If the new 2023 version of the Integra shares the platform with the Honda Civic Si, the 2024 model year brings us the Acura Integra Type S to be similar to the Civic Type R.
A performance variant is all that’s missing from the newly released Integra. This is basically the only way to improve upon this powerful and impressive luxury sports car. The new Type S model takes on the personality of the Civic Type R, which includes several handling improvements and driving qualities.
Will the New Integra Be More Powerful than the Civic Type R?
It’s hard to say I the new Acura performance edition will have more power than the top-trim Civic, but we do know some of the mechanical similarities. The Civic Type R has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that mates perfectly with a six-speed manual transmission. This powertrain should make it into the new Integra Type S. We’ll also see a limited-slip differential, an FWD layout, and plenty of power. The Honda makes 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, but the new Integra might make more power while using the same powertrain.
Where’s the AWD?
It’s fine for the Honda to forgo AWD, but why would the luxury variant be offered without this feature? Most of the German models in this same class, specifically the Mercedes-AMG CLA35 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe, both have AWD, but the new Acura Integra Type S will not. The Acura should be less expensive than the German rivals, but this could be a sticking point for those looking for a fun and active sports luxury car that offers power at all four wheels. Of course, we love the fact that this new Acura receives a wonderful six-speed manual for the drive.
AWD Has Not Been Ruled Out
Although we wouldn’t be surprised if this new Acura didn’t have AWD offered at all, Acura hasn’t ruled it out. The path of least resistance is to put the Integra Type S badges on the same platform as the Civic Type R, but Acura didn’t offer this information in their press release. This means there could still be the benefits of the Super Handling AWD system that makes Acura one of the most engaging brands in the market. Keep your fingers crossed; we might see this new performance-oriented Integra with AWD.
Will This New Integra be Fun to Drive?
If we’ve learned anything from the Honda Civic Type R, we know it’s a lot of fun to drive. That fun comes from the features that are being shared with the new Integra Type S. The driving dynamics allow this car to feel responsive, precise, and exciting while being planted and on the wide tires that give this car the desired stance. This Integra brings grippy high-performance driving to give you a great way to toss the car around on the roads, pushing hard through the corners.
Is Something Missing on this New Model?
Looking at the prototype of the new Acura Integra Type S, we see something missing. This car doesn’t have the large rear wing found on the Civic Type R. The Acura also has fewer weight reduction sacrifices, which makes this car more of a Grand Tourer than a car that’s made to hit some serious lap times. The lack of a rear wing and actual creature comforts hint at this car being more of a luxury performance option than a track-focused menace. The Type S offers improvements over the base Integra including a better interior, improved sound system, and more sound-deadening materials.
Acura Styling is Present on this Car
This new model is an Acura, not a Honda. Because of that, we expect to see more subdued styling to go along with the performance features of this car. The styling will be much less extroverted, giving this new Integra a much more sophisticated style. Of course, the large wheels and wider fenders than the standard car make the Type S look and feel more aggressive than you might expect. The front and rear fascias of this new and more powerful model are different from the standard Integra.
Could Tech Improve Before the Release?
So far, all we’ve seen is the prototype version of the new Acura Integra Type S. This car is coming to the market for the 2024 model year, with the actual release taking place in the summer of 2023. This new luxury performance car might not take things too far in terms of tech and features, but the Acura team could add a new touchscreen to offer a bigger screen that does more, which seems to be the way most of the market is going when it comes to luxury performance driving.
Where is this New Acura Most Comfortable
All we’ve seen to date is the new Integra Type S at the test track, but this seems like a car that will hit the road and be perfectly comfortable away from the track. There’s still a lot to learn about this new luxury sports car, but it already sounds pretty impressive. If you’re wondering where this car should be most comfortable, it could be on the open road. This could be the ideal car for some fun driving on many of the most iconic roads in the country to enjoy some seriously fun and active driving.
Will You Choose this New Integra?
We’ve already received the new Acura Integra for the 2023 model year. This car, in the A-Spec trim level, offers performance qualities similar to the Honda Civic Si. If that’s not enough to give you the fun and performance desired, you’ll want to see this new Acura Integra Type S when it arrives for the 2024 model year. Could this be the ideal luxury performance machine for you to experience a high-quality ride in a car that can be a monster on most of the roads you enjoy driving?
Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to this new Acura’s arrival date.
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