Update: 2024 Integra Type S Media First Look Walkarounds Released! Driving Reviews Coming June 19

[Needs3Pedals]

This stellar article from Road and Track just makes me lust after this car even more. Driving impressions can't come soon enough. All it has to do is execute the fun factor as well as its twin brother! It has to be able to do that, right?

https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a43412431/gr-corolla-civic-type-r-stole-my-heart/

Well they aren’t identical twins. One of the walkarounds said that Acura had communicated that Sport+ in the ITS was a little softer than +R in the Fl5. That gave me a sad lol. I wonder what the lateral acceleration will be in the ITS and what would need to be changed to make it as stiff as the Fl5.

I’m trying to convince myself I’m not “settling“ with the ITS because I’ve wanted a CTR for so long.

 

[meki22]

I’m trying to convince myself I’m not “settling“ with the ITS because I’ve wanted a CTR for so long.

unfortunately the fact that you’re trying to convince yourself sounds like you are Gotta make sure because buyers remorse sucks big time.

 

[Grelco]

I would have thought you keep the original shift knob, if not I'll just order the titanium one later on.

 

[Integra23]

Well they aren’t identical twins. One of the walkarounds said that Acura had communicated that Sport+ in the ITS was a little softer than +R in the Fl5. That gave me a sad lol. I wonder what the lateral acceleration will be in the ITS and what would need to be changed to make it as stiff as the Fl5.

I’m trying to convince myself I’m not “settling“ with the ITS because I’ve wanted a CTR for so long.

You could try the FL5 ADS to see if it firms it up for ya. Heck I'm sure some of the FL5 guys would be willing to trade since no one seems to like the +R mode suspension

 

[Needs3Pedals]

unfortunately the fact that you’re trying to convince yourself sounds like you are Gotta make sure because buyers remorse sucks big time.

I think I’ll be alright with the Integra, but the driving tests can’t come soon enough. Reality is I’ve got one of the reserves headed to a dealer that has been communicative and repeatedly promised MSRP. Best deal I’ve ever had in front of me for a CTR was 15k mark up.

 

[Bzal1122]

unfortunately the fact that you’re trying to convince yourself sounds like you are Gotta make sure because buyers remorse sucks big time.

Different strokes for different folks. I kept looking at the FL5 while waiting for the ITS and I felt I was settling if I bought the CTR. The plus R mode apparently isn’t even usable on a track unless it’s glass.

 

[CYBR808]

Uggh, I was trying to resist, I burnt my hand on the TI knob in my S2000 all summer... But it does look great!

A Honda dealer tech burned his hand when trying to park a CTR after it came off the delivery truck lol They had a towel with a rubber band on the shift knob

In my FK8 I would use these gloves on really hot days and to avoid sweat/oils on the suede wheel

 

[optronix]

You could try the FL5 ADS to see if it firms it up for ya. Heck I'm sure some of the FL5 guys would be willing to trade since no one seems to like the +R mode suspension

The plus R mode apparently isn’t even usable on a track unless it’s glass.

This is what I keep hearing. The +R suspension tuning was engineered to set a record at Suzuka, which as we all probably know is an F1 track and one of the most well-maintained surfaces in the world. I won't be driving on an F1 track very frequently (ever) so I'm perfectly fine for it not being completely identical to the CTR.

What I am still a little concerned about is the disconnect from Japan. The CTR seems to get most of its fanfare from the fact that it was a passion project from some incredibly talented engineers. Some of those little details that make the CTR great are not guaranteed to translate directly to the ITS, at least I haven't seen definitive evidence of that to date.

I'm not expecting Honda/Acura to cut corners on the driving dynamics, and actually some of the silly things like no Homelink, moonroof, memory seats etc. actually gives me a positive sense that they may have cut corners in other areas to make sure the drive was perfected- and personally I am perfectly ok with that.

But I think the most significant cause for concern is how BMW just completely mailed it in with their effort with the manual transmission on the G87 M2. What my worst-case scenario would look like is that Acura nailed the design, slapped the CTR drivetrain and suspension in and called it a day, and driving impressions come back with it lacking the "execution" that makes the CTR such a legend in the making. If some of my respected journalists start using phrases like "lacking character", "doesn't match the excitement", etc., that's what I don't want to hear. This thing has to bring an equivalent level of fun-to-drive and at least some considerable track competence and survivability for it to work for me, especially when you start factoring in the price point.

It doesn't feel like that's the case, with details like the functional underbody aero, brake vents, exhaust note, etc... but I'll stay skeptical until driving impressions are in.

 

[RUNN1N]

Well they aren’t identical twins. One of the walkarounds said that Acura had communicated that Sport+ in the ITS was a little softer than +R in the Fl5. That gave me a sad lol. I wonder what the lateral acceleration will be in the ITS and what would need to be changed to make it as stiff as the Fl5.

I’m trying to convince myself I’m not “settling“ with the ITS because I’ve wanted a CTR for so long.

I think I know the comment you're referring to, they said something like "Sport + mode in the Type-S is more like Sport mode in the Type-R"... but take it with a grain of salt.

These guys are rushing content out as quick as they can, one even said the triple exhaust is a throwback to the original Integra (not accurate).

 

[Lflouie]

This is what I keep hearing. The +R suspension tuning was engineered to set a record at Suzuka, which as we all probably know is an F1 track and one of the most well-maintained surfaces in the world. I won't be driving on an F1 track very frequently (ever) so I'm perfectly fine for it not being completely identical to the CTR.

What I am still a little concerned about is the disconnect from Japan. The CTR seems to get most of its fanfare from the fact that it was a passion project from some incredibly talented engineers. Some of those little details that make the CTR great are not guaranteed to translate directly to the ITS, at least I haven't seen definitive evidence of that to date.

I'm not expecting Honda/Acura to cut corners on the driving dynamics, and actually some of the silly things like no Homelink, moonroof, memory seats etc. actually gives me a positive sense that they may have cut corners in other areas to make sure the drive was perfected- and personally I am perfectly ok with that.

But I think the most significant cause for concern is how BMW just completely mailed it in with their effort with the manual transmission on the G87 M2. What my worst-case scenario would look like is that Acura nailed the design, slapped the CTR drivetrain and suspension in and called it a day, and driving impressions come back with it lacking the "execution" that makes the CTR such a legend in the making. If some of my respected journalists start using phrases like "lacking character", "doesn't match the excitement", etc., that's what I don't want to hear. This thing has to bring an equivalent level of fun-to-drive and at least some considerable track competence and survivability for it to work for me, especially when you start factoring in the price point.

It doesn't feel like that's the case, with details like the functional underbody aero, brake vents, exhaust note, etc... but I'll stay skeptical until driving impressions are in.

Very well said...I'm in your camp too.

I'm not seeking a good looking car with the "halo" effect of the CTR but lacking very high levels of handling, power and overall driver satisfaction. If it can't provide a combination of exceptional performance and handling, I can buy a number of other cars that will. It is the blend of styling, uniqueness, manual, and the overall power and cornering that makes the " package" attractive. Whether the car has all of the drivers aids is meaningless if it minimizes the flexibility and enjoyment.

I owned a 2016 Focus RS-1, with virtually no options. It was one of my favorite cars and after a few minor tweaks ( tune, widened stance, lowering springs second gen rear shocks and swaybar) it was an exceptional backroad driver.

The challenge with the RS was that only the normal suspension setting was useable (sport suspension setting was extremely unforgiving and used less than 1% of the time), making it the same as a non-adjustable suspension. Granted tweaks were required to improve the "normal setting" but once completed it dramatically transformed the overall car. It was a unique product in which the development/mkting team that modified the car suspension from the planned magnetic shocks to 2 position pre-set damping. This was probably a cost issue but it compromised the stock car.

I have not driven the latest CTR, but based on everything I've read, it shares the same overly stiff suspension settings in the most aggressive setting as the RS.

I will never drive any of my cars on the track, but will fully exercise their capabilities in the mtns and backroads of East TN. Given the practicality and limitations of public roads, I would choose moderate damping with the option to change swaybars to achieve the right balance.

I'm hopeful that the ITS will provide that baseline, but also the flexibility for a competent street/performance car....the drivers aids and creature comforts are an added plus for an aging baby boomer with a passion for driving.

 

[MickleNoot]

This is what I keep hearing. The +R suspension tuning was engineered to set a record at Suzuka, which as we all probably know is an F1 track and one of the most well-maintained surfaces in the world. I won't be driving on an F1 track very frequently (ever) so I'm perfectly fine for it not being completely identical to the CTR.

What I am still a little concerned about is the disconnect from Japan. The CTR seems to get most of its fanfare from the fact that it was a passion project from some incredibly talented engineers. Some of those little details that make the CTR great are not guaranteed to translate directly to the ITS, at least I haven't seen definitive evidence of that to date.

I'm not expecting Honda/Acura to cut corners on the driving dynamics, and actually some of the silly things like no Homelink, moonroof, memory seats etc. actually gives me a positive sense that they may have cut corners in other areas to make sure the drive was perfected- and personally I am perfectly ok with that.

But I think the most significant cause for concern is how BMW just completely mailed it in with their effort with the manual transmission on the G87 M2. What my worst-case scenario would look like is that Acura nailed the design, slapped the CTR drivetrain and suspension in and called it a day, and driving impressions come back with it lacking the "execution" that makes the CTR such a legend in the making. If some of my respected journalists start using phrases like "lacking character", "doesn't match the excitement", etc., that's what I don't want to hear. This thing has to bring an equivalent level of fun-to-drive and at least some considerable track competence and survivability for it to work for me, especially when you start factoring in the price point.

It doesn't feel like that's the case, with details like the functional underbody aero, brake vents, exhaust note, etc... but I'll stay skeptical until driving impressions are in.

Many of the engineers for the ITS worked on the original DC2 Type R.

 

[Hicks2seven]

I mean....based on specs that have been presented at least the Type-S is faster than the CTR 0-60

 

[Hicks2seven]

Titanium knob looks really good. I guess you could keep a cloth cover on it in the summer... might have to do it.

Definitely no to the alcantara wheel though.

https://www.pulju.net/wiggys_shifties_1

 

[Grelco]

I mean....based on specs that have been presented at least the Type-S is faster than the CTR 0-60

If the 4.7 sec time is accurate vs 5.0 or 5.1 for the ctr, it must have quite a decent amount of extra torque in the low end. I wonder if it's true though. That would be surprising if true, they did rework the torque curve though so I wonder how the top end is.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
They claimed that they re-tuned the ITS for more mid-range torque.....but, yes, I'm concerned with the overall characteristics of the engine performance and I hope the top-end performance hasn't been compromised.

I'm looking forward to hearing the driving impressions.

Mike