IN AN ERA OF ‘90S REVIVALS, FROM FASHION TRENDS TO TV SITCOMS, ACURA THROWS ITS HAT INTO THE RING WITH THE RESURRECTION OF THE FAMED INTEGRA NAMEPLATE, DELIVERING AN EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT LAST DECEMBER WITH DETAILS ON THE FORTHCOMING TYPE S

BY EVAN MONROE

It was 1986, and the birth of Honda’s market-rocking luxury brand was christened with the launch of the Acura Integra, a sleek fastback that would later be heralded as one of the best front-wheel-drive sports cars ever machined. It was a monumental move – at the time, European and American marques had a fi rm grip on the luxury space, while Japanese makers were widely associated with economical rides – and the following year, the Integra landed a spot on the Ten Best List. But it was the Integra Type R, released in the states in ‘97, that truly became a pre-aughts icon, fed by a fi ery 1.8L four-banger tied to a manual transmission, and featuring a legendary suspension that sliced through corners like an Obsidian blade.

Unfortunately, shifting trends around the turn of the millennium eventually gave it the ax, but its memory never left enthusiasts (today, a ‘90s Type R typically goes for three times its original sticker price on the open market). But the Japanese maker bookended 2023 with two glorious gifts: fi rst came the resurrection of the iconic nameplate, then confi rmation there will be a Type S for 2024.

The next-gen Integra is a fl ashy compact, powered by a twin-turbo 1.5L four cylinder that outputs 200 ponies and 192 lb.-ft. of torque, plenty of gusto for its slim figure. It also off ers a pair of transmission choices: a quick-response CVT with paddle shifters or – cue the applause – a segment exclusive six-speed manual with automatic rev matching. To stand out from its Civic sibling, it packs extras like a head-up display, super-smooth ELS premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also features adaptive dampers on the suspension, which adjusts to driving conditions in the snap of a finger.

Though the Type S will be offi cially unveiled as it nears its summer release, December details revealed the high-per-formance variant will tote the same components as the Civic Type R, a meaty 2.0L inline-four with at least 300 ponies, paired to a six-speed manual. Camouflage prototypes revealed wider bodywork and larger wheels than its non-S brethren, plus three exhaust tips in the back.

Starting MSRP is $31,300.

Precision Acura of Princeton 3001 US -1, Lawrenceville, NJ 877.872.0338 precisionacura.com