It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Acura Integra was disappointing. The automaker still has the opportunity to please enthusiasts with the Type S variant.
Acura published photos in December showing the Integra Type S, a heavily camouflaged car, undergoing testing before its market launch in 2024. While the photos gave us a glimpse at the car’s design already, Jon Sibal, Acura’s designer, has removed the camouflage from these renderings to allow us to see the final product.
2024 Acura Integra Type S New Design
Acura’s designers spent many late nights reworking the front fascia. They created a new bumper and larger air intakes in gloss black. Sibal also gave the sedan a sporty look by adding flared rear and front wheel arches. This has made the car appear more dynamic and purposeful.
Official spy shots by the carmaker revealed that many alterations would be made at the rear of the Integra. Sibal’s renders show a prominent diffuser and bumper, which houses three exhaust pipes that exit from the middle. Also visible is a small lip spoiler.
Engine
The 2024 Integra Type S will be more than just a new look. The car’s engine will be the same turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged as the Honda Civic Type R. While it isn’t yet known if it will produce the same 315 horsepower as its Japanese counterpart, the Integra Type S should make at least 300 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will drive the front wheels in conjunction with this engine.
Specs
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 at the flare’s intersection with 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.
I am greeted with black camouflage as I enter the cabin. This conceals key components such as the center screen and dashboard, but it is still noticeable. 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.
Performance
The oval track at Honda is only a few laps, and the Integra has an electronic speed limiter that restricts me to a speed of 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 very noticeable 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. Adaptive dampers are standard. While the track surface is smooth, the Integra’s chassis is more flexible than the Civic Type R.
Driving
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 Price & Release Date
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 jumped to $43,990, with a $1,095 destination.
Don’t be surprised if Integra Type S prices 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.