Honda shakes up the US sport compact scene with the Acura Integra Type R

The first Type R model that Honda officially sold in the US was the Integra Type R under the Acura brand name.

Integra Type R models sold from 1997 to 1998 were all painted Championship White, while cars available between 2000 and 2001 were black or yellow.

The Integra Type R was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine making 195 horsepower.

The only transmission available in the Integra Type R was a five-speed manual gearbox.

Compared to GS-R models, the Type R had 25 more horsepower from its hand-assembled 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for a total of 195.

A higher compression ratio, low-friction pistons, high-performance cams, larger throttle body, hand-polished intake and exhaust ports and a freer flowing exhaust system all contributed to the power gain.

A total of 3,823 ITRs made it to the US during that period, with 320 coming in 1997, 1,000 in 1998, 1,350 in 2000 and 1,158 in 2001.

Other Type R changes include suspension upgrades, special wheels and performance tires and exclusive exterior touches like a large rear wing.

Red badges are another Type R trait.

Type R engines are instantly identifiable by their red valve covers.

2000 Acura Integra Type R.

2000 Acura Integra Type R.

1998 Acura Integra Type R ext.

1998 Acura Integra Type R engine.

2001 Acura Integra Type R interior.