We're on record as being huge fans of the Honda Civic Type R. The Type R helped put the Civic on our 10Best list. It also topped the Toyota GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf R in our "Hatchbacks That Go GRRR" comparison test [April 2023], and by no small margin. And who could forget its standout performance at the most recent Lightning Lap, wherein it became the event's fastest front-driver and the first of that species to break the three-minute mark?
As quick and rewarding as the Type R is on circuit and canyon road alike, it's not perfect. The Acura Integra Type S, on the other hand, just might be. It retains all the performance goodness of the Type R but neatly rounds off many of the Honda's daily-driving rough edges. The main drawback is the $51,995 base price, which outpaces the 2023 Type R by $7105. That figure makes more sense when you consider that Acura sees its competition as the Audi S3, the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, and the Mercedes-AMG CLA35 4Matic.
Chucking the new Integra Type S between the guardrails along California's Highway 39, we immediately see that this machine has the same sharp steering, deft handling, and colossal grip of its rough-mannered sibling. It still pulls mightily out of corners, with a helical limited-slip differential and clever dual-axis strut front suspension absolving the Type S powertrain of the usual high-horsepower front-wheel-drive sins [see "Super Struts," page 34].
Acura recalibrated the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine to deliver 320 horsepower and a smidge more part-throttle midrange torque. Peak potency requires 93 octane. On high-test fuel, the Integra reels in 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 105 mph. Both times are a couple of tenths behind the quickest Civic Type R we've tested.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Car and Driver.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Car and Driver.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Drivelines - Refreshed but Not Revitalized. The Forester has long begged for more driver interaction, anything to differentiate it.
Refreshed but Not Revitalized. The Forester has long begged for more driver interaction, anything to differentiate it. But its innate funkiness has been discarded in a roadside ditch. Sure, it’s practical. But if that’s what you’re after, go hug your dishwasher. This redo feels half-hearted when what the Forester really wanted was a whole new hear
Selective Evolution
Now hybrid only, the Toyota Camry features careful tweaks for its ninth generation.
Stress Reliever
IN THE LINCOLN NAUTILUS, the loudest sound you hear at highway speeds is the rhythmic respiration of the massaging seats. With just 66 decibels of interior noise at 70 mph, this slick-looking new Lincoln is on a mission of zen.
Mega Bus
A three-row mid-size SUV trying to look and feel bigger, the latest has size on its side but still lacks charisma.
Going to Extremes
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT pulls out all the stops in its quest for EV supremacy.
What the Tech?
IT’S NO COMPLAINT TO SAY that given the slow visual evolution of the Mercedes-Benz E-class, many wouldn’t notice that the stately three-box sedan has entered a new generation this year.
The Full Monty Carlo
EVERYONE IS NAKED. Just putting that out in the open.
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS
THE MAZDA MX-5 MIATA RF CLUB AND THE SUBARU BRZ IS MAY BE SMALL IN STATURE, BUT THEIR PERSONALITIES ARE LARGER THAN MOST.
Sterrato > Dirt Road
Nothing lost in translation here. Might as well call it what it is: the best Lamborghini Huracán ever.
DEAD OR ALIVE?
Is the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser the real deal? We venture into the wilds of Utah to find out.
