Acura Integra Type S

The modern-day reboot of the Acura Integra may not be the revival they were hoping for but for a fancy equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1, it feels rather impressive on various levels. Turn the volume up to the highest level because the loudest Integra is here.

2024 Acura Integra Type S

2024 Acura Integra Type S interior

The first-ever Acura Integra Type S, starting at 50,800 US Dollars plus additional costs, pushes the rebooted Integra to the loudest level and when you hear one passing by, get your earmuffs ready because this is by no means the loudest Integra ever made.

Speedo boys like it loud so the Integra Type S showcases the loud side of the rebooted Integra with its wide fender flares, enlarged air ducts and vents, 19-inch wheels, and triple-exhaust layout derived from its Honda Civic Type R equivalent. On the inside, it's been kitted with a perforated leather sport steering wheel, dark titanium-finish knob, and Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats. Although it works and feels just like the normal Integra, as well as the spacing good enough for your next tailgating party, expect no safe spaces for your eardrums when the Integra Type S comes out to play.

Under the hood, the Integra Type S runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the Honda Civic Type R while mated exclusively to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. It produces 320HP of power output and 310lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a combined 24MPG based on EPA calculations.

Unlike its other Type S brothers such as the TLX and the MDX, the Integra Type S is exclusively front-wheel-drive but who cares about it. This is what the loudest Integra should be and in terms of dynamics, the Integra Type S feels just like the Honda Civic Type R in various ways and means thanks to its Dual-Axis Strut front suspension, improved chassis rigidity, and large front Brembo monobloc brake calipers. With the Integrated Dynamics System set to its exclusive Sport+ mode, the Integra Type S shows its true colors on the road and on the track.

Just like its normal equivalent, the Integra Type S is equipped with AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies such as CMBS, RDM, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and low-speed braking control.

The first-ever Acura Integra Type S is the Americanized Civic Type R that loves to live loud from the West Coast to the East Coast. This is absolutely what the Integra speedo boys wanted since the return. Good luck sleeping quietly when this car passes by.

Available colors: Lunar Silver Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Performance Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Apex Blue Pearl, and Tiger Eye Pearl.

Photo: Acura

Acura Integra (DE4)

The Integra, a favorite among speedo boys, was revived as a posh equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1. It really took the nerve to revive an iconic nameplate for a new entry-level Acura everybody can afford but what's it all about?

2023 Acura Integra

Priced at 30,800 US Dollars plus additional costs, the return of the Acura Integra is an arduous task to do because while the nameplate is heavily synonymous with the speedo boys in the neighborhood, this reboot can be easily likened to a plate of chop suey you ate at home because it was met with mixed results.

Beginning with the design, the new Integra looks more like a baby TLX for obvious reasons with the rearview reminiscent of an ancient Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Overall, it looks more like a commoner's Acura even with the Integra markings can't help. Mind you, the Integra markings on the front and back are an ode to the previous model, the previously-known last-generation Acura Integra before it got replaced by the RSX, which is known globally as the final-generation Honda Integra. Wordiness aside, the fastback styling made an impression.

2023 Acura Integra interior

2023 Acura Integra interior

Asked about the interior, the new Integra has a similar modern Honda interior DNA found in the Civic FL1, meaning it's about as driver-focused as the one it was based on. On the passenger side, its five-seater capacity means it works rather well as a family car but why would someone want to turn the Integra into a family car? This was made for road trips with your pals itching for a game at Round 1 or going for broke at the shopping center. Just don't bother toying around with the Amazon Alexa feature on it. It might kill the mood of everybody around you.

Speaking of shopping, the fastback styling results in a decent boot space good enough for your tailgating parties with your mates while the rear seats can be folded down for various situations such as carrying sensitive stuff to your clients or turning it into a nice little sleeper while on vacation.

2023 Acura Integra

The beating heart of the all-new Acura Integra is the 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine, which kicks out a decent 200hp of power and 192lb-ft of torque. Mated to a sport-tuned CVT gearbox with paddle shifters, it delivers a combined 33MPG rating, which sounds good for long trips, but for speedo boys looking to bring the Integra to its bosom potential, a 6-speed manual gearbox is offered with 30MPG combined fuel economy. This gearbox comes with Rev-Match Control as well as a helical LSD that helps transfer maximum power to the road.

Asked about dynamics, the new Integra behaves pretty much like the Honda Civic FL1 in various ways thanks to its sport-tuned suspension setup and its Integrated Dynamics System with four driving modes with a customizable Individual mode that lets you mix and match the dynamics.

Although speedo boys aren't happy with it, the new Integra is equipped with AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies such as CMBS, RDM, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and low-speed braking control.

The modern-day reboot of the Acura Integra may not be the revival they were hoping for, just like reboots of classic movies, but for a fancy equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1, it feels rather impressive on various levels. For daily driving to weekend getaways, the new Integra is all about delivering its first impression with explanations. Welcome to the new normal.

Photo: Acura

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...