Acura revived Integra’s nameplate with a more expensive and luxurious version of the Civic Si for the 2023 model year. This development raised the question, “When will Acura make a high-performance Integra Type S that is based on the Civic Type R?”
Acura just confirmed that the Integra Type S will be coming. We have everything we know so far about the Integra Type S. The Integra Type S is a vehicle of the 2024 model year. It is expected to hit dealerships in the summer of 2023, according to current plans.
Acura has confirmed that the Integra Type S will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC engine with more than 300 horsepower, just like the Civic Type R. It will also have a six-speed manual transmission. The Integra will also have a limited-slip differential.
2024 Acura Integra Type S Review
The Civic Type R is designed to help you achieve lap times. The Integra Type S, like the base Integra, should offer a more luxurious option. Noticeably absent is the rear wing of the Civic Type R. Acura will likely make fewer weight sacrifices by equipping the Integra Type S interior with a better sound system, more sound-deadening material, and a finer interior.
Honda opted for the front-wheel drive for Civic Type R. Acura would prefer to continue using that layout with the Integra Type S. Acura didn’t include this information in their press release. We can still hope that Acura will add their acclaimed Super Handling AWD system (SH-AWD), to make the Integra Type S more unique.
There has been much moaning and hand-wringing since the introduction of the new Integra earlier this year. It’s too ugly to look at. Acura should offer a three-door model, as the new model is a more expensive Civic. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is on these issues, it’s exhausting. The biggest complaint is that there’s no performance version of the Type R from the 1990s. This is where Type S comes in. Did you believe Acura would make a performance Integra with the same engine as the Civic Type R? You’re not crazy. This was inevitable. Type S is the Integra that you have been waiting for.
Engine
Acura did not provide any information to journalists at the Japan prototype drive. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine found in the Integra Type S will be used with a 6-speed manual transmission and a standard limited-slip differential. Acura claims that the Type S will produce “at least 300 horsepower” and it is likely to be slightly more powerful than the Civic’s 315 HP and 310 lb-ft.
Acura engineers set a goal for “epic acceleration” as a key Type S attribute. The new Integra variant may be slightly faster than the Civic Type R at 60 mph, despite being heavier. Acura quickly points out that the Integra is different from the Civic. The Civic Type R is designed for track capability. The Integra Type S is built for street performance and an emotional driving experience.
New Design
The new Integra Type S looks hot with just a light camo wrap in black and white and no fake body panels. The redesigned front bumper features larger air intakes that feed a larger intercooler. The new grille is radial and has diamond-shaped patterns. It has three centrally mounted exhaust tips like the Civic. However, the Integra’s have all the same size. The Type S has deeper side skirts and a lip spoiler on its deck lid. Although Acura representatives won’t confirm either, I believe the Type S will come with a larger wing.
The massive fender flares are the most notable design change and are certain to be controversial. Although the front flares are well integrated, the rear flares show a seam in the bodywork. This is similar to the Civic Type R. The wider stance changes Integra’s proportions. New 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and new wheel arches fill in the gaps and hide the larger brakes with red calipers.
As I enter the cabin, I am greeted with black camouflage, which obscures key components such as the center screen and dashboard. However, there are still some noticeable changes for Type S. The new shift knob is made of metal, the steering wheel rim is thicker, and there are redesigned gauges. Acura also added a lot of Type S badges as you would expect. The Type S should include performance pages for the infotainment screen and possibly a few new convenience features.
Futures
The oval track at Honda is only a few laps, and the Integra has an electronic speed limiter that restricts me to 125 mph. The production car will be faster, but don’t worry. The steering is noticeably heavier than the Civic Type R’s, but still provides great feedback and a quick rack. As soon as I start the engine, it emits a loud, shrill sound. This is accompanied by a more pronounced tone at cruising speeds, and a glorious overrun on all shifts (upshifts, downshifts, and everything in between). It pulls hard through the rev range, even in higher gears. The transmission feels just like Honda’s with quick shift throws and great action. The same auto rev-matching feature that the Civic has is also available, but it can be disabled. The Integra will come standard with adaptive dampers. While the track surface is smooth, I can tell that the Integra has a more flexible chassis than the Civic Type R.
Although my laps go by quickly, the Integra Type S makes a lasting impression. The Civic Type R is a great starting point. However, the Integra feels more refined and should offer a more enjoyable driving experience in everyday situations. The Integra is bold without being as boy-racer as the Type R. It also has heated seats and an ELS sound system.
2024 Acura Integra Type S Release Date & Price
The 2024 model year will see the Integra Type S go on sale. This suggests that the Type S will be revealed in early 2023, and then on sale in the summer or autumn. The new Civic Type R has risen in price to $43,990 (including $1,095 destination), and the manual Integra A-Spec is already $36,895.
Don’t be surprised that the Integra Type S will start at a 5! This would make it the most expensive hot car on sale, excluding markups. Is this crazy? The Integra Type S will be interesting to see if it is, but we are not sure. The Integra Type S is a bargain in an age where original Integra Type Rs can be found for as many as six figures.