Honda Japan discountinued the Integra Type R two months ago. There will be no replacement of a new model. Integra owners you better keep the car well as it is going to become collector items.

 

well my R has been collector's car since 2001

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itr1244 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well my R has been collector's car since 2001 </TD></TR></TABLE>

1997 *cough *cough...

Is it a collector if its 16 different shades of CW?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rspeed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Honda Japan discountinued the Integra Type R two months ago. There will be no replacement of a new model. Integra owners you better keep the car well as it is going to become collector items. </TD></TR></TABLE>

They are continuing the Civic Type-R and the NSX-R correct?

 

Honda products may continue to get more powerful, but I doubt they'll ever be as lightweight again, which is a shame. Who knows if they'll even go back to double wishbones at the front, something which isn't necessarily.. necessary (heh), but something we were bashed over the head with for years and years as F1-derived technology, and something that we found to work so well.

The chance of a 2600lb, 4 wheel double wishbone chassis that seats four, with the singlemindedness of the Type R.. hell, even the Type R seems to be getting heavy - that Euro hatch isn't light, and is it going to have a freaking beam axle? *shakes head*

Our cars are not only a dying breed among themselves, but also effectively the end of an era for Honda, IMO. I look at the 3rd gen Integra chassis, which was based on the 5th gen Civic chassis, as the zenith of years of Honda improving their compacts, going back to the intro of the EF Civic. I saw a definite change the day Honda decided to put the 7th gen Civic and 4th gen Integra on a minivan-based chassis (1st gen Honda Stream). Shame..

 

No idea. I try to get more information but that's all I can get at the moment, maybe you have more sources. Please update me.

 

Try to get more information on this discontinuing Integra type R but to no avail. Maybe you can give more information, since you know so much about this Integra.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rspeed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Try to get more information on this discontinuing Integra type R but to no avail. Maybe you can give more information, since you know so much about this Integra. </TD></TR></TABLE>

All I know is what's been said here, and Temple of VTEC. The Integra is dead. Tastes have changed in Japan, hatchbacks or at least fastbacks are out of favor. It's all about the more social cars (think Vitz, Fit, bB, Stream, Cube, etc).. cars that allow passengers with less fuss. There isn't even a Civic hatch available in Japan; who ever thought that day would come. I hear they may not even get a CTR in hatch form, but sedan instead.

As for Acura, I'm sure we've all heard that they're trying to shift their image a little more upscale, so the RSX needed to go. The days of Integra being the volume car for Acura are long gone; now it's TL and MDX. Rumors are out there that a TSX-related coupe may be on the way, and may have the RDX engine (K23 Turbo) and possibly SH-AWD. You know how rumors go, though.

While that would be cool, it wouldn't be an Integra. Maybe they'll call it RSX again, who knows. It really sucks that the Integra couldn't fit in Honda/Acura's plans. Maybe someday it will return as a Honda, but with CR-X and Prelude loved by many as well, there's already plenty Honda can do to satisfy the enthusiasts.

 

personally i think there was "magic" lost on subsequent models following the dc2 and ek type-Rs. the formula of performance, appeal, quality of craftmanship, exclusivity, practicality and VALUE all rolled into one succesful package that set the leading standards for imports was and still is hard to beat.

 

long live dc2's, who all thinks the dc5 is just a bubbly chick car?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by aziantegger10 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">long live dc2's, who all thinks the dc5 is just a bubbly chick car?</TD></TR></TABLE>

raises BOTH hands.

I'm probably going to offend the entire DC5 community and come off as THE stereotypical elitist TYTE-R owner, but I see the DC5 as not much more than a parts car even with us "elitists" who elect to pull their powertrains to replace the legendary B18C VTEC platform.

Of course the same can be said for all the blatant and unfortunate theft of our beloved ITRs, but at least we can say it has pedigree and racing heritage, something the DC5 seems to struggle to match - and so the proverbial torch has not been passed on.... it's been dropped and dragging on the floor and thankfully, the DC5 platform will finally cease to exist [/elitist mode off]

^^ The above is purely MY OPINION

 

Awww, no more Type-Rs at all in any model.

 

Change your screen name.

 

I've always hated the DC5.

In fact, I joined H-T just after my first test-drive of an RSX-S for the sole purpose of discussing what a piece of **** it was. Honda made a lot of bad decisions with that car, the worst being the strut suspension, but let's not forget the cable shifter, raised cowl, higher CG and bloated curb weight.

What I lament most is the loss of the lightweight, ultra-low cowl philosophy behind previous Hondas. These cars feel like machines, albeit very refined and precise ones. The new Hondas don't feel that way at all to me. They're more like slicker Toyotas. Frankly, I don't care much about all the power the new engines are making, as it's far easier to get an old engine to make more power than it is to make a heavy chassis with crappy suspension drive well.

However, I must say I am a little saddened that the overall concept of the Integra (a compact hatchback combining sporty driving characteristics with economy, practicality and reliability) is no longer considered viable by Honda or any other manufacturer.

The timing seems a bit off, too. I'd suspect that with climbing oil prices a car like the Integra would be a good thing to have in one's lineup in the immediate future. I find it difficult to believe that Acura would be unable to sell Integras or RSXs were they to design a fifth-generation of the concept. Then again, this is what happens when a company focuses too much on its corporate image and not enough on simply producing a good product that consumers actually want to buy.

And that is a large part of why I think the RSX went wrong, sales wise. The third-generation Integra was a huge sales success. Then they designed the RSX, and instead of making what Integra buyers wanted in a car, Acura tried to tell them what they should want in a car. And all in the name of corporate vanity.

I feel like a grumpy old man, but there really isn't a new car on the market today I actually want. Nothing. Lexus turned its IS into an overweight, PRNDL'd monstrosity, the Accord is now the size of a Buick, the Civic is almost as boring as a Corolla but much uglier, and the Integra doesn't exist. Even the new Miata, mechanically improved though it may be, looks so much like a cheap piece of crap I don't think I could bring myself to own one. Oh, and the new XK looks like a Taurus.

In short, the entire automotive world is going to hell.

[/rant]

 

Preach it, mister Ultra. I agree with all of that, but this paragraph especially:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MK Ultra &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I feel like a grumpy old man, but there really isn't a new car on the market today I actually want. Nothing. Lexus turned its IS into an overweight, PRNDL'd monstrosity, the Accord is now the size of a Buick, the Civic is almost as boring as a Corolla but much uglier, and the Integra doesn't exist. Even the new Miata, mechanically improved though it may be, looks so much like a cheap piece of crap I don't think I could bring myself to own one. Oh, and the new XK looks like a Taurus.

In short, the entire automotive world is going to hell.

[/rant]</TD></TR></TABLE>

PRNDL'd monstrosity, lol. Soo true too about the Jag XK. I couldn't believe what I was seeing grafted onto the front of that car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RagingAngel &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

raises BOTH hands.

I'm probably going to offend the entire DC5 community and come off as THE stereotypical elitist TYTE-R owner, but I see the DC5 as not much more than a parts car even with us "elitists" who elect to pull their powertrains to replace the legendary B18C VTEC platform.

Of course the same can be said for all the blatant and unfortunate theft of our beloved ITRs, but at least we can say it has pedigree and racing heritage, something the DC5 seems to struggle to match - and so the proverbial torch has not been passed on.... it's been dropped and dragging on the floor and thankfully, the DC5 platform will finally cease to exist [/elitist mode off]

^^ The above is purely MY OPINION </TD></TR></TABLE> Very maturely put & well said. I think the RSX is really cool especially w/ the factory body kit. But, I just can't see it wearing an Integra badge. Also, just my 2 cents.

 

I agree that the ITR was probably the last of the true Honda performance car. The fact is that when Honda was king of the sport compact world there wasn't anything really to compete with. Now every company has their own performance sport compact. Of course the RSX isn't going to do very well. People have more choices now. We may not think they are good choices but I think more people do. Cars like the ITR have always had a cult following. Unfortunately we are not the majority.

I think it started in 01. That's the year the ITR ended and the WRX began. Since then everything has changed.

 

I know Honda butters their bread with things like the Accord and Odyssey. However, I think its really strange that Honda has cut out both "higher performance" hatch backs, the ep3 and dc5 (whether or not it compares to the R) when hatches are seeming to thrive again. Look at how successful Ford has been with the Focus, the Mazda 3, fastback Mustangs, Scions, 350 Z, G35. All of these and more are hatches or lift backs.

I know some would argue look at the Fit, but that is a very utilitarian car. Unless you Mugen it to death there is nothing sporty about a Fit.

Maybe Honda just does things like this to create cult heroes out of their older cars. Look at the eg, ek and itr. Now that they dont make ep3's they are even gaining in popularity.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mires &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I agree that the ITR was probably the last of the true Honda performance car. The fact is that when Honda was king of the sport compact world there wasn't anything really to compete with. Now every company has their own performance sport compact. Of course the RSX isn't going to do very well. People have more choices now. We may not think they are good choices but I think more people do. Cars like the ITR have always had a cult following. Unfortunately we are not the majority.

I think it started in 01. That's the year the ITR ended and the WRX began. Since then everything has changed.

</TD></TR></TABLE>U made me think back as far as the late 80's when I first started getting into imports. My 1st Honda was an 82 Accord H/B. God I loved that car! It was alot more refined than the 4 banger domestic junk of the day. I said in 1989 that I really believed the day was coming when the import compact market was going to be the tough competitors on the street. Boy did I get flamed by all the V8 heads for making that statement! I still see those guys from time to time & they hate for me to bring that subject up. lol
It may not be exactally what I like or want but I'm really glad to see all the choices we have in this day & time. It's a great thing to see!!!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Haleiwa-Brando &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They are continuing the Civic Type-R and the NSX-R correct?</TD></TR></TABLE>

civic yes, nsx is not in production currently


Modified by justinsouza at 11:25 PM 7/3/2006

 

I agree with many of the things said in this thread (330R and MK Ultra). I really dislike the Honda of today, and unfortunately, I'm sure they don't give a damn. Safety and image appeals more to the masses than a car like the ITR. There are no more Hondas that have the same performance potential of the Integra, Civic, S2000 and NSX of the past.

Honda is getting raped in every aspect of the performance car market by every other manufacturer. Even a wackass SRT-4 with a boost controller will destroy anything Honda has to offer in a straight line Well if a Honda is not going to be fast in a straight line, it better handle awesome right? The suspension design sacrifices made show they clearly don't care about that either. Unless Honda steps up there game a few notches, I'm sure I will never buy a current model one for any purpose other than possibly a daily driver to rack up miles on. As for my next car bye-bye Honda, Hello Turbo-AWD

 

Lots of good points here, and I'd like to elaborate on some of them, in no particular order other than what pops into my head first.

The WRX: Many say this car is hugely responsible for the diminishing popularity of Honda's products in the compact range. I won't dispute this basic premise, as clearly the WRX has been a smashing success since its introduction. Ah, but you know there's a but coming, right? BUT, the WRX is a vastly different car in character from an Integra or EG/EK Civic. Forget the comparisons of dimensions, displacement, price and point of origin. These are all valid comparisons in their own right, but put them aside for now. The WRX is a sedan. It's slightly larger than a 4-door Civic, and considerably heavier. Now I won't deny that the average young buyer looking for a performance-oriented import would find the WRX attractive. What I will deny is that someone who really wants something like an Integra will find it to be an equivalent vehicle. It is less fuel-efficient, and it trades the Integra's impressive capacity for cargo for better rear-seat passenger accomodations. The driving characters of the respective cars are worlds apart as well. The WRX is certainly competent, on the street, track or road course. But it feels different. The driving position is higher and more upright, and one is unable to forget about the extra mass the car carries despite its generally good manners. Is it a good option for those seeking a competent performer? Certainly. Is it a suitable replacement for a lightweight, fuel-efficient, guitar-amp-swallowing hatchback? Certainly not. As an Integra enthusiast, I wouldn't replace my car with a WRX. Not because it isn't a good car, but because it isn't what I want in a car. And with the fairly recent demise of the Celica and the DC5, today's market simply doesn't offer such a suitable replacement.

Performance: Y'know, it never was about absolute performance for me. It was about balance. Oh, balance as it refers to handling is an overused, yet useful, term, but that's not what I'm talking about either. I'm talking about the balance of things you want your car to do. I want my car to be an utterly practical daily driver. That means it must get decent gas mileage, it must be dependable, it must be pleasant to drive on terrible city streets and it must be able to carry bulky items when I need it to. In addition, it must have a reasonable helping of driving fun thrown in, and the ideal way to do that is with a communicative chassis and a willing engine. And no other car balances all those things, IMO, as well as a third-generation Integra. Of any type, really. A third-generation Integra with a manual transmission is possesses all of these qualities in spades, with the bonus of being damn near bulletproof and easy to work on. The DC2R is not the kind of car I'd expect any major manufacturer to produce. I consider it the monumental cherry on a particularly good sundae. I'd be plenty happy if Honda would introduce something like a third-generation GS-R today. The DC2R is almost too good to be true, really.

The Mustang: Actually, it's a fastback coupe. It doesn't have the large, practical hatch of an Integra -- or even a Fox-body. And if gas didn't cost $3 a gallon, it would be a tempting car, despite its crude strut/live axle suspension. OK, so I'm a sucker for V-8s. But my analytical side would never let me buy one. It's bigger and heavier than an Accord (which, with the V-6 6MT is almost as quick to 60 mph, amazingly enough), yet it gets worse fuel economy and has about the same interior space as an Integra. I'm not one for needlessly wasting expensive natural resources, and as such, I've never seen myself owning a car that is too heavy or too inefficient. And that rules out the Mustang for me.

The import scene: I got into the import scene around 1990. But it's not the scene you're thinking of. Before I bought a Honda, I was into air-cooled VWs. These were truly the originators of the sport-compact scene. People have been modifying Beetles since the early '60s, and the air-cooled scene is where I developed my appreciation for the "giant killer" philosophy. And unlike the Japanese imports, the VWs got respect from the domestic V-8 crowd. A 13-second Beetle could lift the front tires off the ground going into second gear, which is rather impressive to see. Often in those days, the VW and V-8 guys were the same crowd. This was probably due to the fact that far fewer people in those days modified their cars for performance reasons. If you modded your car and took it to the strip, you were in one crowd, regardless of what you drove. It seemed the most popular cars were Beetles, RX-7s and, of course, Fox-body Mustangs. Also, back then, having a modified car meant you most likely did the work yourself, and knew what you were doing. I think a lot of the ill-feelings that arose between the domestic and Japanese-import crowds that surfaced in the mid-'90s was a result of people not knowing what they were doing, not the origin of the vehicles. When modifying Hondas became popular, it was more of a cultural trend than an automotive one. Kids drove clapped-out Civics with fart-cans and bad body kits because they thought it was the cool thing to do, not because they were into, or knew a goddamn thing about, cars. In the early '90s, those people would've bought big stereos instead of big mufflers.

The last true performance car by Honda: Personally, I'd say it's the S2000. It's not perfect, by any means, but it is a performance car and it does still feel like a Honda. Of course, the ITR was a different breed. I'm not sure I'd call it a true performance car. I'd be more tempted to call it the world's only perfect econobox. The S2000 may be a true performance car, but the ITR is far more practical. And that's why I admire the S2000, but I don't own one.

The Jaguar XK: I can't help it. I am completely enchanted with '60s-era sports cars. And of those, the Jaguar E-type is the most perfect example, IMO, again because of the balance of its qualities. It was introduced with four-wheel, double-wishbone suspension in an era when Ferraris still used live axles. It had disc brakes on all four corners when Porsches still had drums in the front. It came with a DOHC inline-six, a design more than a decade old that was still years ahead of the competition at the time. It was the first mass-produced sports car with a hybrid monocoque/space frame chassis, which was inspired by LeMans race cars and provided low weight as well as excellent rigidity. It accelerated well, handled beautifully, rode more comfortably than anything that could touch it, had an impressive top speed, and could effortlessly carry two people and their luggage off to a weekend getaway. And it was wrapped in bodywork so gorgeous it is still considered by many to be the most aesthetically perfect car ever designed (it was the first car ever to be exhibited in a museum of art). All for just a little more than the going price of a Corvette. It was the perfect embodiment of Jaguar's motto of "Grace, Pace and Space." It made Big Healeys look obsolete, Ferraris look overpriced and Porsches look both underpowered and unrefined. Is it any wonder that Jaguar is my favorite classic marque? I still have a soft spot for Jaguar. Despite the fact that they haven't offered a manual transmission in years, let alone a classic inline-six. But the new XK is a freakin' Ford. A very nice Ford, but a Ford nonetheless. The ungainly front end is largely due to European pedestrian-impact standards, which will probably make all European cars look awkward from now on (I wonder how Ferrari and Lamborghini will get around this). Even so, unrelated design elements, like the trailing edge of the headlamp assemblies and grille shape, scream Taurus. And the aluminum-adorned front-fender gills look like something Rover would do (in other words, they exemplify English bad taste about as well as English wallpaper does). OK, so I applaud the fact that it's lighter, more powerful and more efficient than its predessor. But I still expect Jaguars to be beautiful, and this one ain't.

If you actually read all of my disjointed ramblings, you deserve a prize. I could keep going. I do love to talk about cars ... .

 

one of the most important things to a car company as we all know is the racing world. we see this by car companies making production model cars just so they can race their engine in a certain class.

Now what is honda going to do without DC5s to race anymore in the coming years?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nataku &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Now what is honda going to do without DC5s to race anymore in the coming years?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Where have you been? For racing, TSX &gt; RSX.

 

A lot of good points here. Unfortunately for Acura, the RSX was just a plain miss. I think it lacks the soul of the DC2. I could never really bring myself to like one. The interior is far too prissy, the car doesn't have much soul, almost like a Lexus. It also doesn't help that I don't like it's styling, but I did like the '05 makeover it received.

Right now, Honda is following the trends of the car world and unfortunatly the Type R isn't a part of this trend. It's also unfortunate that weight can't be saved with an increase in safety, but that would raise production costs too high.

Long live the DC2 .