Image: Acura
Image: Acura
Image: Acura
Image: Acura
NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers
The Integra that was unveiled last year was a family-friendly incarnation of the celebrated nameplate. The Integra Type S, however, scratches the performance car itch and does so with a sultry four-cylinder thrum borrowed from the Honda Civic Type-R.
Image: Acura
In terms of the five-door liftback’s design flared fenders and a menacing scowl are the key attractions for the Type S. The corners of the car are decorated by 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, wrapped in 265/ 30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres with stopping power provided by 13,8-inch two-piece brake rotors and Brembo four-piston mono-bloc aluminium calipers.
Image: Acura
Contrasting the performance-focused exterior is a luxurious cabin offering features such as heated front seats with suede inserts, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with coloured stitching. The Type S is endowed with a 10,2-inch driver’s display complemented by a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment centre console and a sixteen-speaker sound system to name a few.
The 2023 Acura Type S is powered by the venerated and high-revving K20C 2,0-litre DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC engine producing 230 kW and 420 N.m making it the most powerful Integra ever. The font-wheel-drive powertrain is mated to a short-throw six-speed manual transmission that features automatic rev-matching. A high-flow exhaust features the firm’s active exhaust technology that changes the exhaust note in different driving modes while other mechanical goodies include a helical-type limited-slip differential.
Image: Acura
The Integra Type S retains the boy racer performance figures of the Civic Type R but in a more mature platform. The stance is much wider than the vanilla Integra and a lot more aggressive and capable than the non-Type S counterpart. The Type S’s front and rear tracks are widened by 3,5 inches and 1,9 inches and are supported by a dual-axis front suspension design. Acura claims the addition of the dual-axis system greatly reduces torque steer, while additions like the thicker front stabiliser bar improve responsiveness. Acura’s Adaptive Damper System (ADS) is utilised to provide distinct driving characteristics for each driving mode. Interestingly, the Type S — which weighs roughly 1 460kg — is roughly 50 kg heavier than the regular Type S (1 393 kg).
Image: Acura
Unfortunately, the jaw-dropping Acura Integra Type S won’t be available in South Africa but it’s Honda badged sibling will be launching later this month.
Keyword: Acura Integra Type S is the most powerful Integra ever