Human blood is categorized as Kind A, B, AB, and O, however high-performance Acuras are available in Kind S and Kind R. The 2024 Acura Integra Kind S offers a return to the model’s glory years of constructing beloved sport compact fashions.
Probably the most well-known Acura is the 1997-2001 Integra Kind R, however the 2002-2006 RSX Kind S (which was referred to as Integra in different markets, however inexplicably not within the U.S.) was a unbelievable encore even when it lacked the Kind R’s onerous edge.
When Acura revived the Integra model final yr, followers hoped we’d get a sporty model and it has arrived within the type of the Integra Kind S. If they’re involved {that a} Kind S is insufficiently sporty in comparison with a hoped-for Kind R, they’ll relaxation simple, because the Kind S’s 320-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline K20C four-cylinder engine boasts a 120-hp bump past the common 1.5-liter Integra’s energy output. Torque is 310 lb.-ft, which is 118 lb.-ft. greater than a daily Integra.
In attribute Acura style, the Integra Kind S places this energy to the highway by means of a six-speed transmission with an impeccable short-throw shifter. Despite the fact that, as a front-drive machine, the Integra’s shifter is cable-actuated, the Kind S shifter embarrasses even direct shifters just like the one within the BMW M2.
The common model of the Integra achieved gross sales of 19 p.c handbook transmission within the automotive’s first yr, and the Kind S guarantees to have greater demand for a clutch pedal. The hassle on that pedal is mild, within the Honda custom, however the engagement is clean and there’s glorious really feel for the friction level, so the Kind S will not be solely sporty to drive but additionally simple.
It sends energy by means of a helical limited-slip differential that nearly eliminates each torque steer and wheel spin when accelerating out of sluggish corners in the way in which Hondas and Acuras have carried out for the reason that Prelude and Integra of the ‘90s.
Along with the showcasing of a handbook transmission, which is distressingly uncommon within the view of fanatic drivers, Acura can also be deploying a equally unusual array of pigments within the Integra’s paint choices. Along with the identical monochromatic vary as others, the Integra additionally is available in Efficiency Pink, Apex Blue, and Tiger Eye, which is a golden yellow hue
The cockpit stays largely black, however along with all-black, Integras can be found with pink highlights on the seats and door panel or mild grey accents the corporate calls “Orchid.”
The Integra’s steering is fantastically weighted, with light-to-medium effort and glorious suggestions. The automotive’s potential to hint the arc the driving force intends by means of curves is wonderful contemplating that it’s routing 320 horsepower by means of the identical tires which might be doing the steering.
Whereas behind the wheel, drivers will recognize the Kind S’s sport seats, which offer the mandatory bolstering to maintain front-seat occupants in place throughout onerous cornering with out the uncomfortable racecar-ready seats discovered within the German competitors. The Integra’s seats present all-day driving consolation with the flexibility to carry folks in place by means of mountain switchbacks. The BMW M2’s seat, in distinction, is difficult for ingress and egress however will get uncomfortable sufficient to inspire the driving force to take the time to get out.
The Kind S rolls in 19-inch aluminum wheels which might be 9.5 inches extensive. These carry fats 265/30R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, however regardless of the tires’ width, the Integra will not be liable to tramlining, which is when wide-tired vehicles generally comply with highway imperfections and grooves like a practice on rails fairly than staying straight.
The jolting trip high quality delivered by these 30-series tires and the Kind S’s stiff suspension could also be greater than some drivers can take pleasure in, however the common Integra is on the market for these with a decrease ache threshold. For Integra followers, the “S” is simply their kind, with out even needing a blood check.
