Integra Type S

Make
Acura
Segment
Sedan

As we move closer to the Integra Type S reveal, Acura has begun the official teaser campaign for the latest Type S model, confirming it will have more power than the Civic Type R upon which it's based. Accompanying the first uncamouflaged images of the car, Acura has given us power outputs from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine: 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque - 5 hp more than the Civic Type R.

Compared to the regular Integra (200 hp and 192 lb-ft from a 1.5-liter turbo-four), the Integra Type S represents the biggest jump in output for any Type S model ever, sporting increases of 120 hp and 118 lb-ft.

Best of all, a six-speed manual gearbox will remain the sole transmission option, divvying power up between the front wheels via a limited-slip differential.

An accompanying video gives us a listen to the 320 hp at full tilt, with a satisfying barrage of pops on overrun. It also briefly gives us a glimpse of the signature Tiger Eye Pearl paint found on other Type S derivatives.

Like its Honda-badged sibling, the Integra Type S will wear far more aggressive bodywork that will differentiate it from lesser models.

The teaser images show flared wheel arches at the front and rear, along with a carbon fiber spoiler on the tailgate. Additional carbon fiber will feature on the wing mirrors, which will feature a colored accent strip through the middle. A prominent diffuser at the rear has been designed to accommodate the sporty trio of exhaust tips.

Other elements visible include new Type S badges on the fenders and a five-V-spoke wheel design, which we expect to mimic the 19-inch items found on the Type R. However, whether the Integra Type S will get the same sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber as standard is up for debate.

It wouldn't make sense for the Integra Type S to fight the Civic Type R. Owing to the more upmarket image, we have previously speculated that the upcoming Acura will fill the role of the sophisticated-yet-speedy sports sedan.

We assume the Type S will cost between $45,000 and $50,000. Initially, we speculated such pricing with no power increase would lead to disappointment but perhaps the extra ponies we now know it's packing will counter some of the weight and justify its premium over the $42,895 Civic Type R.

If the Civic Type R's stellar handling and performance are anything to go by, we believe the Integra Type S will follow suit and offer a superb chassis. We won't have to wait much longer for a reveal, with Acura expected to lift the lid next month at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

While many enthusiasts were disappointed by the new Integra, we're guessing the new Type S will satisfy even the most discerning customers. The combination of a satisfying manual gearbox and superb FWD chassis compared to dull all-wheel drive, automatic rivals from Germany are bound to put the Integra Type S at the top of its premium class from the start.