Auto Industry News: Acura Integra Is Back, Subaru WRX STI Is Out, & RPM Act Is Still In Motion
The auto industry stays busy, current events be damned. On the enthusiast front, Mecum Auctions rocks Glendale with its biggest lineup to date, and NASCAR makes a buzzy announcement regarding this year’s Le Mans. Meanwhile, aftermarket organizations like SEMA and PRI are still working to save our motorsports by drumming up interest in the RPM Act. (Learn how you can help below!)
On the business side of things, the Acura Integra proves that everything old really is new again, while Subaru ices out its WRX STI in favor of greener power. NTEA’s Work Truck Week recently wrapped up, too. We have details on a few exciting new van models which debuted – great for you fleet workers and #vanlifers seeking new wheels.
But first…
The Engine Block wishes the happiest of birthdays to American racecar driver and hot rod icon, Alex Xydias, who turns 100 tomorrow. From racing flathead Ford V-8s at Bonneville and immortalizing motorsports’ glory days on 16mm, to launching the now-infamous So-Cal Speed Shop, as well as a successful publishing career, and becoming a founding member of SEMA, Xydias has done a lot with his century on this planet. As professionals who make a living in the industry that he helped develop, we send a heartfelt thank you and best wishes for another prolific revolution around the sun.
Mecum Glendale
Mecum Auctions returned to the State Farm Stadium in Arizona this past weekend for its fourth year in a row. True to the auction house’s recent record-breaking successes, Glendale 2022 delivered not only its biggest lineup to date but also perhaps its best, said Dave Magers, Mecum CEO. Among the 1,500 vehicles and 200 road art items were 11 private collections, many selling an impressive array of offerings at no reserve.
Described as a “car show that happens to have an auction,” Magers said roughly 90% of the people attending Glendale 2022 were not wearing a bidder badge. “They’re not buyers; they’re not sellers … they’ve come to watch the spectacle that is Mecum auctions.”
And spectacle they received, with plenty of jaw-dropping collector cars crossing the block.
A few high-dollar highlights included a 1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe which sold for a final price of $2.365 million, a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT with only 182 miles which sold for $2.2 million, and a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 which enjoyed a hammer price of an astounding $3.025 million.
Other crowd favorites included a 1996 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster ($332,750), 1971 Plymouth Cuda Convertible ($308,000), and a 2020 Ford GT with only 1,270 miles, which sold for a cool $1 mill.
Learn more about the Glendale 2022 lots and results HERE. Next stop for Mecum is East Moline, IL for a tractor show later this month, and then on to Houston for the next collector car auction March 31-April 2.
NASCAR plans return to Le Mans in 2023
It takes team work to make the dream work, and NASCAR is calling all hands on deck for its latest endeavor. Along with Hendrick Motorsports, IMSA, Chevrolet, and Goodyear, NASCAR’s new project intends to bring a modified Next Gen stock car to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the race’s centennial celebration.
The specially prepared Camaro ZL1 from the NASCAR Cup Series will not compete as part of the traditional 55-car starting grid. Instead, it will be a Garage 56 entry – a kind of exhibition class reserved for highlighting innovative vehicles outside WEC regulations.
No word yet on the team’s driver lineup or technical elements of the car. But, if anything can put the Next Gen vehicle’s capabilities to the test, it’s Le Mans. With 85% of the race spent on full throttle, the engine, drivetrain components, suspension, and brakes all undergo incredible stress as they zip around the 8.467-mile-long road course.
Interestingly, this is not NASCAR’s first trip to the renowned Circuit de la Sarthe. In 1976, founder Bill France Sr. sent a Dodge Charger and Ford Torino across the pond to perform on the international stage. The “two big monsters,” as the French media called them at the time, sadly did not finish the race.
Here’s hoping 2023 delivers better results!
Acura Reveals 2023 Integra
While some things from the late ‘90s should stay dead and buried (I’m looking at you, low-rise jeans), others are returning to the mainstream with welcome applause.
Last summer, Acura announced plans to revive what is perhaps its most iconic nameplate – the Integra. Now that the premium sport compact officially took off its covers, we can say: Nice job, Acura.
Mostly similar to the prototype, which debuted in November, the production-ready 2023 Acura Integra shares its underpinnings with the all-new Honda Civic and sports some, well, sporty good looks. We’re happy to see the four-door hatchback configuration make a comeback, and think the sharp hood lines and modern DRLs add just enough drama to keep things interesting.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbo four, good for 200 hp and 192 lb.-ft. of torque delivered to the front wheels. A six-speed manual is available, but can only be had on the top, A-Spec trim with the technology package. (A CVT comes standard.) That’s not exactly the greatest news for eager enthusiasts, as it means they’ll be adding about an extra $5k to that attractive $30,000 starting price. However, the tech package’s heads-up display and wireless smart phone integration might help ease any financial frustration.
Also adding bang to the buck is a truly upscale interior. A spacious cabin features comfortable heated seating, a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster inside. Those A-Spec models add synthetic leather with microsuede inserts, ambient lighting, and an upgraded 9.0-inch touchscreen.
“The Integra is one of the most iconic models in Acura’s history,” said Jon Ikeda, VP and Acura Brand Officer. “This new Integra will continue to deliver on the original’s unique aspirational yet attainable market position with emotional performance and style, combined with the versatility and utility sought after by today’s buyers.”
WRX STI Gets ICE’d
As one model is resurrected, another is laid to rest – at least for now. After revealing the all-new 2022 WRX, Subaru announced it would not be offering a second-gen STI high-performance model… at least, not with an internal combustion engine.
Believing the future of sports and performance cars lies in eco-friendly technologies like electrification, the automaker released a statement confirming its intention to press pause on an ICE STI. “If we designed [a new STI] now, it would have a very limited shelf life,” Subaru Director of Corporate Communications Dominick Infante told Road & Track. “The regulations are changing so quickly that it kind of wouldn’t make any sense.”
It’s anyone’s guess when the next-gen STI could arrive. However, it will most definitely show up wearing a hybrid or battery-electric drivetrain.
RPM Act Update
Speaking of internal combustion struggles, the RPM Act continues its long trek through the agonizingly slow American legislative process.
Introduced in 2016, the bill aims to combat the EPA’s creative reinterpretation of the Clean Air Act. The government agency stated that it would be illegal to convert any motor vehicle into a racecar if the emissions system was modified or removed – including those that never see street time and are trailered to and from racetracks.
Understandably, this could have a devastating effect on the motorsports community, not to mention the small businesses that supply necessary parts and service.
During 2021, the bill picked up steam thanks to millions of enthusiasts making their voices known to lawmakers. (You can amplify your own by clicking HERE.) The resulting cacophony made some progress: As of September 15, 2021, Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Jon Tester (D-MT) stepped up to reintroduce the bill in the U.S. Senate. Unfortunately, now it sits, gathering dust and waiting for jaded politicians to make a move.
Revving Up Support
Most recently, the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has elevated its advocacy efforts by kicking off its third annual tour around the country. The 2022 Road Tour takes PRI to race tracks, businesses, events, and more where the group can generate videos and share stories about what the industry can do to help build, promote, and protect motorsports. The RPM Act is clearly a big part of that.
To help, read up on what the RPM Act entails or watch the embedded video for more information. Then, click the link above. (Here it is again). Once you land on the site, fill out the form and send a strongly-worded, pre-crafted email to your local lawmaker and tell them to cosponsor the bipartisan, common-sense legislation. Then share the link with friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts.
NTEA Work Truck Week Van Debuts
While a work truck trade show might not be as exciting as the rebirth of a sport compact classic or the salvation of motorsports, it certainly offers up some notable debuts for hard-working tradespeople – not to mention Instagram-loving Millennial hippies.
Whether you run a successful business-on-wheels or you live in a van down by the river (which frankly, is looking like a real possibility in this economy), you should read up the interesting debuts below.
Want to know more about other happenings at 2022 Work Truck Week? Head over to Automotive Fleet for a comprehensive recap of top trends observed at the show.
New RAM ProMaster
RAM gifts fresh faces to its 2023 full-size commercial van lineup, swapping out dated headlights with better components and a sleeker design. The automaker notes front-end illumination now shines 29% brighter with 15% more range. Upgrade to LED and those numbers jump to 70% and 50% respectively. The front bumper also sees an upgrade, with RAM moving to a modular design sporting a built-in step. This feature is meant to provide easier access to the windshield and wiper blades.
A new, higher roof joins the lineup, as well, offering 86 inches of cargo height. This means the RAM ProMaster is now available in three cargo height options, including the new Super High Roof Van, four cargo length options, and a new available roll up door, effectively offering a configuration for every business and lifestyle need imaginable.
The same 276-hp 3.6-liter V-6 lives under the hood, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Hauling capacity remains the same too, with a maximum 6,910 pounds towing and 4,680 pounds payload.
Many safety features are new however, including Drowsy Driver Detection, a digital rearview mirror, 360-degree camera system, and emergency pedestrian/cyclist braking.
The 2023 Ram ProMaster goes on sale sometime in Q3. No word on pricing yet.
New Sprinter AWD System
Over at Mercedes, German engineers debuted an all-new all-wheel-drive system for the 2023 Sprinter Van. Additionally, a new turbodiesel I-4 replaces the outgoing diesel V-6. Available in 168-hp and 208-hp configurations, the new engine aims to provide “smoother acceleration, high torque values, decreased emissions and lower noise and vibration levels.”
The AWD system replaces the Sprinter’s selectable 4WD system, offering drivers more versatility and convenience. The new system automatically detects wheel slip and delivers torque on-demand, applying up to a 50% split between the front and rear axles (similar to most crossovers and cars). The previous engageable system only provided 35% of torque to the front and 65% to the rear axle when in 4×4 mode.
Off-road capability remains, too. The 2023 Mercedes Sprinter maintains its 8-inch ground clearance, 26° approach angle, 23° breakover angle, and 25° departure angle.
Expect the new model to hit American customers sometime in early 2023. No pricing announcements are yet available.
The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Be sure to check back Friday for our next Competition Corner installment, featuring must-see April events.
