The 2024 Acura Integra Type S: A Performance Machine for All Ages

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On a leisurely drive through a picturesque Southern Californian town, cruising behind a dawdling dump truck at 14 mph on Hwy 154, I couldn’t help but feel the 2024 Acura Integra Type S was being undersold during this initial drive event. Instead of crawling behind slow-moving vehicles, I should be maneuvering the infamous corkscrew at Laguna Seca.

This isn’t to say the entire drive was lackluster. Indeed, it evolved into an enjoyable romp through exciting canyon roads. However, the setup illustrates Acura’s marketing strategy, positioning the Integra Type S not as a hardcore track racer like the related Honda Civic Type R, but rather as a more refined street car that’s still plenty fun to drive.

Acura Integra Overview

2024 Acura Integra Type S

Acura Integra Type S: An Exuberant Powerhouse

The Integra Type S and the Civic Type R have a lot in common, from their fundamental structure, powertrain, and suspension to their identically sized and branded tires.

Interestingly, the Integra Type S’s engine carries a bit more punch than the Civic Type R’s. Both vehicles feature the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an impressive 25.2 psi of boost. However, the Integra’s engine delivers 320 hp at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque between 2,600-4,000 rpm, outperforming the Civic Type R by a modest 5 hp. The Integra Type S also offers improved mid-range torque.

The Integra Type S boasts a zero to 60 mph time of just over five seconds. It’s an eager performer, yearning to be unleashed from the confines of traffic. The engine is punchy off the line, and maintains its responsive nature throughout the rev range, peaking at a 7,000-rpm redline.

Similar to the Civic Type R, launching the Integra Type S can be a tricky affair as the power is transferred exclusively through a 6-speed manual transmission to the front wheels, without the aid of a launch control function.

After experimenting with several hard launches, I found the sweet spot at around 2,000 rpm using about three-quarters throttle. Over-revving led to tire spin upon clutch release, and Acura’s 3,400 rpm cut-off limits the power in such instances. However, the front end handles it well, exhibiting minimal torque steer thanks to equal-length half shafts, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and a dual-axis MacPherson strut front suspension design.

The engine’s lively soundtrack is slightly louder in the Integra Type S than the Type R, especially noticeable from outside the car. This is despite the Integra Type S employing a very similar exhaust setup as the Honda, featuring a single exhaust valve and three center-mounted 4.3-inch outlets. In the Comfort driving mode, the exhaust note changes with the rpms, while in Sport and Sport Plus modes, the exhaust note is more consistently raucous.

From the driver’s seat, the engine’s buzzing noise is apparent, but thanks to the Integra’s superior sound deadening, it doesn’t disrupt conversation. I didn’t even notice the exhaust pops and the sound of the blow-off valve until I rolled down the windows.

The 6-speed manual transmission is a joy to use, featuring short throws, precise engagement, and a tactile feel through its metal and leather shift knob. The only drawback I noted was a light clutch with a high engagement point, which takes some getting used to.

2024 Acura Integra Type S

Acura Integra Type S: FWD Handling Master

Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, the Integra Type S offers driving dynamics that rival the best in its class, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Honda Civic Type R.

The transformation of the standard Integra into the performance-oriented Type S involves extensive tweaks. Acura engineers widened the car’s front track by 3.5 inches and the rear by 1.9 inches to accommodate the Civic Type R’s suspension components. Additionally, the front stabilizer bar is slightly wider, the multilink rear suspension features high-rigidity knuckles and proprietary bushings, and the whole system is managed by a sport-tuned version of the Integra’s adjustable dampers.

To accommodate these changes, Acura fitted larger, 265/30R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on 19×9.5-inch wheels. These wheels are larger but 6.5% lighter than those on the A-Spec model.

The Integra Type S’s variable steering ratio is actually slightly slower than other Integra models, but it remains very responsive. The brakes have also been enlarged for better stopping power.

Despite the front wheels being tasked with handling acceleration, steering, and most of the braking force, the Michelin tires perform admirably.

My drive through open canyon roads showcased the hatchback’s handling prowess. The steering was direct and weighted, the car turned quickly into corners, and the rear followed dutifully. Even when pushed hard, the car remained manageable and composed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the wide tires and limited-slip differential.

The suspension tuning allows for a hint of body roll in all three damper modes—Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—providing valuable feedback to the driver. Each setting offers a unique driving experience, from the everyday comfort of the Comfort mode, the firm but manageable Sport+ mode, to the perfectly balanced Sport mode for twisty roads.

Overall, the Type S feels just as potent as the Type R, potentially matching its track performance while offering a more comfortable street drive. This aligns well with the Integra’s more mature character, which is also reflected in its refined styling and extensive list of features.

2024 Acura Integra Type S

Acura Integra Type S: A Mature Choice

The exterior of the Integra Type S showcases several performance-oriented modifications.

The front end features a larger, more open grille for enhanced cooling, while larger air intakes aid brake cooling. The widened wheel flares accommodate larger wheels and give the car a more aggressive stance.

The rear of the car features an integrated lip spoiler and a gloss-black diffuser with a triple center-exit exhaust. Unlike the Civic Type R, the Acura avoids the use of an oversized rear wing, resulting in a more mature look.

The interior changes are less dramatic, with the primary changes being sportier seats with firm bolsters and synthetic suede inserts, a perforated leather steering wheel and shift knob, and a color-matched lower dash.

Acura hasn’t skimped on the standard equipment, including a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, and a suite of active safety features.

Priced at $51,995, the Integra Type S is around $10,000 more than the Civic Type R. However, with its more refined nature and higher level of standard equipment, it represents a compelling package for those looking for performance without sacrificing comfort and everyday usability. I’m looking forward to further testing in our AutoMotorMart Best Car To Buy 2024 event later this year.

For this report, AutoMotorMart’s travel and accommodation expenses were covered by Acura.

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More about 2024 Acura Integra Type S Review

• 2024 Acura Integra Type S Specifications
• Honda Civic Type R Review
• Comparison: Acura Integra Type S vs Honda Civic Type R
• Driving Techniques for Performance Cars