On second thought, scratch that. All it takes is one drive (or ride) in the new Integra Type S to understand why it costs so much money. You're paying for performance.
Acura Integra Type S specifications will sound familiar if you're well-versed in the front-wheel drive Honda Civic Type R. The Acura has the same turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching, and helical-type limited-slip differential.
In addition, it shares the Civic Type R's dual-axis front strut and multi-link rear suspension with adaptive damping, dual-pinion variable-ratio steering, 13.8-inch two-piece ventilated front disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers, and 12-inch solid rear discs. Like the Civic Type R, the Integra Type S offers four driving modes, has a center-mounted triple-outlet exhaust system, and sits on 19-inch wheels wrapped in 265/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance summer tires.
However, the Integra Type S isn't simply an Acura-packaged Civic Type R. There are subtle tuning differences that make the Integra seem a little more civilized.
During a conversation with Acura product planner Jonathan Rivers, we learned that the automaker tunes the Integra Type S suspension for a softer, more compliant ride in all three primary Integrated Dynamics Control (IDC) settings. That rings true, as the Civic can feel track-duty stiff, whereas the Integra is more comfortable to drive even in Sport+ mode.
Rivers claims Acura worked with Michelin to develop a tread design specifically for the Type S. However, the Integra's rubber still produces an unyielding grip and an ungodly amount of highway noise. Other differences include more prominent exhaust outlets, less overall racket from the pipes, and front seats with more forgiving bolsters.
In addition, the Acura weighs 31 pounds more than the Honda, but it also makes slightly more power, coming in at 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm versus 315 hp at the same rpm for the Honda. The Integra Type S matches the Civic Type R's torque rating at 310 pound-feet between 2,600 rpm and 4,000 rpm.
Acura invited us to Ojai, California, to sample the new Integra Type S on some of the region's best roads, and they proved the perfect showcase for the car's capabilities. However, with 62 percent of the Integra's weight residing over the front drive wheels, you might rightly wonder if wheel spin, torque steer, understeer, and other unbecoming traits are an issue.
Nope. Not at all. So go ahead, let that clutch out, mat the accelerator pedal, and run the Integra Type S through its six forward gears. You'll enjoy a thrill devoid of lateral tugging as you gather speed, except under certain conditions involving lumpy pavement while powering up and around curves. That was the only situation where we could detect torque steer over approximately 170 miles of driving.
We blasted the Integra Type S down California 150, across California 192, and up California 154. At the roundabout east of Solvang, we discovered a short piece of driving nirvana called Armour Ranch Road, and it affirmed our affection for the car even if it revealed a couple of minor issues. The first was the previously mentioned hints of torque steer, and the second was a wish for slightly sharper and more responsive steering.
Soon after, we got onto Highway 101 southbound toward Santa Barbara, switched to Comfort mode, set the adaptive cruise control, and settled in to see how the Integra Type S behaves on a typical road trip. The short answer is loud and tiresomely so. This Acura desperately needs some insulation against road noise.
In Santa Barbara, we performed typical daily-driver tasks like stopping by the bank and hitting up a Starbucks. Since the Integra Type S sits 1.1 inches closer to the ground, you must be careful with steeply angled driveway aprons, drainage dips, and parking blocks. A forward-view or a surround-view camera would be helpful in urban and suburban driving. However, with that said, the Integra Type S proves quite docile when running errands, with a comfortable city ride quality and a clutch that's easy to use in stop-and-go driving situations.
Acura fits the Integra Type S with a small 12.4-gallon fuel tank. Based on the official EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in combined driving, the car won't travel 300 miles on a tank of gas. And, since we averaged just 21.7 mpg, the real-world range is more like 269 miles, with stops for premium fuel every 230 miles.
For the return trip to Ojai, we backtracked on California 150, this time at a more relaxed pace with the car in Comfort mode. The Acura proved no less satisfying and rewarding to drive. It is a fantastic sport compact car built for true driving enthusiasts.
