Integra Type R Technology
PERFORMANCE
Engine Block and Crankshaft
The Type R utilizes a pressure die-cast aluminum alloy block with cast-iron cylinder liners for light weight and maximum durability. The rigid crankshaft is made of forged steel with eight balance weights to
reduce vibration at high speed by 20 percent over the previous model. The crankshaft journals feature a special micro-polished surface finish to reduce friction and increase durability.
Connecting Rods and Pistons
The Type R uses specially developed pistons with high pressure cast crowns and reshaped to increase the compression ratio to 10.6:1 The piston skirt is coated with molybdenum to reduce friction and allow it
to maintain high rpm operation. The connecting rods are specially selected and precisely matched to ensure perfect balance and minimize variation between each rod. This is accomplished by manual selection
and installation.
Cylinder head, Valves and Camshafts
The intake and exhaust ports are hand polished in the area near the valve seat to ensure optimal, non turbulent gas flow for increased power. In addition, lightweight intake valves and oval section dual intake
valve spring are used. The oval section allows the use of high performance camshafts to increase flow at high rpm. And specially designed, lighter weight valves help raise the rpm limit of the Type R engine
by an additional 200 rpm.
The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system solves the age-old trade-off between tuning an engine for high speed power output or low-speed speed torque and responsiveness. Until
Honda engineers developed VTEC an engine could have one or the other. But not both. But VTEC has rewritten the rules.
Using a unique arrangement of three cam lobes and three corresponding rocker arms for each pair of valves, the VTEC system can alter not just valve lift, but valve timing as well in response to engine load
and driver demand. VTEC operates on intake as well as exhaust valves.
The crossover point between nominal valve lift and high valve lift occurs at 5700 rpm. This makes the Type R engine responsive under all operating conditions for excellent midrange torque and especially
when going from part-throttle, steady state cruising to full throttle.
Throttle Body/Intake Manifold/Air Intake
The Type R uses a large-diameter throttle body and exclusive single-port intake manifold. The cast aluminum intake manifold features a large-diameter, single intake runner for each cylinder with a short
direct past to the cylinder head for maximum high-rpm efficiency. The fuel injectors point almost directly towards the center of the intake valve in order to reduce condensation on the intake port walls and
improving driveability. And to ensure an ample supply of cool air, the air inlet has been moved from the engine compartment to tan area behind the left front fender.
Oil Jet/ Bearing Material/ Oil Cooler
To help ensure long-term durability and help dissipate engine heat, a jet of pressurized oil is directed to the underside of the pistons. This technology was developed and refined in Formula One racing.
Another technology pioneered in Formula One is the Surface-Oriented Crystal Bearing Material. This special surface traps a layer of oil and holds it far better than conventional bearing surfaces to reduce
friction and enhance reliability. TO maintain optimal engine temperature, the Type R features an aluminum oil cooler which is mounted on the engine block.
Exhaust System
For proper exhaust gas management the Type R features a stainless steel, Tri-Y, large diameter header system. This is connected to a free-flowing exhaust system with increased pipe diameter, the addition of
a third exhaust chamber and a performance-oriented muffler with a large NSX-style exhaust tip.
5-Speed Manual Transmission
The close-ratio 5-speed transmission used in the Type R is different from that used in any other Integra. It has specific ratios, bearing design and clutch. It also has a special lightweight flywheel coupled with
a heavy duty, hydraulically activated clutch. The closer spacing of the ratios takes maximum advantage of the Type R's increased power.
Front Suspension
Like every Acura, the Type R uses a double wishbone suspension design. Due to the high performance goals however, some refinements were added. The first is a performance rod which stiffens the lower
subframe. A second is the strut tower bar that ties together the tops of the front damper housing for increased stiffness. Both of these help enhance handling precision.
The L-shaped lower control arms are also equipped with specially tuned compliance bushings. These allow the lower control arm to impact a toe-out condition on the front wheels to allow the vehicle to track
more precisely.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension features springs with progressive rates as opposed to single rate springs to increase springing force throughout the range. In addition, rear damping rates have been increased 66
percent on jounce and 31 percent on rebound. And to enhance rear wheel stability, the bearing span within the rear-wheel hub has also been increased by 10 mm.
High Rigidity Brake Calipers and Anti-Lock Braking System
Like all Integra models, the Type R features four wheel disc brakes with ventilated front rotors. For maximum rigidity and to provide a shorter pedal stroke, the Type R uses large, stout calipers that have a
higher resistance to flexing and spread under severe braking conditions. The Type R also uses larger rotors than the rest of the Integra line and is equipped with a refined ABS system which weighs 12.4 lbs
less than the GS-R unit.
Torque-Sensing Rotary Valve Steering Gear
Rather than a conventional power steering system that uses vehicle speed to determine the amount of steering assist, the Type R system uses a combination of engine rpm and the amount of torque generated
between the tire and the pavement. This provides a more linear power assist program and exercises more precise control over the amount of assist provided.
Wheels and Tires
The Type R is equipped exclusively with Bridgestone Potenza RE010 performance tires similar to those found on the NSX. They provide greater cornering force, better response, excellent road feel, and
predictable handling behavior. The Type R white aluminum wheels have a 5 mm greater offset that the GS-R and they feature a 5-lug hole pattern for increased rigidity.
STRUCTURE
Body Rigidity
Clearly rigidity is a primary design goal when producing a vehicle of the Type R's performance potential. Key structural components were reinforced throughout the structure including rear wheel housing,
rear pillar upper garter, rear roof rail upper, rear wheel arch extension, rear lower arm bracket and rear damper gusset.
Body Refinements
The Type R features a number of innovations that improve performance, durability and safety. For starters, it provides 298.9 degrees of visibility. The beneficial impact of all-around visibility on safety is
self-evident.
To reduce wind noise and enhance aerodynamic efficiency, the Type R uses a pin-guide sash system for the door glass. The pin holds the window captive against the sash and forms a tighter seal than
conventional designs.
To enhance illumination, all Integra models use projector beam headlamps for low beam use. These reach 13 feet farther and illuminate an area 20% greater than previous generation Integras. The high
beams feature a redesigned halogen lamp with reach 125 feet farther and illuminates an area 2.5 times greater.
Front and Rear Crumple Zones
At the front and rear the body is designed with deformable crumple zones. In a collision, these zones absorb impact energy and help prevent deformation of the passenger compartment.
In addition, all Integra models are equipped with a driver and front passenger dual air bag Supplemental Restraint System. The air bags are designed to work in conjunction with the 3-point outboard seat
belts.
And to help protect occupants in a side impact, the Type R uses polypropylene pads located at hip level on both front doors. These pads reduce the energy transmitted into the cabin in a side impact.
Colors
All Integra Type Rs will be available in Championship White. This color was developed for Honda's Formula One race cars in the early 1960s and is used in the Type R to commemorate the company's
first-ever Formula One victory -- Richie Ginther's first place finish in the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix.
Interior
Seating
As is fitting in a sporting machine of the Type R's capabilities, the seats are deeply bolstered and trimmed with a grippy cloth material to help keep the driver securely in place during spirited driving. The
Type R has an exclusive pattern, different from any other Integra. Seats feature manual fore/aft and rake adjustment and the driver's seat has a lumbar adjustment.
Air Conditioning
The optional air conditioning system of the Type R is a compact and efficient unit designed to minimize weight. To enhance corrosion resistance, it features an aluminum condenser core.
Audio System
