2003 Honda Integra Type-R
Published Oct 11, 2006
0 Ratings
What is it?
2003 Honda Integra Type-R
What's special about it?
In Japan, an Acura is called a Honda, and the RSX is still known as the Integra. Based on the 2001 Honda Civic platform, the 2002 Integra is a sportier, more upscale two-door hatch. They like to simplify things, those Japanese. We fancy it for its blend of performance and luxurious touches, such as automatic climate control and an in-dash CD player, although we mourned the loss of the front double wishbone suspension configuration.
Alas, they kept the performance version of the 2002 Integra for themselves. We in the States get the sport-oriented Type-S making 200 horsepower, but the home market has the choice of getting the Type-R, geared toward the racing crowd. The 2.0-liter iVTEC engine is further massaged to make 20 extra horses, for a total of 220 in the Type-R. Inside, you'll notice the differences between the two by the red or blue Recaro bucket seats that ensure you don't get tossed about in the cabin and the Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Shod with 17-inch wheels covered in 205/45ZR low-profile tires, the Type-R sports a host of amendments from the Type-S. Front and rear skirts for the airdam, and rocker panel extensions visually lower the profile. The rear spoiler is higher than on the Type-S, and, of course, the badging is instantly recognizable.
Why should you care?
The Honda Integra Type-R will probably go on sale in America for the 2003 model year. Waiting just increases the anticipation... — Liz Kim
2003 Honda Integra Type-R
What's special about it?
In Japan, an Acura is called a Honda, and the RSX is still known as the Integra. Based on the 2001 Honda Civic platform, the 2002 Integra is a sportier, more upscale two-door hatch. They like to simplify things, those Japanese. We fancy it for its blend of performance and luxurious touches, such as automatic climate control and an in-dash CD player, although we mourned the loss of the front double wishbone suspension configuration.
Alas, they kept the performance version of the 2002 Integra for themselves. We in the States get the sport-oriented Type-S making 200 horsepower, but the home market has the choice of getting the Type-R, geared toward the racing crowd. The 2.0-liter iVTEC engine is further massaged to make 20 extra horses, for a total of 220 in the Type-R. Inside, you'll notice the differences between the two by the red or blue Recaro bucket seats that ensure you don't get tossed about in the cabin and the Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Shod with 17-inch wheels covered in 205/45ZR low-profile tires, the Type-R sports a host of amendments from the Type-S. Front and rear skirts for the airdam, and rocker panel extensions visually lower the profile. The rear spoiler is higher than on the Type-S, and, of course, the badging is instantly recognizable.
Why should you care?
The Honda Integra Type-R will probably go on sale in America for the 2003 model year. Waiting just increases the anticipation... — Liz Kim