A Legacy of Performance: Integra History

The sporty Integra, along with the upscale Legend, were the two original Acura models when the brand launched on March 27, 1986. An all-new Integra is set to rejoin the Acura performance family as a new premium sport compact entrant next year.

The Integra is coming back – better than ever. Here’s a look at the legacy this new performance compact builds on.

First Generation Integra: 1986–1989

• 1986
  Acura brand launches with the first-generation Integra. Offered in two variants, a 3- and 5-door hatchback, the Integra features a pop-up headlight design, a revvy 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine (B16) and 5-speed manual transmission that make it one of the finest-driving front-wheel-drive sport compacts money could buy.
  
  
• 1987
  Car and Driver magazine names Integra to its 10Best Cars list, the first of the Integra’s eight appearances on the list.
  
  Acura Integra tuned by Comptech wins IMSA International Sedan series, the first in a long line of championship wins for Integra.
  
  
• 1988
  Refreshed Integra gets engine output increases to 118 hp. An LS Special Edition model comes with body-color wheels, trim and special badges.
  
  Integra wins 2nd consecutive IMSA International Sedan Manufacturers’ Championship and IMSA International Sedan Drivers’ Championship.

Second Generation Integra: 1990–1993

• 1990
  Second-generation Integra debuts as a 3-door hatchback and 4-door sedan with fully independent double wishbone suspension at all four corners and a larger 1.8-liter engine (B18) producing 130 hp. Anti-lock brakes available on GS models.
  
  Comptech-prepared Integra wins third consecutive IMSA International Sedan Drivers’ Championship.

• 1992
  GS-R performance variant introduced with an all-new 160-hp 1.7-liter VTEC^® inline 4-cylinder engine (B17), the second Acura model to feature VTEC – following NSX. Standard engine output also increased to 140 hp @ 6300 rpm and 126 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm.
  
  Integra GS-R safety car debuts at the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix.

Third Generation Integra: 1994–2001

• 1994
  Third-generation Integra debuts in fall 1993, with all-new chassis and interior. GS-R with VTEC^® is available as a sedan for first time.

• 1997
  Base engine output revised to 140 hp, 127 lb-ft. Special Edition and RS dropped. GS model added with sport suspension and standard leather upholstery. GS-R gets simulated wood interior trim. GS and GS-R get 16-spoke aluminum wheels.
  
  Integra Type R introduced to U.S. for the first time, with hand-built 195-hp 1.8-liter DOHC VTEC^® engine (B18C), helical limited-slip differential, upgraded suspension and brakes, and exclusive Championship White paint.
  
  Integra Type R wins first of six championships with RealTime Racing, dominating SCCA World Challenge Touring Car Championship from 1997 to 2002.

• 2000
  LS, GS and GS-R models comply with TLEV (transitional low emissions vehicle) rating; platinum-tipped spark plugs used for 100,000-mile tune-up interval.

Fourth Generation RSX: 2002–2006

• 2002
  Only offered as a 3-door hatchback, RSX nameplate replaces Integra in the U.S. All-new body, chassis, styling and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (K20) that features i-VTEC® with Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™) cam-phasing technology. Type S debuts, packing a 200-hp engine and 6-speed manual transmission.
  
  
• 2003
  Acura Factory Performance package available through dealers adds body styling kit, sport suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels and tires.
  
  
• 2004
  Acura Factory Performance package renamed A-Spec^®.
  
  
• 2003
  Type S upgraded to 210 hp and 143 lb-ft. Other updates include revised front and rear bumper, headlights and taillights, decklid spoiler seats and new titanium interior trim. Suspension upgraded for improved handling. Larger master cylinder on Type S.
  
  

• 2006
  In the car’s final year of production, Acura wins Manufacturers’ Championship of the SCCA World Challenge Touring Car class with RSX built by RealTime Racing.