Honda introduces a more sophisticated Integra range with two new models – the Integra Luxury and Integra Type S.

For 2005, engineers sought to develop a more polished performance car that was also fun to drive.

Honda targeted three areas in revising the Integra range – boosting power of its high-performance Integra engine, precise handling and better ride comfort, and styling the Integra to look more aggressive and distinctive.

Replacing the race-bred Integra Type R, the Integra Type S retains the Type R’s spirit of driving pleasure, while offering greater refinement, smoother performance, increased safety and more equipment.

It features a 154 kW 2.0-litre 16-valve 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine – 7 kW more than Type R. Available only with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, the high-performance Type S is designed to provide an involving and sporty driving experience.

The Type S has a number of engine and exhaust modifications to lift output to 154 kW @ 7800 rpm and 194 Nm @ 7000 rpm, including high performance camshafts and enlarging the diameter of the intake duct by 10 per cent. A larger diameter exhaust pipe and free-flowing catalytic converter have increased exhaust flow by 10 per cent.

Despite the power increase, the Integra Type S meets stringent LEV standards. Using premium unleaded, the Type S uses 9.4 litres per 100km combined.

Adding to the Type S’s high-performance credentials is a responsive chassis that’s tuned to achieve a balance of precise handling and smooth ride.

Compared to the Integra Luxury, the Type S adds thicker stabiliser bars – front and rear – to minimise body roll, the front performance rod was increased to help maintain precise suspension geometry, while the front damper top bushing was replaced by a bearing for smoother steering response.

Stylish 17” alloy wheels with low profile 215/45R17 tyres and Integra’s lower centre of gravity also contribute to Type S’s sporty handling and grip.

Stopping power is also boosted with 300mm front discs and 260mm rear discs, along with 3-channel ABS brakes with EBD, which is standard on both Type S and Luxury.

Honda has added a rear spoiler to Type S to differentiate it from Integra Luxury and Type S badges on the rear hatch and within the front mesh grille.

Advances have not been limited to Type S – the Integra Luxury also continues with refinements for 2005.

Powered by a 118kW DOHC 16-valve, 2.0-litre i-VTEC LEV engine and available with a 5-speed manual or sequential shift automatic transmission, the Integra Luxury shares many technical and styling improvements with Type S.

Both Integras are lower and sharper with more responsive steering and brakes, higher body rigidity and increased safety. Less NVH and revised suspension also mean Integra is now even more enjoyable driving experience.

Honda has sharpened Integra’s on-road performance with revised suspension geometry, retuned bushings, firmer damper settings and inversely wound front coil springs, providing a smoother ride.

The Integra’s high-mounted rack-and-pinion power steering system has been refined to provide more linear and responsive steering with a quicker steering ratio, stiffer steering column and 7 per cent improvement in pump flow.

Its 3-channel ABS with EBD is enhanced with a larger diameter master cylinder boosting hydraulic pressure, while Honda has improved feel by increasing rigidity of the brake pedal and reducing pedal stroke. The Integra Luxury has 262mm front disc brakes compared to the Type S’s 300mm discs.

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) are minimised thanks to an exceptionally rigid body unit structure, extensive sound insulation, and extremely tight fit-and-finish tolerances.

For 2005, NVH was reduced through the application of lightweight, noise-absorbing insulation to the roof and doors. Also, wind noise is minimised with weather stripping added to reduce gaps in the side mirrors, allowing air to pass more smoothly between the mirrors and the side of the car. The Type S has an additional subframe dynamic damper to reduce engine noise.

Key structural reinforcements have also improved the Integra’s front and rear rigidity. Frontal rigidity has improved 15 per cent by applying a thicker fitting base, a front upper arm and increasing thickness of the wheelhouse walls. A thicker rear cross member improves rear rigidity by 21 per cent.

Fuel consumption is 7.6 litres per 100km with manual transmission and 8.1 for the auto. The Integra Luxury runs on standard unleaded petrol.

Integra’s appearance is distinctive and aggressive – Honda has lowered the ride height by 7mm, added body-coloured side sills, new bumpers, a thicker exhaust finisher and alloy wheels. The Type S side sills are sculpted to enhance its angular appearance and highlight the new 17” wheels.

The headlights and tail lights are completely new – the slimline headlights have a triple beam design, which is echoed in the triple-cone taillight assembly.

Both Integra Luxury and Type S have a cockpit-style black leather interior – complete with side SRS airbags, electric sunroof, in-dash CD tuner and titanium interior finishes. The Type S gains a 6CD tuner with MP3 player.

High-quality leather sports-style bucket seats with extra cushioning in the side bolsters and lower cushion are designed to hold front passengers firmly in position, while also absorbing vibration and movement during cornering.

The Integra’s stylish dashboard design is freshened with white dials and titanium finishes around the heating/cooling dials. The instrument panel has a new tactile grain finish.

Interior features such as automatic climate control air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, security alarm and driver and passenger front airbags remain standard features.

Pricing for the Integra range begins at $38,490 for the Integra Luxury manual and $40,490 for the Integra Luxury automatic. Just one variant of Integra Type S is available at $42,990.

The 2005 Integra range has the following exterior colours: Integra Luxury – Blaze Orange Metallic (new colour), Satin Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Milano Red and Premium White Pearl. Integra Type S – Championship White, Magnesium Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Vivid Blue Pearl, Milano Red and Blaze Orange Metallic (new colour).

WHAT’S NEW

Integra Luxury

• Styling revisions exterior, including:
  
  • new, rectangular air ducts.
  • Tri-beam headlights.
  • Body coloured side sills.
  • New taillights.
  • Restyled bumpers.
  • New exhaust tip.
• Reduced ride height – by 7mm.
• Revised suspension geometry.
• Retuned bushings.
• Thicker stabiliser bars.
• Firmer damper settings.
• Inversely wound coil springs.
• Revised seats with supportive side bolsters and thicker lower cushion.
• Titanium interior finish around heater vents.
• New colour – Blaze Orange Metallic.

Integra Type S

As Integra, plus:

• Replaces Type R variant
• Power increased to 154kW.
• High performance camshafts.
• Engine intake duct 10 per cent bigger.
• Large diameter exhaust pipe.
• Free-flowing catalytic converter.
• Exhaust flow increased by 10 per cent.
• Six-speed manual transmission with lower final drive ratio.
• Carbon synchronizers on fifth and sixth gear.
• Firmer springs and dampers.
• Front strut tower bar.
• Rear performance rod.
• Larger diameter brake master cylinder.
• Revised brakes with reduced brake pedal stroke and firmer brake feel.
• Rear spoiler.
• 17 inch alloy wheels.
• Leather trim.
• Sunroof.
• 6CD tuner with MP3 player.

MAIN FEATURES

Integra Luxury

• All-aluminium, 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC with VTC (Variable Timing Control) 4-cylinder LEV engine, producing 118kW of power @ 6500rpm and 191Nm of torque @ 4000rpm.
• Choice of two 5-speed transmissions - manual with triple-cone synchronisers on gears 1 and 2 or a sequential shift automatic with Grade Logic Control.
• ABS brakes.
• Four-wheel disc brakes.
• Electric sunroof.
• Driver and passenger airbags.
• Side SRS airbags.
• Climate control air-conditioning.
• Power windows.
• Power mirrors.
• Remote central locking.
• Security system.
• 16” alloy wheels.
• Leather seats and door trim.
• Leather steering wheel.
• Leather-covered gear shift.
• 6 CD tuner with four speakers.
• Electric sunroof.

Integra Type S

As Integra Luxury, plus:

• All-aluminium, 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC with VTC (Variable Timing Control) 4-cylinder LEV engine, producing 154kW of power @ 7400rpm and 194Nm of torque @ 7000rpm.
• All-new synchronised 6-speed close-ratio manual gearbox - with triple cones on 1 and 2, double cones on 3-6.
• 300mm front disc brakes.
• Rear spoiler.
• 17” alloy wheels.
• 215/45 R17 tyres.
• 6CD tuner with MP3 player and four speakers.