The Legend Returns

When Acura announced they were bringing back the Integra name for 2023, the enthusiast world collectively held its breath. Could Honda’s luxury division recapture the magic of the original, especially the hallowed Type R? With the arrival of the Integra Type S in 2024, we finally got our answer—yes, but with a thoroughly modern interpretation.

The Heart Transplant: Civic Type R DNA

The Integra Type S doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it borrows the best parts from Honda’s performance arsenal:

• K20C1 turbocharged engine: The same 2.0L marvel from the FL5 Civic Type R, producing 320hp and 310 lb-ft
• 6-speed manual transmission: Maintaining the enthusiast connection with one of the best shifters in the business
• Limited-slip differential: Putting power to pavement effectively despite front-wheel drive
• Performance-tuned suspension: Adaptive dampers with unique tuning for a more premium character
• Brembo brakes: Four-piston front calipers grabbing 13.8-inch rotors

The Luxury Performance Balance

What separates the Integra Type S from its Civic Type R cousin is the approach to the driving experience:

• Refined interior: More premium materials throughout with standard leather and microsuede
• Acoustic comfort: Additional sound insulation for a more mature driving environment
• 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio: Because sometimes you want to hear something other than VTEC
• Heated seats and steering wheel: Comforts the Civic Type R doesn’t offer
• Advanced driver aids: Full suite of safety tech that doesn’t detract from the driving experience

The Visual Statement

The Integra Type S takes a more subtle approach to performance styling:

• Available colors: Liquid Carbon Metallic, Apex Blue Pearl, Performance Red Pearl and White
• Quad exhaust tips: A nod to premium performance cars rather than the Civic’s triple-outlet setup
• Functional aerodynamics: Including underbody spoilers and a rear diffuser that actually works
• 19-inch wheels: With 265/30 high-performance rubber
• Type S badging: Subtle reminders that this isn’t just any Integra

The Driving Experience: More Mature, Still Magical

The Integra Type S delivers a more refined take on the hot hatch formula:

• Comfort-oriented daily driving: Compliant when you want it to be
• Track capability: Stiffens up appropriately when pushed hard
• Individual drive modes: Allowing customization of steering, suspension, and engine response
• Reduced torque steer: Thanks to sophisticated front suspension geometry
• Premium isolation: Road and wind noise kept at bay far better than in the Civic Type R

The Heritage Question

Does the Integra Type S live up to the Type R legacy? That depends on what you’re looking for:

• It’s not as raw or focused as the DC2 Type R
• It’s significantly more powerful and quicker in every measurable way
• It offers luxury amenities the originals never had
• It maintains the manual transmission engagement enthusiasts demand
• It’s built with daily usability as a priority, not track times

The Value Proposition

At around $51,800, the Integra Type S occupies an interesting market position:

• More expensive than the Civic Type R
• Less expensive than European competitors like the Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA35
• More engaging to drive than those European rivals
• Better equipped than the Civic Type R
• Exclusive enough to turn heads at cars and coffee

The Modern Interpretation

What makes the Integra Type S special is how it translates the Type R ethos for a new era and a slightly different buyer:

• It’s for the enthusiast who’s grown up but hasn’t grown old
• It delivers thrills without punishment
• It offers luxury without excessive weight or isolation
• It provides practicality without compromising character

The Future Legacy

While purists might debate whether the Type S truly deserves to inherit the legendary Type R mantle, the reality is this: the Integra Type S represents one of the last chances to experience a high-performance, manually shifted, premium sport compact in a market increasingly dominated by automatics, crossovers, and EVs.

It may not be a direct descendant of the DC2 Type R’s razor-focused philosophy, but the Integra Type S carries the spirit forward: a car built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, that happens to be practical enough for everyday life.

In a world where driving engagement is increasingly engineered out, the Integra Type S stands as a refreshing reminder that Honda and Acura still care about the connection between driver, machine, and road—and that’s something worth celebrating, whether you call it Type R, Type S, or simply a damn good car.