Integra with intent

HONDA'S Acura luxury car division last Thursday previewed its Integra-replacing RS-X sports coupe at the New York International Auto Show.

The aggressively styled coupe was first shown in prototype form at the Detroit motor show in January.

It will make its Australian debut around August, finally signalling the end for the existing Integra, which dates back to July, 1993.

There is no official word on pricing but the strength of the yen against the Aussie dollar means cost of entry to the Integra club may rise from $35,990 to around $38,000. Expect the range-topping Type R to cost about $43,000.

The newcomer will be offered with two all-aluminium, 2.0-litre, 16-valve, DOHC LEV engines featuring the new i-VTEC technology with VTC or Variable Timing Control.

Honda says VTC continuously adjusts camshaft phasing for enhanced performance and efficiency across the rev range.

The "cooking" engine produces 119kW of power and 191Nm torque, and Honda claims these figures are backed by impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Power is relayed to the front wheels by either a five-speed manual transmission or a new five-speed sequential automatic transmission.

The new Integra range will be topped by a Type S model - likely to be called Type R here - powered by a rip-snorting 149kW engine.

This unit cranks out 100 horsepower per litre, a benchmark achieved by only a handful of normally aspirated production powerplants.

In keeping with the sporting character of the range-topper, it comes with an all-new close ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

This should answer criticisms levelled by some at the current Integra Type R for lacking a sixth cog - a virtual necessity given the high-revving nature of the engine.

Complementing the upgraded drivetrain is variable-assist rack and pinion steering and a newly designed Control-Link MacPherson strut front suspension system.

At the rear, the new Integra gains a compact double-wishbone system. Honda says the new set-up delivers superior cornering, better ride and improved space efficiency.

The Type S (or Type R) features firmer springs and dampers and a larger front stabiliser bar for greater responsiveness and road feel.

Stopping power comes from 257mm vented discs at the front and 255mm discs at the rear.

The flagship model uses larger 295mm vented discs at the front and comes with ABS. Both models are equipped with 205/55R16 tyres on 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, the Integra features large, metallic-face gauges grouped in a pod angled toward the driver. A sporty three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard.

Head and legroom is said to be generous and the 504-litre cargo area can be extended by folding down the 50/50 split-fold rear seats.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, dual seatbelt pretensioners on both front seats and side impact protection pads.

Also standard are automatic climate control, keyless entry system with anti-theft immobiliser and power windows with an auto-up/down feature on the driver's window.

All models are equipped with a six-speaker system with an in-dash CD player. The Type S (or Type R) features an Acura/Bose sound system with six-stack CD player and a new Bose RichBass woofer fitted in the cargo area.

The seats are trimmed with a suede-style fabric while perforated leather-trimmed seats are optional on the flagship model.

The Integra's exterior is distinguished by short front and rear overhangs, large multi-reflector headlights and thin A and B-pillars for good all-round visibility.