Honda Integra Type S
The Honda Integra Type S, launched in 2024, brought together two of the most revered names in Honda's performance history. By fitting the Civic Type R's formidable K20C1 turbocharged engine into the practical Integra liftback body, Honda created a car that offered genuine performance credentials with everyday usability that the more focused Type R sometimes struggled to provide.
The K20C1 engine is one of the finest turbocharged four-cylinders in production. Producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque from 2.0 liters, the direct-injected, VTEC-equipped engine combines strong low-end response with a willingness to rev that honors Honda's naturally aspirated heritage. The engine is mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching, reinforcing Honda's commitment to driver engagement.
The chassis shares its fundamental architecture with the Civic Type R but is tuned differently to suit the Integra's slightly different character. The dual-axis front strut suspension — Honda's solution to managing torque steer in a high-powered front-drive car — uses a separated knuckle design that allows the strut to pivot independently of the steering axis. The result is remarkably clean steering feel despite the substantial power being directed through the front wheels.
Brembo 4-piston front calipers grip 350mm ventilated rotors, providing strong and consistent braking performance. The adaptive damper system offers multiple modes, from a surprisingly compliant Comfort setting suitable for daily commuting to an aggressive +R mode that firms the suspension, sharpens throttle response, and tightens the stability control parameters for spirited driving.
The Integra Type S distinguishes itself from the Civic Type R through its liftback body style, which provides a larger and more accessible cargo area. The rear seats are more usable than the Type R's, and the overall package feels more refined and grown-up. This is not a watered-down Type R — it is a deliberately different interpretation of the same performance formula, aimed at enthusiasts who need their performance car to also serve as a practical daily driver.
Interior appointments reflect the Type S's premium positioning within Honda's lineup. Alcantara-trimmed sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and high-quality materials throughout create an environment that feels more sophisticated than the typical sport compact. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a premium ELS Studio audio system provides excellent sound quality.
The Integra Type S represents Honda's acknowledgment that performance and practicality need not be mutually exclusive. It offers 95% of the Civic Type R's performance capability in a package that makes far fewer compromises in everyday use — a proposition that has strong appeal in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers.
As a current-production model, the Integra Type S is readily available through Acura dealers, though dealer markups have been common due to high demand. Verify the vehicle is a genuine Type S (not the base Integra with aftermarket modifications). For used examples, check the clutch for wear — the manual-only transmission means every owner has been shifting themselves. The K20C1 engine has proven reliable in Civic Type R service, but ensure regular oil changes with the specified 0W-20 weight. The adaptive dampers should be tested in all modes. Check the Brembo brakes for pad wear and rotor scoring. The rev-match system can be disabled for those who prefer traditional heel-toe technique.
Built at Honda's East Liberty, Ohio plant alongside the standard Integra and Civic. The Type S shares its K20C1 engine and 6-speed manual transmission with the Civic Type R. The Integra nameplate was revived in 2023 as a premium compact sold exclusively through Acura dealers in North America, with the Type S arriving as the performance flagship in 2024. Not sold in Japan, where the equivalent model is the Civic Type R.