Acura Integra gets Type S hellion with 300+ horsepower but no AWD

The 300-plus horsepower, performance-trim Acura Integra Type S is real — but it will not get all-wheel-drive as hoped for by many enthusiasts.

Acura confirmed the long-anticipated, 2024 Type S Monday with lightly camouflaged pictures of the compact hellion at its Toshigi, Japan, test track facility.

With the base, $37K Acura Integra — the first Integra model in the United States since 2001 — Honda’s premium brand returned to its heritage of producing premium sporty hatchbacks. The Integra Type S completes the transformation with a high-output, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and tuned suspension similar to the raucous, $44K Honda Civic Type R.

A few journalists got brief rides in the camouflaged Type S in Toshigi and confirmed that, while the Type S will share many attributes with the top-spec Honda Civic Type R — including front-wheel-drive, 19-inch heels, limited slip differential, and 6-speed manual transmission — it will wrap the package in a more sophisticated wardrobe that may push $50K. The base Integra cost about $4,000 more than its sibling, Honda Civic Si.

“Because this is a Type S and not a Type R, the styling is less extroverted. The Integra lacks the Civic’s giant wing and aggressive-looking vents and scoops,” wrote Car and Driver from Japan. “With a dash more sophistication than the Honda, the Integra Type S could prove enticing.”

Acura has become synonymous with its sophisticated, torque-vectoring so-called SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system. Acura forums have buzzed with anticipation that the Type S would gain an AWD system over its mainstream, Honda Type R system to compete against AWD performance offerings from Cadillac and BMW as well as the Honda Type R’s closest competitor — the AWD, $45,835 VW Golf R which can spring to 0-60 mph a second quicker than the Honda with better traction and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

“I think for the sake of differentiating it from (Type R) I think AWD would be a great addition,” wrote “rRobbJK” in a typical post at IntegraForum.com.

Agreed Forum contributor “bullitt”: “I'd love if the Integra had SH-AWD and AWD steering in the Type-S."

After the Type S reveal, critical reaction was swift.

“It is a little disappointing that Honda hasn't opted to differentiate the Integra a bit more from the Type R. This car really should offer AWD,” commented “Bankerdanny” in Car and Driver’s reader forum.

Echoing the sentiment were other Integra fans like “dfelix,” who wrote: “Disappointed. Just like the Integra vs. Civic Si, not much distinction between the two models outside of amenities.  I really wanted them to add SH-AWD to the Integra Type-S to give it the performance cred, especially for acceleration from 0.”

Acura fans however, will be heartened by the Type S’s huge, 100-horsepower gain over the standard Integra hatchback. The engine should match, maybe exceed, the Civic model’s 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It will also be shod in summer Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires for much better grip than the Integra’s all-seasons. While test models of the Type S in Toshigi were heavily camouflaged inside, test drivers found the seats to be more heavily bolstered — and less red in coloring — than the Honda Type R. That would be in keeping with Integra’s more premium-focused mission.

Though the Type S and Type R play in the hot hatch segment occupied by the Golf R, the Acura will compete in the luxury space against AWD hot rods like the $50k Mercedes-AMG CLA35, $48K BMW M235i Gran Coupe and $48k Cadillac CT4-V.

The Type S is made in Japan, and Acura says that more details of the 2024 model will be disclosed closer to its arrival at dealers in the summer of 2023.

Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne.