This May, Acura unveiled the latest marvel in its lineup, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S. This next-generation powerhouse stands as a testament to Acura’s enduring legacy, embodying a fresh interpretation of ultimate street performance aimed to captivate a new era of car enthusiasts.
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Unleashing the Beast: The Powerhouse Under the Hood
At the heart of this high-performance beast is a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC® engine. This high-revving, four-cylinder powerhouse churns out a class-leading 320 horsepower, reminding us of the brand’s rich history of high-performance Integras and the Type S performance variants.
The standard turbocharged VTEC® engine pairs with a class-exclusive 6-speed manual transmission to ensure the driver a level of control that is thrilling and unique in the current automobile landscape. Together with a limited-slip differential and performance-tuned Adaptive Damper System, the 2024 Integra Type S is set to deliver a drive that is a perfect blend of power and precision.
And with powerful Brembo® front brakes and lightweight 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance summer tires, the Integra Type S promises power, agility, and an exhilarating driving experience.
The Type S Lineage: Evolution of Acura’s Performance Variant
This latest offering marks the fourth Acura Type S performance variant to launch in the last 24 months. The Integra Type S takes the legacy a step further, not just in terms of performance but also in its aesthetic appeal.
It features a bold and aggressive wide body design, dynamic center-mounted triple exhaust outlets, large front air intakes, a hood vent, and a rear diffuser that leaves no room for doubt about its high-performance capabilities.
Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President, Acura National Sales, stated, “The new Acura Integra Type S puts turbocharged Type S performance and design at the gateway to our brand.”
In essence, the 2024 Integra Type S is the embodiment of Acura’s commitment to performance and design.
The Winning Streak Continues
Fresh off its victory lap as the 2023 North American Car of the Year™, the new Integra aims to build upon its performance prowess. It promises significant enhancements to all elements of the driving experience without compromising interior refinement or daily drivability.
For those seeking to personalize their Integra Type S, Acura offers an extensive list of Genuine Acura Accessories. These include a carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, carbon fiber mirror caps, a black illuminated front Acura badge, copper metallic finished 19-inch wheels, and an Integra Type R-inspired titanium shift knob.
Redefining Performance Proportions and Design
The 2024 Integra Type S showcases a wider body (2.8 inches) than the standard Integra. This design includes boldly flared wide-body fenders and larger 19-inch wheels with 265/30 R19 tires, providing a muscular stance and a firm grip on the road. It remains distinct with its flexible 5-door liftback design, a unique proposition in the premium performance compact segment.
Every body panel forward of the A-pillars is unique to Type S. The aggressive front fascia, dominated by a larger open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille, and a new vented aluminum hood improves airflow by 170%, cooling the powerful turbocharged engine. The wider lower opening feeds air to the intercooler, supporting higher boost pressure and further enhancing engine performance.
The rear fascia reveals a first for a Type S model: three large center-mounted exhaust outlets. The new gloss black diffuser and a decklid spoiler enhance downforce, bolstering the car’s high-performance credentials.
Type S badges are strategically placed on the front grille, each front fender, and the trunk lid, distinguishing this high-performance model. A nod to the iconic 3rd generation model, “Integra” is once again embossed in the front and rear fascias.
The Integra Type S is available in seven striking colors, including the Type S exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl. Three interior options are available: Red, Black, and Orchid, each one designed to enhance the driver’s experience and sense of luxury.
Setting a New Standard: The Most Powerful and Engaging Integra Ever
The heart of the Integra Type S beats with a high-revving DOHC turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC® engine. With direct injection and unique throttle tuning for a quick response, the engine offers 33% greater displacement than the standard Integra’s 1.5-liter engine.
With 320 horsepower (SAE net @ 6,500 rpm) and 310 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 2,600 to 4,000 rpm), the Type S model boasts class-leading power and a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of just 10.1 pounds per horsepower.
The new high-flow exhaust system, exclusive to the Integra Type S, unlocks the full potential of the award-winning 2.0-liter turbocharged (K20C) engine. In combination with software tuning, it gives the 4-cylinder engine its highest-ever horsepower rating in North America and a class-leading specific output of 160 hp/liter.
The less restrictive straight-through exhaust design enhances the driving experience with a stirring Type S-exclusive exhaust note. The Integra Type S delivers a distinct auditory experience in each driving mode thanks to an active exhaust valve. And when it’s time to crank it up, Sport+ mode takes it up a notch with show-stopping “pops and bangs” for the most engaging experience possible.
A Driving Experience Like No Other
Acura is known for making great shifting manual transmissions, and the Integra Type S is no exception. It features the only manual transmission in its class, a precise, short-throw 6-speed with an automatic rev-matching system that offers an intimate and rewarding connection with the driver.
A standard helical-type limited-slip differential (LSD) ensures the engine’s substantial power effectively reaches the pavement.
High-Performance Chassis Dynamics: A Blend of Power and Precision
For ultimate road holding and high-speed stability, the Integra Type S features an innovative dual-axis front suspension design and significantly wider front and rear tracks than the standard Integra. The dual-axis system significantly reduces torque steer, primarily through a 0.75-inch reduction in steering axis offset. A thicker (+2 mm) 29.0 mm front stabilizer bar improves response.
Tuned exclusively for Integra Type S is a standard Adaptive Damper System (ADS). Controlled through the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), it offers distinct damping characteristics in Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes. The specially tuned ADS provides precise control of ride and handling with optimized damping curves to suit driving conditions.
Lightweight 19 x 9.5-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels, with a new 10-spoke, NSX Type S-inspired design, are substantially larger yet 2 lbs. lighter than the 18-inch Integra A-Spec wheels. The new wheels are wrapped in sticky 265/30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance summer tires, delivering a ride that’s as smooth as it is exhilarating.
Brembo Brakes: The Ultimate in Stopping Power
For the first time in an Acura, the Integra Type S comes standard with Brembo® high-performance brakes. The 4-piston front brake calipers clasp 14.3-inch drilled rotors, while the rear 1-piston calipers grip 13.0-inch solid rotors. To complement these performance brakes, there’s a newly designed brake booster and master cylinder, providing a firmer and more linear pedal feel.
Contemporary Luxury Interiors: Where Comfort Meets Performance
On stepping inside the Integra Type S, you’ll find yourself greeted by a beautifully appointed, driver-centric cockpit. The cabin is swathed in soft-touch materials, complemented by the use of brushed aluminum and carbon fiber accents.
The NSX-inspired, ultra-slim A-pillars and a low dash-to-axle ratio offer a commanding view of the road. The Type S offers sport front seats, exclusively designed for maximum comfort and support during spirited driving. The flat-bottom steering wheel, meticulously crafted with perforated leather, and the aluminum sport pedals lend a premium feel to the driving experience.
For audiophiles, the Integra Type S is equipped with a premium ELS STUDIO 3D® sound system that boasts 17 speakers. The 10.2-inch HD center display supports Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa integration, ensuring you stay connected and entertained throughout your journey.
Safety: Top Priority for Acura
The 2024 Integra Type S comes equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This system includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), amongst other features.
The Integra Type S also offers a new front wide-view camera, providing an expanded field of view to the driver.
The Verdict
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is a thrilling blend of power, performance, and luxury. This high-performance variant brings back the glory of the iconic Integra, setting new standards in the world of compact sports cars. The Acura Integra Type S is not just a car; it’s an experience – a promise of limitless excitement, delivered every time you turn the ignition.
Acura continues to raise the bar with its commitment to Precision Crafted Performance, pushing the boundaries of what a sports car should be. The 2024 Integra Type S is a testament to this commitment, a car that is bound to captivate a new generation of driving enthusiasts. As the latest offering from a brand that continually redefines automotive excellence, the Integra Type S is, indeed, the rebirth of a legend.
