2024 Acura Integra Type S
After a two-decade hiatus, the Integra nameplate returned for model year 2022 and captured the eyes and hearts of many eager enthusiasts who wanted to re-live the high-revving nostalgia of their younger years.
Teasing a Type S
A few weeks ago, a (very lightly) camouflaged “Type S” variant of this compact hatchback made the rounds in a press release from Acura. The announcement reads, “Acura today confirmed the development of a high-performance Integra Type S, set to join the lineup for the 2024 model year. Promising ultimate street performance and driver engagement, the Integra Type S will be powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine producing over 300 horsepower and paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.”
While driving impressions have been limited to just a handful of journalists who were invited to a private preview in Japan, the car seems to check all the right boxes for the enthusiasts. What do we know so far?
Integra Backstory
When the Acura brand launched in 1986, the Integra was one of just two models offered. The Integra slotted as a compact, versatile gateway to the brand with a rev-happy inline-four, while the larger Legend took the role as the flagship luxury sedan with a V6 powerplant. In the years that followed, the Integra evolved with greater technology, higher performance, and contemporary styling. A second generation launched in 1990 and gave the world the first “GS-R” model, motivated by a 1.7-liter naturally aspirated motor with 160 horsepower.
The third generation came to life in 1994, and three years later, the iconic Integra Type R was born. This track-tuned hatchback produced peak horsepower of 195 at a sky-high 8,000 RPM and was offered in limited numbers as the enthusiast’s choice. After 2001, the Integra name was phased out in America as the RSX (which incidentally was still sold as the Honda Integra in overseas markets) took things over until its discontinuation in 2006.
The current-generation Integra was met with polarized reactions when it was unveiled in Los Angeles in November 2021 in prototype form. The car is offered exclusively is a five-door hatchback, whereas some prior Integra generations were available in three-door hatchback and four-door sedan configurations in addition.
Since its launch, the latest Integra’s design has grown on a lot of people: the car sold 2,248 units in the month of November 2022 – a number even stronger than the brand’s popular RDX crossover. Powering the current Integra is a 2.5-liter inline-four that is shared with the Honda Civic Si. Output from this heart is 200 horsepower, and two transmissions are available: a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual.
First Impressions
I’m a five-time Integra owner, and in my current stable is an Aztec Green Pearl 1992 GS-R with over 251,000 miles on it (you can see it in our recent story on my Jay Leno’s Garage appearance). I have even sold two of my Acura Integras through AutoHunter.com (You can see them here and here). Needless to say, my expectations are high for this new model. Having driven the new Integra during a week-long press preview, I am optimistic about what the Type S will be capable of. Even just the “standard” A-Spec model was lively and fun to pilot – not to mention the fact that Honda makes some of the most crisp, seamless manual gearboxes around.
What’s Next?
The stage is set for the new Type S, and Acura’s press release included a handful of photos of the car in an “S”-branded wrap for the world to see. Readily visible are the car’s more aggressive body lines when compared to the standard Integra, and at the rear, there are triple exhaust outlets below the bumper. These are unmistakably similar to the layout on the current Honda Civic Type R which launched for 2023.
In fact, the Type S will likely share a great deal of its chassis and powertrain architecture with the Type R – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The 315-horsepower Civic Type R has been hailed as one of the most-nimble, yet engaging, machines on the road. If Acura can leverage some of that car’s strengths into a more refined or luxurious package, the new Integra Type S will be a sure winner.
Acura states that more details about the Integra Type S will be shared closer to its launch, which is slated for next summer. Stay tuned to the ClassicCars.com Journal for more information as it comes available!
Source: www.classiccars.com