Acura Integra Type S Revealed: A Performance Sport Sedan for the Mature

Tim Healey
by Tim Healey

If the Honda Civic Type R strikes your fancy mechanically but its looks are a bit too juvenile for your aesthetic, enter the Acura Integra Type S.


The Integra Type S is mechanically similar to the Honda, but it avoids styling details like a large wing. It does, though, have a hood scoop and unique front fascia -- and of course, the Integra's styling is divisive on its own.

Similar doesn't mean same, and the Integra Type S rings five more horsepower out of its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to make 320. Torque is the same at 310 lb-ft.

That power gets to the ground via a six-speed manual transmission that has rev-matching, and the car has a limited-slip differential.

Out back, the high-flow exhaust exits the car via three pipes located in a unique rear fascia. "Integra" is stamped on both fascias.

What goes fast must eventually stop and Acura has equipped the Integra Type S with four-piston Brembo brakes -- the front rotors get cooled via functional air ducts.

Acura has widened this car by 2.8 inches compared to a standard Integra, and it has 19-inch wheels and summer rubber. Both the front and rear tracks are widened compared to the standard car -- 3.5 inches up front, and 1.9 inches in the rear. The front stabilizer bar is thickened by 2 mm, and torque steer is reduced via a dual-axis front suspension and the suspension comes standard with adaptive damping.

The Type S has several drive modes, including Sport and Sport+, with that last one offering up what Acura calls "pops and bangs" from the exhaust.

Inside, the car gets suede seat inserts and firmer bolstering, and a suede shift boot. There are also special logos marking the car as a Type S -- your three passengers will not mistake the Type S for anything else. Yes, three -- the car has only four seating positions.

Comfort features will include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, premium audio, digital gauges, and a head-up display.

Not that most of you care about safety on a performance car, but it does come standard with the AcuraWatch suite of advanced driver-assist systems.

Oh, and if you miss the wing -- Acura will happily sell you a carbon-fiber lip spoiler as an accessory.

The Acura Integra Type S goes on sale in June.

[Images: Acura]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by  subscribing to our newsletter.

Tim Healey
Tim Healey

Tim Healey grew up around the auto-parts business and has always had a love for cars — his parents joke his first word was “‘Vette”. Despite this, he wanted to pursue a career in sports writing but he ended up falling semi-accidentally into the automotive-journalism industry, first at Consumer Guide Automotive and later at Web2Carz.com. He also worked as an industry analyst at Mintel Group and freelanced for About.com, CarFax, Vehix.com, High Gear Media, Torque News, FutureCar.com, Cars.com, among others, and of course Vertical Scope sites such as AutoGuide.com, Off-Road.com, and HybridCars.com. He’s an urbanite and as such, doesn’t need a daily driver, but if he had one, it would be compact, sporty, and have a manual transmission.

More by Tim Healey

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 33 comments
  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X As much problems as I had with my '96 Chevy Impala SS.....I would love to try one again. I've seen a Dark Cherry Metallic one today and it looked great.
  • Susan O’Neil There is a good reason to keep the Chevrolet Malibu and other 4 door family sedans! You can transport your parents and other somewhat handicapped people comfortably and safety! If someone can stand and pivot you can put them in your car. An armrest in the back seat is appreciated and a handle above the door! Oh…and leather seats so your passenger can slide across the seat! 😊Plus, you can place a full sized wheelchair or walker in the trunk! The car sits a little lower…so it’s doable! I currently have a Ford Fusion and we have a Honda Accord. Our previous cars were Mercury Sables-excellent for transporting handicapped people and equipment! As the population ages-sedans are a very practical choice! POV from a retired handicapped advocate and daughter! 😊
  • Freddie Remember those ads that say "Call your doctor if you still have...after four hours"?You don't need to call your doctor, just get behind the wheel of a CUV. In fact, just look at one.I'm a car guy with finite resources; I can't afford a practical car during the week plus a fun car on the weekend. My solution is my Honda Civic Si 4 door sedan. Maybe yours is a Dodge Charger (a lot of new Chargers are still on dealer lots).
  • Daniel J Interesting in that we have several weeks where the temperature stays below 45 but all weather tires can't be found in a shop anywhere. I guess all seasons are "good enough".
  • Steve Biro For all the talk about sedans vs CUVs and SUVs, I simply can’t bring myself to buy any modern vehicle. And I know it’s only going to get worse.
Next