Acura Integra GSR And Type R...ContiNued

Small headlights allow a sloped front end that enhances looks and sporty appeal. A longer wheelbase results in more foot room and smoother ride.

The Integra chassis is a real joy to drive quickly. The ride quality and smoothness are all you could expect, and the GS-R version is a real hot-rod. There is 170 horsepower available from the twin- cam VTEC version in the GS-R. The Type R mods turn it into a 195-horsepower screamer, which should be close to illegal! The concept behind the Type R is pure sport. Frills have been eliminated. Weight was shed. An automatic transmission is NOT available. Air conditioning is a dealer installed option. Don't embarrass yourself by asking for a sunroof. The only options are trim and appearance items. If handling, response and high G-loads are more important to you than luxury features, the Type R was made for you.

One of the most notable engineering achievements in the Type R is its high-revving engine, made possible with such features as hand-polished intake and exhaust ports, large-diameter throttle body, single-port intake manifold , and free-flowing exhaust system. Acura's Integra Type R 1.8-liter, twin cam, 16-valve , VTEC powerplant puts out more horsepower per liter than any other normally aspirated, mass-produced engine in the U.S. and shares a strong technological link with Acura's other ultra high-performance vehicle --the NSX exotic sports car.

You have to really turn the engine to get the power (the redline is above 8000 rpm), but the short throw shift linkage makes it enjoyable to thrash through the gears. The manual transmission is a must with this car, and the GS-R is not sold with an automatic.

Other characteristics that maximize overall responsiveness and handling of the Type R (and set it apart from other Integra models) include stiffened body structure, a revised close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, torque-sensitive helical limited-slip differential, a racetrack-calibrated suspension, and high-performance tires.