2024 Acura Integra Kind S

After a two-decade hiatus, the Integra nameplate returned for mannequin yr 2022 and captured the eyes and hearts of many keen fanatics who wished to re-live the high-revving nostalgia of their youthful years.

Teasing a Kind S

A couple of weeks in the past, a (very calmly) camouflaged “Kind S” variant of this compact hatchback made the rounds in a press launch from Acura. The announcement reads, “Acura immediately confirmed the event of a high-performance Integra Kind S, set to affix the lineup for the 2024 mannequin yr. Promising final road efficiency and driver engagement, the Integra Kind S will likely be powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine producing over 300 horsepower and paired completely with a six-speed handbook transmission and limited-slip differential.”

Whereas driving impressions have been restricted to only a handful of journalists who have been invited to a non-public preview in Japan, the automotive appears to test all the appropriate containers for the fanatics. What do we all know thus far?

Integra Backstory

When the Acura model launched in 1986, the Integra was considered one of simply two fashions supplied. The Integra slotted as a compact, versatile gateway to the model with a rev-happy inline-four, whereas the bigger Legend took the function because the flagship luxurious sedan with a V6 powerplant. Within the years that adopted, the Integra developed with better expertise, increased efficiency, and up to date styling. A second technology launched in 1990 and gave the world the primary “GS-R” mannequin, motivated by a 1.7-liter naturally aspirated motor with 160 horsepower.

The third technology got here to life in 1994, and three years later, the enduring Integra Kind R was born. This track-tuned hatchback produced peak horsepower of 195 at a sky-high 8,000 RPM and was supplied in restricted numbers because the fanatic’s selection. After 2001, the Integra identify was phased out in America because the RSX (which by the way was nonetheless offered because the Honda Integra in abroad markets) took issues over till its discontinuation in 2006.

The present-generation Integra was met with polarized reactions when it was unveiled in Los Angeles in November 2021 in prototype kind. The automotive is obtainable completely is a five-door hatchback, whereas some prior Integra generations have been obtainable in three-door hatchback and four-door sedan configurations as well as.

Since its launch, the newest Integra’s design has grown on lots of people: the automotive offered 2,248 models within the month of November 2022 – a quantity even stronger than the model’s common RDX crossover. Powering the present Integra is a 2.5-liter inline-four that’s shared with the Honda Civic Si. Output from this coronary heart is 200 horsepower, and two transmissions can be found: a constantly variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed handbook.

First Impressions

I’m a five-time Integra proprietor, and in my present steady is an Aztec Inexperienced Pearl 1992 GS-R with over 251,000 miles on it (you’ll be able to see it in our latest story on my Jay Leno’s Storage look). I’ve even offered two of my Acura Integras by AutoHunter.com (You may see them right here and right here). For sure, my expectations are excessive for this new mannequin. Having pushed the brand new Integra throughout a week-long press preview, I’m optimistic about what the Kind S will likely be able to. Even simply the “customary” A-Spec mannequin was full of life and enjoyable to pilot – to not point out the truth that Honda makes among the most crisp, seamless handbook gearboxes round.

What’s Subsequent?

The stage is ready for the brand new Kind S, and Acura’s press launch included a handful of pictures of the automotive in an “S”-branded wrap for the world to see. Readily seen are the automotive’s extra aggressive physique traces when in comparison with the usual Integra, and on the rear, there are triple exhaust shops beneath the bumper. These are unmistakably much like the format on the present Honda Civic Kind R which launched for 2023.

The truth is, the Kind S will possible share an excessive amount of its chassis and powertrain structure with the Kind R – which isn’t essentially a foul factor. The 315-horsepower Civic Kind R has been hailed as one of many most-nimble, but partaking, machines on the highway. If Acura can leverage a few of that automotive’s strengths right into a extra refined or luxurious package deal, the brand new Integra Kind S will likely be a certain winner.

Acura states that extra particulars concerning the Integra Kind S will likely be shared nearer to its launch, which is slated for subsequent summer time. Keep tuned to the ClassicCars.com Journal for extra info because it comes obtainable!