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When Acura first introduced that they’d be producing a Sort S model of their newly reimagined Integra mannequin, it was arduous to image precisely what that may’ve seemed like.
Honda and Acura fanatics know what the Sort S badge stands for, and whereas fanfare was actually generated from this, there have been loads of groans world wide when it turned clear that the Integra Sort R wouldn’t be returning.
Not less than, not but. Though it appears to be like just like the overseeing advertising and marketing division has determined to order ‘R’ for Honda and ‘S’ for Acura, so it looks as if the aforementioned is extremely more likely to stay the case.
The Successful Method
However, it was sure that the brand new Acura Integra Sort S would high the mannequin vary as the best performing and most costly model.
It was, nevertheless, at all times going to be a query of whether or not the brand new ITS would grow to be a efficiency model of the bottom Integra, which has not been significantly effectively acquired—or a luxurious model of the Honda Civic Sort R, which tops many pundits’ automobile of the 12 months lists.
To nearly everybody’s reduction, I might say, it turned out to be the latter. At every excessive, each conceptualizations of the automobile are distinctly totally different and I’m positive the goal demographics for each the ITS and CTR have nearly full overlap. Imposter syndrome is an efficient factor on this case.
When Badge Engineering Goes Properly
If we’re being trustworthy right here, Honda—or Acura, relying on which angle you’re it from—has been on the high of the “badge engineering” sport for some time. Usually frustratingly, and nearly to disingenuous lengths at instances, it needs to be stated.
See: Honda Civic/Acura CSX, Honda Accord/Acura TSX, Honda Pilot/Acura MDX. The checklist goes on.
But when there was a Honda automobile any fanatic who could be a-ok with slapping an “A” badge on and calling it a day—after sprinkling on the quintessential luxurious fixtures, in fact—it will be the new Honda Civic Sort R.
They’ve accomplished simply that, however have gone to nice lengths to make sure that the ITS is notably distinguishable from the automobile it’s based mostly on and may also stand by itself deserves.
Similar Philosophy, Barely Completely different Techniques
This “badge engineering” we’ve been talking of has all been carried out in locations you wouldn’t be capable of see at a cursory look, and that’s a very good factor. Afterall, it’s the bones of the brand new Civic Sort R which make it such a tremendous automobile, so it will’ve been counterintuitive to make any modifications there.
Current occasions (captured beneath) have confirmed simply that.
Whereas the Honda will certainly be positioned as the general efficiency benchmark between the 2, there’s no cause that the Acura/Sort S by-product would (or will, ought to they do a ‘ring try for it) be too far off these metrics.
Efficiency & Chassis
It’s the identical turbocharged K20C1 engine powering the Acura Integra Sort S, although it’s been claimed to provide an additional 5 hp over the CTR. In complete, the ITS produces 320 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a slick 6-speed guide transmission.
That is unlikely to be perceptible in any significant sense with regards to driving dynamics and is generally simply good materials for salespeople and advertising and marketing brochures. If something, the additional energy benefit could be eaten up fairly shortly by the heavier ITS, which additionally weighs 31 lbs extra than its Honda cousin.
Chassis, sure, that’s just about an identical as effectively, and that’s most likely the very best factor the ITS has going for it. That implies that suspension components usually are not solely interchangeable with the brand new FL5 CTR, however the earlier gen FK8 CTR as effectively. That is significantly welcome information for tuners and observe go-ers—the larger the components bin, the higher.
To what lengths, if any, Acura would have gone to dampen any rawness from CTR, stays to be seen in a long-term sense. Aside from probably a quieter cabin, I can’t see how it will be any softer across the edges than the automobile it’s based mostly on. That is particularly obvious with Acura stating that they’ve modified the exhaust from the CTR, which now produces a extra unique “crackle-and-pop” exhaust notice (that is additionally the place the additional 5 horses comes from).
General, the Integra Sort S is a reputable, primarily like-for-like various for the frustratingly tough to acquire CTR, with the one actual variations being a matter of visuals and luxury/comfort facilities.
Exterior & Cabin
When it comes to outward appearances, the ITS actually units itself aside with its distinctive silhouette and fascia, constructing upon the bottom Integra’s design cues somewhat than attempting to be a CTR copycat. Parts such because the headlights, entrance grill, and taillights are undeniably Integra, or at the least un-Civic-like.
In comparison with the CTR, among the most notable and distinctive variations embody the absence of a giant rear wing—the Integra is actually, wingless—and large fender arches which give it a extra pronounced and aggressive stance. For my part it’s truly a bit of extra busy trying, and somewhat satirically, has a “boy racer” picture nearer to that of the FK8 (the dearth of a large rear wing prevents issues from getting close to these ranges, although).
Within the cabin, a pinch extra of the “badge engineering” pixie mud would’ve been most well-liked, particularly with regards to the entrance seats. The Civic Sort R has stunning bucket seats with harness compatibility, whereas they went the straightforward route with the Integra and easily reupholstered the bottom automobile’s headrest-style seats.
It might’ve been higher if they simply borrowed the CTR seats, ditched the crimson for black, and bolted them within the ITS. Sure, this in the end would have been simply as lazy, however therein my level has additionally been made.
Aside from that, I believe they received it all-right, and every thing else is principally on par with what you’d anticipate from a barely extra luxurious model of the range-topping Civic. It’s a Civic Sort R Touring model that occurs to don the Acura badge, if you’ll.
Verdict
If the brand new Acura Integra Sort S was an individual that simply walked right into a crowded room, I’d be giving it a really pleasant, albeit lukewarm reception. In an ideal world the place we get to decide on between the 2, it’s the CTR all day for me. Its minimalism is extra befitting of the general philosophy, and there’s simply one thing concerning the “Sort R” moniker that may’t be trumped with regards to something Honda/Acura.
The ITS additionally gained’t attraction as a lot to those that are issues from a performance-per-dollar perspective. Nevertheless, it will be enticing to consumers who don’t thoughts paying additional for extra consolation/comfort tech and a bit extra luxurious—and maybe the Acura badge, if that even means “higher” to anybody lately.
Or, might or not it’s an affordable various for individuals who are approach down the pecking order in buying a brand new Civic Sort R? Both approach, the Integra Sort S is particular sufficient to attraction to the gang it was supposed for. Diehard Honda/Acura fanatics might be fervently seeking to get their arms on one based mostly on its standalone deserves, and it being principally synonymous with the CTR was by no means going to harm its case.
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