lot of gas.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been produced since 1972, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
16 valve powertrain
"But also the whole top end was changed to have a double overhead cam 16 valve powertrain."
The engine has 16 valves total, which means each of the four cylinders has two intake and two exhaust valves. This setup helps the engine get more air and run better.
A 16-valve powertrain refers to an engine with four valves per cylinder (two intake, two exhaust) across a four-cylinder layout, improving breathing and performance.
double overhead cam
"But also the whole top end was changed to have a double overhead cam 16 valve powertrain."
In a car engine, the camshaft controls the opening and closing of valves. A double overhead cam means there are two camshafts above the engine, which helps it run smoother and faster.
A double overhead cam (DOHC) engine uses two camshafts located above the cylinder head to operate intake and exhaust valves, allowing better airflow and higher performance.
right side mirror
"I mean, even having a right side mirror back in the 80s for the Honda side, that was that was an accessory."
It’s the mirror on the right side of the car that helps you see what’s behind you when you’re driving.
The right side mirror is a rear‑view mirror mounted on the passenger side of a vehicle, allowing the driver to see traffic behind and beside the car.
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
"[1070.0s] We have ticket giveaways for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach."
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a big car race that takes place on the streets of Long Beach. Drivers race high‑speed cars around a temporary track built in the city.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a street‑race event held on the temporary track around downtown Long Beach, California. It’s part of the IndyCar Series and attracts high‑performance race cars from various manufacturers.
Honda Passport Trail Sport
"[1077.0s] we had just launched the Honda Passport Trail Sport."
The Passport Trail Sport is a special edition of Honda’s Passport SUV that’s built to go off‑road. It has extra protection and a tougher look so it can handle dirt and gravel better than the regular Passport.
The Honda Passport Trail Sport is a rugged, off‑road‑ready version of the mid‑size SUV designed for more adventurous driving. It features higher ground clearance, skid plates, and a more aggressive exterior styling to handle rough terrain.
Honda Prelude
"[1194.0s] The new Integra, yeah. [1195.0s] The new Integra and then the new Prelude."
The Prelude is a stylish, fast car from Honda that people enjoy driving and customizing.
The Honda Prelude is a mid-size coupe produced by Honda from 1979 to 2006, celebrated for its sporty handling and distinctive design.
Formula One
"[1299.0s] And then we have a lot of race cars, including two Formula One cars."
Formula One is the top level of car racing where very fast, special cars compete on tracks around the world. It’s like the Olympics of car racing.
Formula One is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seat, open-wheel cars. Races are held on circuits worldwide and are known for cutting-edge technology and high speeds.
RA272
"[1308.0s] Yeah, that was the RA272."
The RA272 is a special racing car made by Honda that raced in the top level of motor sports called Formula One. It was famous for being very light and fast.
The Honda RA272 was a Formula One race car built in the early 1970s, known for its lightweight design and innovative aerodynamics. It competed in several Grands Prix before being retired.
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