INTRODUCTION
The limited-edition Integra Type R Sports Coupe has been developed to
maximize the sporty car's dynamic capabilities and further emphasize
Acura's belief that driving is its own reward. There were three
primary targets during the development process: performance, handling
and control, and an exciting driving experience. Engineering teams,
which included racing veterans from the Formula One ranks,
incorporated the dynamic essence of true race cars while developing
the Type R, and thoroughly carried the "driving pleasure" theme
through every stage of development. Not surprisingly, a heavy
emphasis was placed on the Type R's performance on the racetrack
during development, all in an effort to deliver an exciting car with
exceptional acceleration, braking and handling capabilities.
CONCEPTS AND GOALS
The Integra Type R Sports Coupe was designed to achieve:
- Quick response and acceleration through its high-revving VTEC engine
- Outstanding cornering response thanks, in part, to a lower center of gravity and track-tuned suspension to enable linear cornering with minimal understeer
- Enhanced braking performance with larger-capacity, fade-resistant brakes designed to withstand severe racetrack test conditions
- Unique styling and exclusive features such as a Type R-exclusive rear wing spoiler, 5-bolt alloy wheels and Type R graphics
OVERVIEW
The limited production Type R model first joined the Acura Integra
line-up in 1997 and was an overnight sensation. Like its fellow
Integra models, the Type R features numerous technological
innovations that maximize performance and handling, and provide high
levels of safety, durability and efficiency. However, it goes a step
further by embodying the spirit and technological achievements
demonstrated in Formula One racing. Thus, it is clear that engineers
placed a heavy emphasis on the performance characteristics of the
Type R during development.
Key performance features that differentiate the Type R include:
- 195-horsepower, 1.8-liter, dual overhead cam, 16-valve VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine that is among the highest rated normally aspirated mass-produced engines in terms of horsepower per liter
- Hand-polished intake and exhaust ports and single-port intake manifold
- An exhaust system with a larger diameter to allow larger volume flow
- Overall vehicle weight reduced by 33 lbs. (15 kg)
- Torque-sensitive helical limited slip differential
- Lower overall vehicle height (by 15 mm) and aerodynamic refinements that result in 30% less lift (Cl) and 1% less drag (Cd)
- Racetrack-calibrated suspension and high-performance tires
- Larger disk brakes with performance-oriented calipers
- Refined Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Reinforced unit body structure
A number of other features were added to heighten the sporty appeal of the Type R, including:
- Chin spoiler, wing-type rear spoiler, and body-colored side sills
- Lightweight aluminum alloy wheels
- Sport-style seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum shifter knob
- Special serial number plate affixed to the center console
- Carbon fiber-like instrumentation design with amber illumination
- "Type R" graphics
In the true spirit of racing, a select number of comfort and convenience features on the Integra Type R have been eliminated in an effort to minimize the vehicle's overall weight. These include items such as a sunroof, vanity mirrors and cruise control. Other items that have been eliminated for weight considerations include dashboard insulator, transmission mount, drive shaft and shifter dynamic damper, and melt-sheet for the floor stamping.
Key safety features of the Type R include:
- Standard driver's and front passenger's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) air bags on all models
- 3-point seat belts
- Projector beam headlights
- Front and rear crumple zones
- Side-impact protection
Like other 2001 Integra models, Type R's standard features include:
- 105,000-mile tune-up intervals
- A vehicle immobilizer anti-theft system
- An On-board Vapor Recovery System -- two years earlier than required by regulation