10 Facts About The Honda Integra Type R Which You Probably Didnt Know

The Honda Integra Type R was introduced in the Japanese market in the year 1995 and it was fitted with an 18L DOHC VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine. The standard power output from the Type R was 197 hp in the domestic market but the American counterparts had slightly higher figures of 197 horsepower. The 5-speed manual gearbox was pretty swift and the helical type limited-slip ensured commendable performance and handling. 

The Integra Type R from Honda was a commercial success not just in Japan but in the US and UK markets as well. One of the main reasons for the Type R being more popular is the number of changes the manufacturer brought that set it apart from similar third-generation Integra models. The engine was hand-built and the lighter components made it quicker and more powerful. The Honda coupe was a standout in case of both performance and appearance. Let us browse through some cool facts about this 90s icon. 

10. Limited production

To this day, the Honda Integra Type R catches a lot of attention among car lovers for its worldwide fame. You may have seen a number of these beauties in person or online, but with the same default base, the Acura Integra Type R which was mainly produced for the US market is much rarer these days.

Honda Integra Type R made its first appearance in the Japanese domestic market in 1995 but it did not come to America until 1997. Around 34,500 units of Integra Type R were sold globally, including about 2,700 units in the US over 3 years.

9. Questionable headlights?

In 1993 the standard-spec Integra went on sale in JDM, but the Quad lights on it made a negative impact on the customers. This feedback for Honda was enough to make them go through a hasty facelift on the Type R version that went on sale in 1995.

Two years later Integra made its debut on US soil with the name Acura, Honda was spot on with the aesthetics of its headlights. A four-eyed headlight version gave the car an interesting “spider-eye” look, making it much more appealing to buyers.

8. This Honda is light!

The Integra Type R was one of the lightest cars in the 90s. Weight reduction on the Integra was the brainchild of Honda engineers that they put together. Weighing in at just 2,469 lbs (US-spec) and 2,236 lbs (JDM-spec), the brains behind Integra left no stone unturned to save weight. Trimming around 88 lbs of weight includes a 10% thinner windscreen, a lighter 15-inch aluminum wheel, and unnecessary noise insulation. 

On top of it, the air conditioning, cruise control, sunroof, and rear wiper were also eliminated. Despite having to remove all these, Honda maintained its minuscule curb weight allowing the car to hit 0-60 mph in just 6.5 secs.

7. A single peek on this Honda says…Let’s Race!

The sporty exterior on this DC2 Type R wasn’t there to make it look like a race car, it was the obvious effort of Honda to target Group N Racing and had parts built specifically just for these types of races.

If you look closely, the tuning and modifications go much deeper. The engine’s lighter valves, lighter intake manifold, lighter throttle bodies, and race-tuned suspension helped it fill its role as a street race car, which also ended up increasing its popularity.

6. Its aero design is not just for show

In comparison to modern cars, the DC2 Type R is fairly outclassed. But that does not tell you the whole story about the iconic car. Although the overall design is pretty simple, Honda made sure it had the right details in places where it mattered.

Take the rear wing for instance, it reduces the lift by 30% while the sculpted aero lip under the front bumper ensures better stability at high speed. You will also notice a higher stiffness due to the spot welds. 

5. Surely a great investment for the future

If you have been keeping updates on the DC2 Integra Type R, you know this is the time for you to make your move. Investing in a Type R now might bring you a hefty sum of money shortly. Those who have already got their hands on a Type R, you know what’s coming, just sit tight. Those who haven’t, hurry up it's now or never.

The Type R’s that are in okay condition generally land around the $30,000 mark. However, some pristine Type R’s generate a lot of attention along with their auction price. In a 2018 auction a Type R was sold for $63,800, in 2019 it went up to $68,775 and even in the same year reached a whopping $86,100 with only 6,000 miles on the clock.

4. Honda’s commitment to the Integra Engine

The engine is the most integral part of an automobile and anybody who knows about the Integra Type R is well aware of its engine being made by hand only. And we are not talking about just the engine, the entire assembly under the hood was hand-polished and brought to perfection. The output from the B18C engine was higher than the other third-generation counterparts and the bespoke inlet valves as well as the enlarged throttle body reflected excellence. And to have a clear idea about the potency of the engine, even after twenty years, the VTEC is always ready to kick in without a hiccup.

3. With great power comes great handling

The Honda Coupe’s engine was much more about power output. The simplicity of the engineering made sure it was always easy to maintain and the 5-speed manual offered impeccable acceleration. The handling is simply admired by anyone who has ever driven a Type R in his life. Most importantly, the inclusion of double wishbone suspension and the limited slip differential means that you can cruise through uneven roads and steer smoothly around sharp corners without breaking a sweat.

2. The front-wheel drive powertrain is undeniable

Front-wheel drivetrains are not the most common type today and most cars that offer great handling come with an RWD. There is a belief that FWDs are not that fun to drive but the Honda Type R stands to correct all the naysayers. Many have claimed that the Integra from the 90s was the best FWD vehicle that they have ever driven. Even if we neglect the aspects of better fuel economy and lower carbon emission, a single experience behind the steering will let you know why the Integra Type R was the Homologation vehicle to enter the Group N racing.

1. This Type R Integra set the benchmark for all the fast Hondas

Honda is one of the biggest names when it comes to F1 engines as the Japanese manufacturer has helped the likes of Senna, Piquet, and Mansell win multiple races during the late 80s and early 90s. However, despite having commendable experience with sports car engines, the brand was not performance-based. It was the Type R Integra that changed the game, making the carmaker realize its potential. Honda carries a heart of engineering filled with passion for motorsports and the cars manufactured in the after-years showed its true talents.