Acura Integra Type S: Civic Type R in new clothes

In 2022 in the United States, Acura again added a compact sports sedan in a five-door design – that is, with a hatchback and a large tailgate – to the model range in the form of the new Integra. The Integra is meant to introduce younger customers specifically to Honda’s grand daughter. The enhanced variant of the Integra and the additional abbreviation Type S, which will soon be officially presented at the Indycar race in Long Beach, also aim for this.

Since the Integra is based on the Honda Civic platform, the Integra Type S is classified as a sibling of the Civic Type R. Thus, it carries over its two-liter four-cylinder engine with VTEC, but with slightly more power. It delivers 324 instead of 319 hp (Civic Type R Touring according to US specifications). When it comes to maximum torque, there is a tie at 420 Newton meters. Acura mats the engine to a close-ratio six-speed manual with automatic speed adjustment; the exhaust system ends centrally in three rear tailpipes.

Good chassis and brake tuning

The Type S is also technically improved in other respects compared to the tamer Acura Integra. The braking system comes from Brembo specialists and consists of red four-piston calipers on the front axle and 355 mm discs (305 mm on the rear axle). The chassis works with dynamic springs and a reinforced front stabilizer, a standard limited slip differential adds traction. The Type S offers three driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport+. The 9.5×19-inch alloy rims in a five-spoke design are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires with a size of 265/30 R19 all around.

Visually, the Type S remains reserved despite its body, which is up to almost nine centimeters wider than the regular Integra. The radiator grille has increased slightly, the large air intake is located on the front apron and the hood has additional openings. At the rear, a gloss black diffuser apron frames the tail pipe. S-type badges are located in several places on the body. Acura also emblazoned the “Integra” lettering on the front and rear aprons.

Carbon destroyer only as an accessory

Other sports logos must be ordered from the accessories list and paid for separately. These include spoiler lips for the front apron and tailgate, as well as the outer glass houses, each made of carbon fiber. There is also a dark brand logo on the front and bronze metallic wheels instead of grey.

Inside, the Integra Type S offers one of the world’s three colors of red, black or orchid shade. Acura offers four-seat front seats and sport seats that are covered in Alcantara and can be heated. The shift boot is also made of Alcantara, while the steering wheel is covered in leather with colored stitching. The shift knob is black with a red shift pattern. Alternatively, the Type S can be fitted with a titanium gear knob. A 10.2-inch driver information display provides custom graphics, while a central nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity serves as the infotainment interface.

Acura is bringing the new model year 2024 Integra Type S to US dealerships in June. The manufacturer has not yet revealed the price.