Type R - time symbol [2. part - Integra]

Honda Integra Type R (DC2)

Integra was located in an intermediate space that existed between the models Civic and Accord. Basically, it is a Civic mechanical platform, but always with the best (and most powerful) engines on offer and with a coupe and a limousine "tin suit", tailored and equipped to "lean" towards a higher class. For the first Type R, a 1995 model was selected (from the 1994-2001 series, marked DC2) and presented first to the Japanese market.

Honda integra

So many things have been modified on it, that it borders on fanaticism when creating a car. We will start from the very heart. This generation of Integra has already arrived with the powerful 18hp B170C engine. Even as such, it was more powerful than most in the class and with a red field of 8000 at the rev, offered a unique experience. However, it was decided to go one step further - relieved valves double springs, low friction pistons with molybdenum sheath, increased compression, hand-polished suction ducts and a 30% more flow exhaust system, made it possible to reach 8900 rpm safely and easily (with VTEC at 5700 rpm).

Depending on the market, it was obtained from 190 - 200 hp from a 1.8 L engine. This was a record liter of power for a production car (106 - 111 hp / L). I remember the comment of a journalist who said "if Ferrari made a four-cylinder car, it would be like Integra". With all due respect to the "propped horse", the guarantee of 100.000 km on the durability of the engine with almost 9000 rpm, is something you could only dream of. Then, as today! The suspension, otherwise "borrowed" from the fifth-generation Civic model (with a shortening of the wheelbase from 2620 to 2550 mm), suffered a reduction of 15 mm, got harder springs, shock absorbers and silent blocks. The diameter of the discs has been increased (front from 262 mm to 282 mm, and rear from 239 mm to 260 mm). The chassis received a lot of reinforcement, in order to achieve greater torsional strength and thus reduce body torsion.

In order to stay true to the philosophy of racing car racing, it has worked to reduce the mass of cars. It is reduced by a total of 65 kg, removing sound and thermal insulation, lighter engine, seats, steering wheel, even the glass is less than standard. Part of the mass was returned to the chassis, so in total, the Integra Type R on the scale showed 1130 kg. It arrives in Europe at the end of 1997, offering a top speed of 234 km / h.

190 hp found its way to the wheels, via a very "short" five-speed transmission and limited-slip differential. By pushing the torque dial up to almost 9000 and turning slightly in smoke, only the 195mm wide, sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE010 (similar to the NSX can capture 100km / h in about 6.5 s (even better than the factory-promised 6.7 s).

It may be suggested that the competition simply did not have an answer for this car. There were equally fast versions here and there, equipped with turbo engines, but when it came to handling and bending, Integra was lonely on the throne. The efforts of Honda's engineers have been awarded the title of "Best Forerunner" in the world. Integrom have shown that the essence of a sports car is not in truck torque and oversized tires, but in as little inertia, perfect balance of engine and suspension, but above all - in the vast experience gained in racing and unusual, premium materials.