How often and in how many different forms can this happen? Honda Civic Type R is named the best car to buy by Motor Authority? That’s one of the questions posed by the Acura Integra Type S in this year’s competition.
The iconic Acura Integra The nameplate returned in 2023 and it was sharp enough to become a Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2023 Finalist.. But in the end it wasn’t powerful enough or sharp enough to win. The new Acura Integra Type S model could have enough of both.
With more power, a retuned suspension, additional cooling, larger brakes and revised aerodynamics, the Acura Integra Type S plays well with children and adults.
Acura Integra Type S
The crux of the matter is the engine replacement. The base Integra’s turbo-4 is replaced by the Honda Civic Type R 2.0-liter turbo-4 with up to 25.2 psi of boost for 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those with sharp pencils in the room, that’s 5hp more than the Type R thanks to a slightly different tune, although you’ll never really notice the difference in power. Bragging rights are another matter.
The Type S is only equipped with a short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox, which is as easy to use thanks to the satisfying shifts that can only be achieved with a Honda gearbox. Power is sent only to the front wheels, but the limited-slip differential helps control power delivery with just a hint of torque steer.
Its engine is a jewel that provides a high Giggle factor. Senior editor Kirk Bell noted that the Type S’s engine is even louder than the Type R’s, at least from outside the car. The Type S features the Type R’s three-outlet exhaust system, but lacks the Honda’s front resonator, resulting in a louder exhaust note.
Acura Integra Type S
If the Type R gets a 10 for combat readiness, the Type S gets downgraded to an 8. The suspension is softer and there is no racing mode. However, as we found in the Best Car To Buy tests, it’s still up to the task on the track without completely falling apart. The Type S stays composed on the track thanks to a track that’s 3.9 inches wider at the front and 1.9 inches wider at the rear. Type-S models feature a 2mm larger front anti-roll bar than the standard Integra, and the solid rear anti-roll bar is also 2mm wider than the Integra A-Spec model. Acura has actually slowed down the Type S’s steering system compared to the standard Integra, with a variable ratio that ranges from 11.62:1 at full lock to 14.9:1 on center.
With repeated use on the race track, the larger brakes never let up. They grow 1.5 inches to 13.8 inches at the front and 0.9 inches to 12.0 inches at the rear compared to the standard Integra. Four-piston brake calipers from Brembo are also used on the front wheels. They did smoke at first, but the pedal never got muddy. For longer track days, we recommend high-quality brake fluid and various brake pads.
One of our favorite things about the Integra Type S is that it’s a covert Civic Type R. The subtle body kit widens the fenders, slight sill extensions are barely noticeable, the rear spoiler is small and both front and rear diffusers are present, but not visually loud. It takes a keen eye and more than one look to see that this isn’t a standard Integra. The triple exhaust outlets are the biggest identifying feature.
Acura Integra Type S
Acura Integra Type S
Inside, there are only four seats instead of five, but the Integra’s 10.2-inch digital display and 9.0-inch touchscreen remain. The same applies to the sports seats at the front, although with firmer padding. The Type R’s comfortable bucket seats weren’t pushed forward, which taller Americans will appreciate, but they were missed during our track day. The seats look good and are comfortable, but they don’t give the interior the same special feel as the seats in the Type R.
All of the Integra’s shortcomings, aside from performance, carry over to the Type S model. These include a cramped back seat with limited headroom and a knee-bending seating position, a tile-based infotainment system that already looks dated, outdated Apple CarPlay, and a price that seems $10,000 too high at $51,995. Plus, it’s $10,000 more than a Civic Type R, which doesn’t seem justified, and it itself is about $5,000 overpriced.
Is a more civilized, grown-up Civic Type R the ideal car for our competition? Is a $10,000 premium for Acura’s hot hatch too much to ask? Will the Type R’s powertrain in an under-the-radar package be enough for the Acura Integra Type S to take the win and be named Motor Authority’s Best Car To Buy 2024, ahead of an American supercar, a German sports coupe , America’s original muscle car? and a powerful electric sedan? Check back on January 3rd when we’ll announce the winner, along with the champions from our sister sites The Car Connection and Green Car Reports.
