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| The previous two Cars of the Week were worthy of the name, without a doubt. However, I argue that they earned their Blue Peter badges in their time, when they were relevant revelations. Now, they are no less worthy but are remembered fondly and driven with care (in most cases). This can not be said of this week's star - the Honda Integra Type R. Luckily, I have not yet come face-to-face with a Type R on any of my favourite driving roads in the UK, as I am sure that it would be a scary ohmygodhessidewaysandhesgoingtohitme moment, until the driver used the kart-like adjustability of the car to put it all back in shape before he blasted off towards the next corner, leaving we quaking in fear before realising what didn't hit me. | |
Photographs provided by Newspress
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This is the sort of car the Integra Type R is. It will turn the most sober driver into a complete hooligan after only a few twists in the road. I mean, look at it - it just cries "DRIVE ME, DRIVE ME HARD". That is just how it should be done in my opinion - the only downfall is perhaps that by the time the prices have dropped to a more affordable level it will have been thrashed to within an inch of its life. Except for the VTEC engine - I bet you didn't know that they don't break down. Ever. Yes, really.
The 16 valve VTEC beast lurking under the bonnet has the highest specific power output of any mass production (non-turbo) engine at the moment with 190bhp from its 1.8 litres. It may soon be pipped though, but Honda are not worried as it will be by its own S2000! |
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I could wax lyrical about this car all day. Unfortunately, you probably have better things to do. Like, for instance looking inside the next Type R Integra you see. A warm greeting is given by bright red body-hugging Recaro front seats. Once seated snugly, grasp the tactile leather of the Momo steering wheel and touch the cold titanium gear lever. Now tell me that Honda don't make sports cars. This is almost a track racer. Emphasising this is the rev counter. Did you know that peak power comes at 8700rpm? That is not a typo... |
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On your way to that magnificent 8700rpm the clever VTEC stuff cuts in almost like a turbo, the engine note changing from urgent to outright screaming banshee. You better be holding tight when this happens as the next corner never seems far away! Not that there will be a problem when you arrive there. If you decide to take the cowardly (i.e. normal high speed) route, the anti-lock equipped disc brakes will certainly stop you in time to trundle around. However, if you are brave/stupid/Mika Hakkinen you will only use the brakes to set the car up for the corner, as you might on a race track. This is the most rewarding way to drive such a car and it responds instantly. Flick it into the bend and the variable-assistance power steering weights up instilling confidence. The low, stiff suspension keeps it all pointing in the direction you want to travel in. This all happens at very high speeds, and is fully adjustable on the limit. |
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| The Type R's suspension is based closely on a race setup, with double wishbones all round (as with a lot of Honda cars). More interesting is the fitting of solid ball-joints in place of conventional rubber bushings. This may indicate a harsher ride, but brings the driver even closer to the road for seat-of-the-pants feel. The dampers at the front are clever progressive rate items and it is all held rigid with four large braces - two of them across the top of the struts. | |
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Now, all this trickery is very well and good; VTEC engine, racing suspension, stripped out interior, light weight. But, could you live with one? WHO CARES? Some people may not like the styling. I do - from the menacing low front end, containing four circular headlights to the rear spoiler (not subtle!). Another problem was the availability of the car only in white, with white wheels. Normally this is associated with dodgy Proton limited editions. It works here though - probably due to the fact that this is Honda's racing colour. Fear not though, the car is now available in Britain in red or black with grey wheels - that's if they are not already sold out. I am waiting however to buy a Civic Type R... More details at a later date!
S.O' - (Email) |
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