Yes, the Integra returns to the Acura lineup after nearly two decades. Yes, it’s essentially the same car as the Honda Civic Si with 200 hp. Except, with more luxury injected, instead of Sport Injected. And adaptive dampers. But, still with four doors.

So it becomes an all-around more comfortable car, with the same performance. It’s also more expensive than the Civic, starting at $31,895 or about $3,500 more than a Civic Si. That price goes up if you want the six-speed manual over the CVT. But, it may be a little easier to find one without an insane dealer markup, which may actually skew the balance in its favor.

Which is why the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, coming this summer, could very well be worth the wait. Under the camouflage, it’s basically the hardcore 2023 Honda Civic Type R — triple central exhausts and all. That means you’ll get one of the best front-wheel drive cars out there. It’ll have at least 315 hp and 310 lb-ft torque from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor, same as the Type R.

And where prices for the 2023 Honda Civic Type R start at $43,900, you’d be hard-pressed to actually drive home in one at that price. Prepare to catch your jaw before it hits the floor — the dealer markup on the Type R can go as high as $25,000! Some dealers may not have as high markups, but stick you with mandatory dealer accessory upgrades, so it amounts to nearly the same thing — a well-over $50-60,000 FWD hatchback.

So while the new Acura Integra Type S will be a little more expensive than the Civic Type R to begin with, it also might be less susceptible to unscrupulous dealers. Which means you could get all the FWD, limited-slip differential goodness of a Type R, with more luxury, at an overall lower cost. If that’s not reason enough to be excited about the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, what is?

Related: If Acura Won't Make An Integra Type R, The Internet Will

The New Acura Integra Type S Is A Grown Up Civic Type R

2024 Acura Integra Type S side profile
Acura

Compared to the FK Type R, the new FL5 Civic Type R is already a more mature-looking car. And Acura promises even more grown up styling for the upcoming Integra Type S than the new Type R. Which is a very good thing.

For a certain niche of customers, even the new Civic Type R with its massive boot spoiler, still looks a little over the top. Let’s face it, Type R models have never been for the kind of person who shies away from attention. In comparison, Acura models have always boasted of a little more of a sophisticated persona, inside and out. While the new Type S has only been previewed in its camouflage, it doesn’t leave too much to the imagination.

2024 Acura Integra Type S rear camo
Acura

Everyone already knows what the new Integra looks like. And the Type S keeps the formula intact, but adds the three central exhausts, wider fenders, and subtly different front and rear end styling. It’ll also have more luxurious interiors, and not just the red/black combination on offer with the Civic Type R.

The new Integra Type S will also run wider performance-biased rubber compared to the standard car to take full advantage of the handling and chassis upgrades the Type R underpinnings bring to the table. Standard Integras have slimmer tires, and are only offered with all-season tires. What’s being seen a miss, however, is the lack of all-wheel drive. Now that could’ve really differentiated the Integra Type S.

Related: 2023 Honda Civic Type R: Costs, Facts, And Figures

The New Type S Could Become A New Performance Icon

Honda-Integra_Type_R
source:Honda

What’s worth remembering is that Integras, whether badged as Hondas internationally, or Acuras stateside, have always been known for their handling prowess. The first-gen Integra borrowed bits from the hot-hatch Honda CRX Si, and the second-gen Integra GS-R with 160 hp brought VTEC to the masses. The third-gen Integra DC2/4 became the first Type R for the United States, with 195 hp of high-ceiling rev limit goodness.

The new Type S will once again bring high performance back to the Integra line. Coupled with the upscale reputation Acura enjoys, it should be one for the ages.

Related: This Is The History Of The Acura Integra

A 2024 Integra Type S Could Be A Bargain… Relatively

Acura Integra Type S
Acura

Expected pricing for the 2024 Acura Integra Type S sits just shy of the 50K mark at about $47,000, or just a little more than the Civic Type R. Competition comes in the form of everything from the Volkswagen Golf R to the Mercedes-AMG CLA35 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe. But the Acura Integra Type S should offer more space than the others.

Most importantly, Acura dealer markups are expected to be relatively kept in-check compared to the markup on the Civic Type R. This will pretty much determine the success of the Integra Type S. If it can be had for less money than the hottest Civic, it’s almost a no-brainer.