Honda's racing division, HRC, has been tinkering with the Acura Integra Type S, showcasing the Integra Type S HRC Prototype at Monterey Car Week. This prototype hints at a future range of performance enhancements for the sporty hatchback, which is undeniably cool.
The most noticeable changes are the aerodynamic enhancements. The car features a new front splitter, bigger hood vents, updated side skirts, and notably, a large adjustable rear wing. These modifications are akin to the aero setup created for the Integra Type S race car, promising improved downforce and stability at high speeds over the standard model.
Acura has managed to reduce the weight by 200 pounds, thanks to a carbon-fiber hood, lightweight rear door panels, front Recaro seats, and the removal of the rear seats. Instead of the back seats, there's a carbon-fiber panel and additional chassis reinforcement painted in Indy Yellow Pearl. The air conditioning system has also been omitted. Considering the standard Type S weighs just 3,219 pounds, this weight reduction is significant.
The standard tires have been replaced with more performance-oriented Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo Rs, which fit onto forged wheels that increase the track width by 30mm. The wheels house new two-piece brake rotors with six-piston Brembo calipers at the front. The suspension has been upgraded with adjustable coilovers that lower the ride height by 15mm, camber plates from the race car, and an adjustable rear anti-roll bar.
Although there's no increase in power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine benefits from a larger intercooler, twin oil coolers, and the exhaust system from the race car. Acura has yet to confirm the availability or pricing of these parts, but it's highly likely that HRC will make these upgrades available as accessories for the Type S. We're eager to test them out.
