Latest news with #cardesign
Car and Driver
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Acura Integra Adds a Bigger Screen and Color-Matched Grille
The 2026 Acura Integra arrives with some updates that include new standard features as well as appearance options. Every Integra now comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen, and customers can have the grille match the body color. Acura hasn't yet released pricing for the 2026 Integra lineup, but that will be announced before it goes on sale sometime in August. The Acura Integra is the Honda Civic's ritzier cousin, and for the 2026 model year, the former receives a host of updates. Along with netting new standard features, Integra customers now have more options to stylize the subcompact luxury hatchback. For those who want the least expensive Integra, it now comes standard with a 9.0-inch touchscreen (replacing the previous 7.0-inch unit). It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda says the infotainment system has a faster processor that should reduce laggy responses. The Integra's interior is also updated with new dashboard trim, and the A-Spec model adds more ambient lighting inside. View Interior Photos Acura Speaking of the A-Spec, its available Orchid interior adds blue faux-suede inserts, while those who choose the Ebony upholstery will inherit new yellow contrast stitching on the door panels, seats, steering wheel, and shift boot. That's not the only new styling update on the 2026 Acura Integra A-Spec. It now wears an assertive body kit, which pairs with a set of black 18-inch wheels featuring a fresh design. The body kit has gloss black spoilers on the sides of the front end, and the side sills also have a sporty-looking element. A trio of paint colors is also new for the 2026 model year. They include Double Apex Blue Pearl, Solar Silver Metallic, and Urban Gray Pearl. For the first time, Integra customers can opt for a color-matched grille; however, they must opt for Double Apex Blue Pearl or Performance Red Pearl. People who don't like the look of that can choose the standard black grille as part of Acura's factory-installed accessories. Similarly, a grille matching cars with Urban Gray Pearl and Platinum White Pearl is also available as an accessory. View Exterior Photos Acura Every 2026 Acura Integra (except for the 315-hp Type S) features a 200-hp 1.5-liter turbo four. Front-wheel drive is standard, and there's a choice between a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Those who pick the latter can pretend to shift gears with the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Acura hasn't yet said how much the 2026 Integra trims will cost. Pricing will be revealed before the hatchback goes on sale sometime in August, but we don't expect to see significant increases. Currently, it starts at $34,196, and the A-Spec and A-Spec Technology start at $36,195 and $39,195, respectively. Eric Stafford Managing Editor, News Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si. Read full bio
Car and Driver
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Ex-Jaguar Design Boss Reimagines the E-Type with This Stunning Concept
Here's a futuristic take on the classic Jaguar E-type from a company run by Jaguar's former styling head, Ian Callum. It's just a demonstration design at present, but it could be made into a one-off. A less-is-more approach here proves that the XKE can still look fresh. Famously praised even by Enzo Ferrari, the Jaguar XKE is one of the prettiest cars ever built. As the Brits say, it would take a lot of cheek to mess with it, but when you're the former head of Jaguar design, allowances can be made. Thus, Callum Designs has dared to modernize the silhouette of the classic Jaguar E-type—and you have to admit they've pulled it off rather well. Callum Designs Ian Callum's portfolio includes the Aston Martin DB7 (and most of the early work on the DB9), the Jaguar XK, and the Jaguar F-type, so he knows his way around traditional grand tourer styling elements. This project is not necessarily confirmed for production. Instead, it's a chance for the design team to stretch their creativity. Should a client with a donor E-type show interest, it's certainly something that could move from the virtual realm to reality. The exterior is finished in a minimalist matte gray, with all the chrome trim eliminated. The headlights and taillights have been updated for a modern look (Lucas, Prince of Darkness, consider yourself exorcised), and the large wheels look futuristic while still reflecting the spirit of the original wire wheels and three-bladed knock-on hubs. It sits low, a crouching cat. Callum Designs The interior has the same ethos, with discreet digital gauges but analog dials for the instrument panel. There are physical toggle switches and—perhaps best of all—a large metal shift knob that indicates a five-speed manual transmission. Twin pipes out the back seem to further indicate that this design isn't meant to be a whisper-quiet EV but a proper growler. There are no hints as to whether it's meant to be powered by a straight-six or V-12, but presumably either could be made to fit. Callum Designs Sussex-based Eagle already does restored and restomodded Jaguar E-types. Then, of course, there's Jaguar Heritage itself. But these are more traditional offerings, not quite so daringly forward-looking as the Callum Designs take. As Jaguar repositions itself in a rapidly changing market, it too will have to pick and choose what to bring forward from the past into the future. Even as a one-off, this car proves that when the big cat company was at its best, the cars were truly timeless. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
