Type-Rrrrrrr... (Honda Integra TypeR)

Member Name: yearonemedia

Product:	Honda Integra TypeR
Date:	12/03/01 (1116 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Road racer...

Disadvantages: Road racer...

First things first: The Integra Type-R is not for most people. I'm glad we understand that now.
The Integra Type-R (ITR) was built as an uncompromising driving machine. Many manufacturers promote their cars as being great to drive but Honda decided to make the drivers' ultimate front-wheel drive coupe. To do this they went to lengths almost unheard of on a road car.
The engine (a work of art) for starters, has the internal specification of a racing car. Titanium is used, forged pistons, hand polished internals, free flowing exhaust system etc, etc. The engine itself is Honda's four-cylinder B18 1.8 Double Overhead Camshaft VTEC unit. With the trick engine internals and exhaust system this equates to 190BHP and a 0-60 time of 6.2seconds. No turbos, no supercharger. The VTEC system means that up to 6000RPM the car is quiet and sedate. However, over 6000RPM the VTEC system switches camshaft profile and it all goes a bit mad! The car screams its way to its 8500RPM(!) revlimiter like a cat with its tail on fire! As a comparison, an Audi A3 1.8 Turbo produces 180BHP. I would also like to point out that the ITR produces the best engine note this side of a Ferrari F355. Period.
Moving away from the bits that make it go we come to what makes it stay. The suspension system was honed at the Suzuka and Nurburgring race circuits. The car has a close ratio 5 speed gear box and a limited slip differential to harness the power. The brakes are equiped with ABS and have four pot callipers on the front. You stop. The balance this car has is remarkable for a FWD. The weight distribution means you have ultimate control over the chassis and can understeer or oversteer in safety. It grips amazingly too, thanks to that limited slip diferential.
Inside, the car comes with two of the best seats (Recaros) to be found in a road car but they are not very wide... It has airbags as standard, a titanium gear knob, a leather steering wheel, a stereo, s
ome fake carbon fibre and that's about it. People often complain about the dash being boring but at least it is not offensive like the new Toyota Celica's!
Overall this is an amazing car and I love mine to bits. I chose it over a Subaru Impreza Turbo (also brilliant) for its exclusivity and that engine and handling. BUT the ITR is noisy and firmly sprung. I don't care and don't find it particularly bad but others do. A Hi-Fi upgrade for motorways is essential. The back seats are also very small! The only other problem I have had is the lifespan (or lack of it) of the front tyres!
If you are looking for a coupe, and driving and the appreciation of ultimate engineering is your criteria, then this is for you. If you simply want a smart good looking coupe that is quiet and comfortable then look elsewhere. I love mine and wouldn't change it for anything.(well maybe a Skyline GTR or a Mitsubishi Evo 6)...

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