2024 Acura Integra Type S Manual⁚ A Comprehensive Overview
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S, a highly anticipated performance variant, offers a compelling blend of sporty driving dynamics and upscale features. Its potent engine, precise manual transmission, and refined handling make it a standout in its class. The car boasts a premium interior and advanced safety technologies, promising an engaging and secure driving experience.
Engine Performance and Specifications
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S boasts a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a significant upgrade from the standard Integra. This powerplant, closely related to the Civic Type-R’s engine, produces a robust 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivering exhilarating acceleration. While sharing a lineage with the Civic Type-R engine, Acura engineers have refined the tuning to enhance mid-range torque, resulting in punchier acceleration. The engine’s VTEC system contributes to a noticeable boost in power, particularly above 2,500 RPM. The exhaust system has also been meticulously tuned to produce a satisfying, sporty tone with subtle pops and bangs on throttle lift-off, enhancing the overall driving experience. The 0-60 mph time falls comfortably within the low 5-second range, showcasing the engine’s impressive performance capabilities. This engine requires premium fuel.
Transmission⁚ The 6-Speed Manual Experience
Unlike the standard Integra, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S exclusively offers a 6-speed manual transmission, a key element contributing to its engaging driving character. This transmission is a testament to Honda’s renowned expertise in manual gearboxes, delivering a precise and mechanical feel that enthusiasts will appreciate. The shifter action is notably smooth and precise, making gear changes a satisfying experience. The clutch, while heavier than the Civic Si’s, provides a more positive engagement, enhancing driver control. The increased clutch weight, however, does not translate to fatigue during daily commutes, maintaining a balance between sporty engagement and everyday usability. Furthermore, the transmission incorporates a rev-matching function, automatically blipping the throttle during downshifts for smoother and quicker transitions. While this feature can be disabled, accessing the setting requires navigating the infotainment system while the car is stationary and the parking brake is engaged. The shifter itself features a leather covering, though the metal top and bottom remain exposed, resulting in temperature variations throughout the year.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Given its high-performance nature, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S’s fuel economy might seem a concern, but it surprisingly defies expectations. While premium fuel is required, the official EPA estimates are relatively reasonable for a sports car of this caliber. The combined fuel economy is rated at 19.7 MPG (11.9 L/100km), a figure that balances performance with practicality. City driving sees a rating of 21.2 MPG (11.1 L/100km), while highway driving improves to 28.3 MPG (8.3 L/100km). Real-world fuel consumption often mirrors these figures. One review reported an average of 23.3 MPG (10.1 L/100km), even with spirited driving including track use. This suggests that achieving the EPA estimates is entirely attainable in everyday driving. It’s noteworthy that unlike the Civic Si, the Integra Type S does not include an auto start/stop system, which could contribute slightly to higher fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic.
Braking System⁚ Brembo Calipers and Performance
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S boasts a high-performance braking system designed to match its spirited performance. At the heart of this system are Brembo four-piston front calipers, identical to those found on the Civic Type R. These calipers clamp down on substantial 13.8-inch, two-piece rotors, providing ample stopping power. The rear brakes, while using standard single-piston floating calipers, still offer effective braking performance. The brake pedal provides a firm yet easily modulated feel, making for confident braking in everyday driving situations. Track testing has revealed impressive stopping capabilities with minimal brake fade, even under repeated hard braking. The system inspires confidence and control, bringing the car to a halt predictably and effectively. However, one review noted that the performance of the brakes was somewhat hampered by the use of snow tires on the test vehicle, leading to earlier ABS activation under moderate to heavy braking. This highlights the importance of appropriate tire selection for optimal braking performance.
Handling and Dynamic Capabilities
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S delivers a dynamic driving experience, showcasing impressive handling characteristics. While sharing the adaptive dampers of the Civic Type R, the Integra Type S features a unique damper tuning, resulting in a slightly softer, more compliant ride. This nuanced difference enhances comfort without significantly compromising agility. The car’s wider track, approximately half an inch broader than the Type R, further contributes to its planted feel and stability through corners. The inclusion of a limited-slip differential proves invaluable, particularly in maximizing traction out of corners, especially after the first gear. While the powerful engine’s torque can easily overwhelm the tires in first gear, the LSD ensures smooth power delivery in higher gears, making for seamless transitions. Steering response is notably sharp and precise, allowing for quick changes of direction and confident maneuvering. Although it might not surpass the Civic Type R on a perfectly smooth track, the Integra Type S holds its own, and its superior comfort and better tire traction on less-than-perfect surfaces suggest it would outperform the Type R in real-world driving situations.
Ride Comfort and Suspension Tuning
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S prioritizes a balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. Achieving this equilibrium is largely due to the car’s meticulously tuned suspension system. While employing adaptive dampers similar to those in the Honda Civic Type R, Acura engineers have implemented a distinct tuning profile for the Integra Type S. This results in a ride that’s noticeably more compliant and forgiving than its sportier sibling. Each setting on the Integra’s adjustable dampers feels less aggressive than the corresponding setting in the Civic Type R; the Integra’s “Sport” mode, for instance, aligns closer in feel to the Civic’s “Sport” mode. This softer suspension tuning isn’t solely about comfort; it also plays a role in maintaining tire traction, particularly on uneven or rough road surfaces. The added benefit of approximately 29 pounds of extra sound insulation further contributes to a refined and quieter cabin experience. Even with the slightly increased weight from added insulation, the Type S remains impressively agile. The dampers’ well-judged calibration allows for a comfortable ride even in Sport mode, making it suitable for navigating city streets without undue harshness. This well-rounded approach to suspension tuning demonstrates a commitment to all-around driving excellence.
Interior Space and Passenger Comfort
Stepping inside the 2024 Acura Integra Type S reveals a cabin designed with both driver and passenger comfort in mind. While sharing some design elements with the Honda Civic, the Integra Type S boasts a more premium feel. The front seats, though similar in design to those in the Integra A-Spec, feature distinct color options and offer ample space for both legroom and headroom. These seats, unlike the aggressively bolstered seats in the Civic Type R, provide a comfortable driving experience without compromising support. The rear of the Integra Type S, however, is a two-seater configuration, a departure from the standard Civic’s four-door setup. While legroom behind the driver’s seat (with a 6’4″ driver) is adequate, with knees brushing the back of the front seats, headroom is somewhat compromised due to the sloping roofline, less than that of a standard Honda Civic sedan. The Integra Type S makes up for this limited rear seating with substantial cargo space. As a hatchback, it offers 688 liters (24.3 cubic feet) of space behind the rear seats, expandable further by folding down the 60/40 split rear seats. The omission of a spare tire and the presence of a subwoofer do slightly reduce the overall cargo capacity.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Levels
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S demonstrates a commendable balance between performance and refinement in terms of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The revised exhaust system, while adding a noticeable sporty tone in Sport and Sport+ modes, remains unobtrusive enough to avoid unwanted attention. In Comfort mode, the exhaust note is barely distinguishable from the standard Integra, ensuring a refined driving experience in everyday situations. A significant contribution to the Type S’s quiet cabin is the addition of 29 pounds of extra sound insulation compared to the Civic Type R. This additional sound deadening effectively reduces road noise, particularly on highways, making long journeys more comfortable. While tire noise remains somewhat present at higher speeds, it’s considerably less intrusive than in some other sports sedans; it does not overwhelm the cabin experience, unlike the pronounced road noise experienced in a BMW M2, for example. The overall NVH levels within the Integra Type S contribute to a more premium and refined driving environment, particularly when considering its sporty performance capabilities. The balance between spirited driving and quiet comfort is expertly executed.
Pricing and Market Value
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S commands a premium price, reflecting its enhanced performance and features compared to the standard Integra and even its Honda Civic Type R counterpart. With a starting price of $50,800 USD (or approximately $55,600 CAD), it sits significantly higher than the base Integra models. This pricing positions the Type S as a more exclusive offering within the Acura lineup and the broader performance car market. The price difference compared to the Civic Type R, around $5,500 CAD, is justified by the Acura’s added luxury and refinement. However, market demand and potential dealer markups could significantly inflate the actual purchase price. High demand and limited production numbers for the 2024 model year are contributing factors to this potential price escalation. Buyers should be prepared for the possibility of paying substantially more than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), especially given the car’s desirability among enthusiasts. The long-term market value of the Integra Type S remains to be seen, but its limited production, performance capabilities, and unique positioning within the Acura model range suggest a potential for strong resale value in the coming years. The premium price reflects the car’s overall package of performance, luxury, and exclusivity.
Standard Features and Available Options
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S arrives fully equipped, foregoing any optional packages. The focus is on a complete performance and luxury experience straight from the factory. Standard features include heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort in various climates. A head-up display projects vital driving information onto the windshield, improving driver awareness. Wireless phone charging conveniently powers compatible devices. The infotainment system utilizes a user-friendly 10.2-inch touchscreen, replacing the less intuitive touchpad found in other Acura models. This screen seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing convenient access to smartphone applications. While the Type S includes many premium features, some amenities found in the Integra A-Spec Elite are omitted. Notably, heated rear seats and a sunroof are absent. The limited options primarily consist of paint color choices, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle’s exterior aesthetic. The omission of additional option packages streamlines the buying process and ensures the car arrives with a comprehensive set of features, prioritizing performance and driver-centric technology, while maintaining a clean and focused approach to its offerings. This strategy is likely designed to emphasize the Type S’s inherent performance characteristics.
Interior Design and Premium Feel
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S’s interior shares some design cues with the Honda Civic, yet elevates the experience with a more premium feel. While the overall layout might appear familiar, distinctive elements set the Type S apart. Power-adjustable seats provide customized comfort, unlike the Civic’s standard offerings. The absence of a full-width metal mesh across the dashboard creates a cleaner, more sophisticated aesthetic. The door panel designs also differ, adding a touch of unique Acura styling. The materials used throughout the cabin contribute to a higher quality perception, surpassing the standard Civic’s feel. Despite its similarities to the Civic, the Integra Type S successfully transcends its platform-mate’s interior, creating a more refined and luxurious environment. The seats, though similar in design to those in the A-Spec, feature unique color choices, further distinguishing the Type S. Although the overall design language carries some familial resemblance, the enhanced materials and thoughtful details successfully establish a distinct, premium identity for the Integra Type S. The subtle changes in design elements and material choices create a significant difference in the overall perception of quality and luxury within the cabin.
Exterior Design and Styling Elements
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S builds upon the standard Integra’s design, adding aggressive styling elements that enhance its sporty character. While the base Integra incorporates Acura’s current design language, the Type S elevates this with functional aerodynamic enhancements. A prominent hood vent improves engine cooling and adds a visual touch of performance. The larger grille features a thinner mesh, optimizing airflow for improved engine performance. Larger air ducts further enhance cooling, crucial for the Type S’s more powerful engine. Wider fender flares give the car a more muscular stance, emphasizing its performance capabilities. Triple exhaust pipes provide an unmistakable auditory and visual cue of the vehicle’s performance-oriented nature. A subtle diffuser and lip spoiler complete the aggressive aesthetic, reducing lift at higher speeds and improving handling. The overall effect is a more assertive and dynamic appearance, clearly distinguishing the Type S from its less powerful siblings. The design successfully balances aggressive styling with a refined elegance, making a strong visual statement on the road. The addition of these performance-oriented design elements creates a car that is not only visually striking but also demonstrates its enhanced performance credentials.
Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technologies
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, reflecting Acura’s commitment to driver and passenger protection. The vehicle incorporates a range of active and passive safety technologies designed to enhance both safety and driver confidence. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, a crucial system for preventing collisions, and lane-keeping assist, helping drivers stay within their lane and avoid unintended lane departures. Blind-spot monitoring provides alerts to potential hazards in the driver’s blind spots, improving awareness of surrounding vehicles. Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. Rear cross-traffic alert warns of approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces, significantly reducing the risk of accidents in these situations. Hill start assist prevents rollback on inclines, ensuring a smooth and safe start even on steep slopes. While the manual transmission configuration excludes certain features like traffic jam assist and low-speed follow functionality for the adaptive cruise control, the overall package remains robust and comprehensive, providing high levels of safety and driver assistance. This ensures a secure and comfortable driving experience, further enhancing the appeal of the performance-focused vehicle.