Learn More About the Acura Type S Program

Acura's Type S program delivers high-performance models with enhanced performance, sharper handling, and head-turning styling. Our team at Acura of Huntington dives into the rich history, standout features, and current lineup of Type S models from Acura, Honda's luxury division since 1986.

Brief Overview of Acura's Performance Lineage

Acura started redefining luxury performance in 1986 with the Legend and Integra models. By 1987, they surpassed all European luxury brands in U.S. sales. Models such as the NSX sports car, RSX, and TL sedan cemented Acura's reputation for thrilling drives and luxurious comfort. This foundation led to the Type S program, which takes performance to new heights.

History and Legacy of the Acura Type S Program

Acura grew out of Honda's desire to provide performance-focused vehicles.

Origin and Early Models

Type S performance vehicles started in Japan with the 1997 NSX Type S. American drivers got their first taste when the 2001 Acura 3.2CL Type S hit showrooms with a 260-horsepower VTEC V-6. This marked Acura's entry into a segment dominated by European brands. The 2024 Integra Type S represents the fourth Type S variant in just 24 months, highlighting Acura's renewed focus on performance.

Honda's American R&D engineers created the Type S concept to show their commitment to U.S.-focused innovation. The lineup expanded with the 3.2TL, RSX, and TL Type S models, combining thrilling performance with Japanese reliability at better prices.

Milestones and Notable Achievements

After a hiatus, the Type S program returned in 2021 with the TLX Type S. The comeback continued with the 2022-2023 MDX Type S — Acura's first performance luxury SUV.

The 2023 Integra earned the prestigious North American Car of the Year award for its sporty design while also scoring a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This blend of performance and safety shows how modern Type S models honor tradition while advancing technology. The revival has energized Acura's image, bringing back fans and attracting drivers who'd previously overlooked the brand.

Key Features of Acura's Type S Models

Here's a look at some of the essential details of Type S models.

Design Philosophy and Aerodynamics

Acura's Type S models blend raw performance with eye-catching style. The 2024 Integra Type S is a full 2.8 inches wider than the standard model, with flared fenders and bigger wheels that improve handling.

The 2024 Type S Acura Integra sports a vented aluminum hood and a larger grille that boosts airflow by an incredible 170% compared to the standard model. Every body panel forward of the A-pillars is unique to the Type S to help manage heat from the turbocharged engine. Other Type S models use front splitters, rear diffusers, and spoilers that reduce lift and boost stability at high speeds, resulting in cars that look fast while standing still.

Performance Enhancements and Engineering Innovations

The 2024 Type S Acura Integra packs a high-revving turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 120-horsepower improvement over the standard model. Acura balances this power with a dual-axis front suspension, wider tracks, and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires for sharp handling.

Braking gets equal attention with 13.8-inch front rotors and Brembo four-piston calipers, and you'll love the feeling of the Type 6 Integra's precise six-speed manual transmission. TLX and MDX Type S models share a robust 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo V-6 engine.

Technology Integration in Type S Vehicles

The 2024 Integra Type S comes with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touch screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. A concert-quality 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D premium audio system makes your favorite playlist sound better than ever. The 2024 Integra Type S is available in seven striking colors, including the Type S-exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl.

Type S models also feature sophisticated driver-assistance systems. The 5.3-inch head-up display keeps essential information in your line of sight. Selectable drive modes and an adaptive suspension let you tweak your ride at the touch of a button.

Current Acura Type S Models

Acura's Type S lineup covers all the bases. The TLX Type S sedan pairs a powerful V-6 engine with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. This combination rivals European luxury sport sedans at a lower price point while delivering speed and luxury.

If you need more space, the MDX Type S packs that same V-6 into a three-row SUV. The 2024 Integra Type S and its turbocharged powertrain achieves 21mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The all-electric 2024 ZDX Type S SUV delivers nearly 500 horsepower and 0 to 60 mph times under 5 seconds.

Type S vs. Competitors

The Integra Type S challenges European sport compacts with its impressive 10.1 pounds per horsepower power-to-weight ratio, and the TLX Type S competes with BMW and Audi sedans at prices that leave thousands in your pocket.

In the SUV segment, the MDX Type S starts at $66,700, undercutting the Genesis GV80 ($68,000) and Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 ($71,350). Unlike these competitors, it pairs three-row practicality with upgraded performance. Acura's engineering expertise delivers European-level performance with better reliability and lower maintenance costs. If you're tired of paying premium prices for European badges, Type S models offer driving thrills without the luxury tax.

Industry Trends and Adaptations in Automotive Performance

Electric motors are replacing gas engines while self-driving tech grows more commonplace, and Acura's Type S program keeps pace with these shifts. The ZDX Type S, Acura's first all-electric performance SUV, blends cutting-edge tech with the excitement Type S fans expect.

The Integra Type S is built in Marysville, Ohio, alongside the standard Integra and TLX Type S. Its 2.0-liter engine is also made in Ohio. This domestic focus cuts shipping emissions and supports American workers.

The Impact and Legacy of Acura's Type S

Acura's Type S program embodies its philosophy of Precision Crafted Performance. More than just speed machines, these are high-performance cars for daily life. This approach has allowed Acura to challenge European makers who've long controlled the segment. The Type S badge has redefined Acura's identity and attracted enthusiasts who previously looked elsewhere.

Experience the Latest Type S Models at Acura of Huntington Today

Acura's blend of technology and performance, coupled with its rich history of innovation, positions it well in the competitive luxury market. If you're curious about the new generation of Type S Acuras, our dealership in Huntington can arrange a test-drive and answer any questions you have.

Acura Type S by mrmatt is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0