If you’re heading to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, be sure to check out the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, which makes its debut at the event. The long-awaited Type S takes performance of the Integra A-Spec and turns it up to 11.
It is merely the latest in a string of high-performance Type S variants that started with the 1997 Acura NSX Type S, followed by Type S variants of the Acura CL, TL, RSX, TLX and MDX.
Built for sin
The new Integra Type S is 2.8-inches wider than the standard Integra thanks to flared body fenders that sheath a 3.4-inch wider front track, 1.9-inch wider rear track and larger 19-inch wheels that are two pounds lighter than the A-Spec’s 18-inch footwear. In fact, from the grille top the A-Pillars, the Integra Type S’s body panels are unique to the Type S, sharing none of its body panels with other Integras. The changes, such as the larger grille and vented aluminum hood, are functional, meant to save weight as well as improve cooling as much as 170%.
And check out the rear fascia; there are three center-mounted exhaust tips, an Acura first, that deliver the cracks, pops and burbles you want. As you might expect, it’s also fitted with a diffuser and a decklid spoiler strengthen downforce.
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S’s styling upgrades should help alleviate some of the issues with the new design. Acura Global Creative Director Dave Marek, in an exclusive interview earlier this year with TheDetroitBureau.com, felt that the Integra’s styling cues were a bit too conservative.
“The styling cues didn’t go far enough. It’s like, let’s have bigger wheels and tires, make it wider, let’s have over fenders like a GT3,” he said.
Mission accomplished.
Tuned for greater performance
Acura says its unique dual axis front suspension design reduces torque steer, while a thicker front stabilizer bar makes the Integra Type S more responsive. Better yet, the Integra Type S gets an Adaptive Damper System with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ driving modes.
Brakes have also been beefed up, with 13.8-inch front rotors and 12 inches in the rear. That’s 1.5 inches and 0.9 inches larger than the Integra A-Spec’s.
It’s all in service of the double overhead cam turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine that’s also used in the RDX and TLX, but boasting more than the 272 horsepower seen in those vehicles. Being 33% larger than the stock 1.5-liter unit, the Type S generates 320 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque, 120 hp and 118 lb-ft more than the Acura Integra A-Spec.
Using a aluminum block and cylinder head with cast iron cylinder sleeves for durability, Acura says the engine requires no scheduled maintenance for 100,000+ miles or more, other than periodic inspections and normal fluid and filter changes.
It filters its power through a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching and a limited-slip differential.
The inside story
Open the door and you’ll find the cabin has seating for four, courtesy of heated front Sport seats with perforated Ultrasuede inserts and firmer seat bolsters. The dark anodized shifter knob is unique to the Type S, and is topped with a racy red shift pattern, and covered in perforated leather with colorful stitching, as is the steering wheel.
And what would a special edition be without a plethora of logos to remind you of the extra cash you laid out.
But there’s more than just street performance; tech performance matters as well.
The Type S is fitted with a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, and a 9-inch color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless phone charging, a head-up display and a 16-speaker 530-watt ELS Studio 3D premium audio system.
Of course, the best part of the Acura Integra is the marriage of performance and practicality. As expected, the five-door body style remains intact, providing 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space, as well as 60/40 split folding rear seats that provide a decent 37.4 inches of legroom.
And it’s built in Marysville, Ohio, with an engine manufactured in Anna, Ohio.
“The new Acura Integra Type S puts turbocharged Type S performance and design at the gateway to our brand,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “Integra Type S builds upon its incredible performance with significant enhancements to all elements of the driving experience without compromising interior refinement or daily drivability.”
The 2024 Integra Type S is scheduled to go on sale in June.