Forza Motorsport 4: The first Type R Honda

Memories of Integra Type R

The Honda Integra Type R, if my memory serves me correctly, was the first ever front-wheel drive Type R model ever made. When it comes to the word "Type R", you know what that means. Yep, it's total noise pollution to the suburbs and speedo boys from around the world are indulged in such a phenomenon that caused a stir in the neighborhood. Hondas are like...gangsters or criminals in the past because when night falls, the noise from every souped-up Hondas' exhausts kicks in and it's...TOTAL NOISE POLLUTION. He he he...When a Honda gets tuned by a speedo boy, that's what this kind of carnage gets. He he he...

Anyway, the Integra Type R, I know this is a memorable car but let's remember, this is the car that gave a spin to the Type R moniker. Let's start with the DC2 model, the first of its kind...

The first of its kind...

The Honda Type R roots pay tribute to their first ever winning F1 car and essentially high-performance versions of their respective models. Type R models have unique features such as a red Honda badge, improved VTEC engine, weight loss, and special Championship White paint.

The Integra Type R, based on the facelifted DC2 model, was first introduced in Japan in 1995. The Integra Type R is available in either a 4-door saloon or a 3-door liftback. The 1.8L VTEC engine was uprated to 200PS of power and it was equipped with a 5-speed manual and Helical LSD.

Basically, Integra Type R models are made for homologation purposes to meet FIA certifications to compete in N-series and World Cup racing. Little known fact that for each model sold, Honda lost money even though extra dealer markups sometimes made for excessive dealer profit.

Start the clock...

The DC2 Integra Type R did it in 1:32.562...

Okay, so what about the Acura equivalent?

Japanese Type R vs. American Type R.

For 2000, the Type R model was joined in the Acura Integra lineup and for this Acura version of the Integra Type R, it has the same 1.8L engine as expected from the JDM Honda Integra Type R but the power output is lowered by 195HP of power and 130lb-ft of torque but on that time, it was one of the most powerful 4-cylinder powerplants available in America.

For the Type R model, the ride height has been lowered and features a revised shocks, springs and sway bars for sharper handling. To reduce weight, the Type R provided less sound insulation, a 10% thinner windscreen, and lightweight wheels.

During its 4-year production run, about 3,822 Type R models were sold in North America.

Start the clock!

...the Acura Integra Type R lapped round the track in 1:32.501...That's about almost as similar as the JDM DC2 Type R, even though the Acura Integra Type R has less power and torque.

And now...the last Integra Type R ever made...the DC5! Imagine!

Here comes the DC5!

Shortly after the Honda Integra gained a full model change in summer 2001, the high-performance Integra Type R model was also offered and for the DC5 model, the 1.8L engine from the old model was replaced with the K20A 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine capable of delivering 220HP of power.

Aside from its new engine, the DC5 Type R features Recaro seats, four-piston Brembo front brakes, a close ratio six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and a stiffer suspension.

In the spring of 2006, Honda announced the discontinuation of the Integra because of the diminishing coupe market but because of customer feedback, Honda will keep producing the car until July 2006 and produce 150 more Integras.

Start the clock!

The DC5 Type R Integra did it in 1:29.190, and thanks to its improved power from its 2.0L engine, that's worth the capability even though the DC5's heavier than the DC2 Integra.

It was worth a shot giving a tribute to the first front-wheel drive Type R in Honda history and even though the Integra's no longer with us since its discontinuation in 2006, it's still a Speedo Boy's favorite next to the speedo boy favorite...the Honda Civic. Sure, the Integra's dead, the Civic's dead, the Type R's dead. Short story...