Honda Integra DC5

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Honda Integra
2002-2004 Satin Silver Metallic RSX
Manufacturer Honda
Also called Honda Integra
Production 2002–2006
Assembly Suzuka, Mie, Japan
Predecessor Acura Integra
Successor 6th generation Honda Civic Si
Class Compact Luxury Car
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 02-06 Base
2.0L 160 hp (119 kW) I4

K20A3

02-04 Type-S
2.0L 200 hp (150 kW) I4
K20A2

05-06 Type-S
2.0L 210 hp (160 kW) I4

K20Z1
Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic

5-speed manual

6-speed manual
Wheelbase 101.2 in (2570 mm)
Length 172.2 in (4374 mm)
Width 67.9 in (1725 mm)
Height 2005-06: 54.9 in (1394 mm)
2002-04: 55.1 in (1400 mm)
Curb weight 2,790 pounds (1,266 kg)
Fuel capacity 13.2 US gal (50 L; 11 imp gal)
Related Acura EL
Acura CSX
Honda Civic
Honda CR-V
Honda Element

The Honda Integra DC5 (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ DC5) is a Japanese vehicle, which was also known as the Acura RSX in North America. It is available in base and "Type-S" trim levels in North America, and a "Integra iS / Integra Type S" and "Type R" version sold in Japan and Oceania. However, the "Type R" sold in Oceania is very similar to the "Type-S" sold in North America, and the Integra line naming in Oceania has recently been realigned to be similar with North American conventions.

Canada had three models: Base (cloth interior, no sunroof, steel wheels with wheel covers), Premium (leather interior, sunroof, alloy wheels) and Type S. In other places, (eg. Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia) only the base version is available.

Contents

[edit] Engineering and design

When designing the Integra, Honda chose to base it on an entirely new platform, rather than incrementally re-engineering the previous Integra/Civic platform. This new chassis would also be shared with the 2001 Civic. This was a significant change from the previous 1998 revision of the Integra, which had only been a minor refresh. In addition, this platform was the first entirely new entry-level chassis Honda had debuted since 1994. Owing to its more capable and luxurious nature, the Acura division chose to market the vehicle as the Integra's replacement, and badged it as the RSX. Touting the vehicle's more upscale feature-set and more luxurious amenities, Acura hoped to use the RSX to help garner more brand recognition and respect from older, wealthier buyers who tended to see the company's offerings, especially the Integra, as sporty and reliable, but not as mature or luxurious. Outside of North America, where the Acura division did not exist at the time, Honda chose to continue selling the model as the Integra, and continued to aim the car at younger men who wanted something more upscale than a Civic Si without having to spend considerably more money.

The Integra suspension employs MacPherson struts in the front and double-wishbone suspension in the rear. This engineering decision disappointed some Honda enthusiasts who had come to appreciate Honda's philosophy of employing double-wishbones for both front and rear suspensions. However, the K-series engine proved to have significant potential for tuning, a trait shared with the B-series engines previously employed in Integra and certain performance-oriented Civic models. The K-series engine features intelligent VTEC or (i-VTEC), which electronically adjusts valve lift, valve duration and valve timing, giving the 2.0 L engine a flatter torque curve relative to previous VTEC implementations which only adjusted valve lift and valve duration.

The base RSX has the K20A3 motor with an output of 160 hp (119 kW) and is offered with either an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission; the Type-S has a 200 hp (2002-2004) K20A2 or 210 hp (157 kW) in 2005 K20Z1 motor and a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. For the 2006 model year vehicles Honda switched to the Rev 8/04 SAE standards for measuring hp. The base RSX for 2006 was rated at 155 hp (116 kW) and the Type-S was rated at 201 hp (150 kW). In 2005 the RSX Type-S received camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, 4.7 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese model Honda Integra Type-R. Another major change made to the inline VTEC-i engine was the use of a timing chain rather than a timing belt, which reduced maintenance needs.

The Honda Integra Type-R, sold in Japan has reduced weight, a 220 PS / 164 kW / 217 hp (162 kW) K20A I4 engine (Japan-only; Oceania models have an engine similar to the Acura RSX-S), as well as a limited slip differential (LSD) and stiffer springs and shocks, 4 piston Brembo brakes, 17" wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro suede seats, body trim, and more.

[edit] Specifications

[edit] Engine

2006 Type-S

  • No. of cylinders: 4
  • Bore & stroke: 85.85 mm x 85.85 mm (3.38 in x 3.38 in)
  • Total displacement: 1998 cm³
  • Redline: 7900-8400 rpm
  • Maximum power: 201 bhp @ 7800 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 140 lbf·ft @ 7000 rpm

[edit] Performance

  • 0-60 mph: 6.2 s[1]
  • Top speed : 140 mph (230 km/h)[1]
  • Standing 1/4-mile: 14.9 sec @ 95 mph[1]
  • 60-0 braking distance : 135 ft [1]
  • 200 ft skidpad : 0.86 g [1]
  • EPA Fuel Economy: 24 mpg U.S. city/31 mpg U.S. highway[2]

[edit] Replacement

Although it had been a relatively strong seller for Honda, the RSX did not fit within the confines of Acura's re-structured market strategy, formulated after the decision to take the Acura brand worldwide (previously, the Acura nameplate has appeared only in North America, elsewhere in the world the same models are sold as Hondas). With the introduction of the similarly powerful and less expensive 2006 model-year Honda Civic Si to the marketplace, the decision was made to discontinue production of the RSX, with the final units built in summer 2006. Because of its lower pricing and longer list of available options, Honda considered the new Civic Si to be a more viable choice for performance minded young men, who were the most common buyers of RSXs. The TSX would replace the Acura RSX as Acura's entry level nameplate starting in 2007[3].

[edit] Changes from 2004 to 2005

Canadian 2004 RSX Type-S Interior
2002-2004 Satin Silver Metallic RSX
2005 Tafetta White RSX
  • Revised suspension tuning for increased handling precision and a smoother ride
  • Ride height reduced by 7 mm
  • Optimized damper and spring settings
  • Firmer stabilizer bars (front and rear for Type-S, front for RSX)
  • Bushings at suspension installation points were optimized
  • Inversely wound front coil springs
  • Refined steering system for enhanced feel and quicker response
  • Swifter steering ratio
  • Stiffer steering column
  • Pump flow increased by seven percent
  • Kickback reduction valve
  • Optimized braking system for enhanced stopping power and feel
  • Pedal stroke decreased
  • Master cylinder diameter increased
  • Brake pedal toe rigidity increased
  • Larger diameter 17-inch sport design alloy wheels and 215/45R17 all-season high-performance tires
  • Body rigidity increased 15 percent in front and 21 percent in the rear through the application of reinforcements at key areas
  • Vehicle noise and vibrations reduced
  • Engine damper added to front subframe to reduce engine rocking and vibration transmitted from the engine to the cabin
  • Insulation material added at key points on doors and roof to reduce road noise
  • Side-mirror gaps sealed and weather strip added
  • New front and rear bumper designs
  • Redesigned headlight and taillight assemblies
  • Restyled signature 5-sided Acura grille
  • Redesigned side sill garnish
  • Four new exterior colors: Magnesium Metallic, Vivid Blue Pearl, Jade Green Metallic, Blaze Orange Metallic
  • Freshened interior design
  • Deeply bolstered front seats with thicker cushions
  • New chrome and titanium-look accents
  • Meter faces changed from metallic to white

2005 & 2006 RSX Type-S Additional Enhancements:

  • The engine intake and exhaust modifications that boost the power of the Type-S models to 210 hp (157 kW) at 7800 rpm (revised to 201 hp (150 kW) in 2006), compared to 200 hp (150 kW) at 7400 rpm on the previous model.
  • Higher performance camshafts sourced from the Type-R engine
  • An enlarged throttle body sourced from the Type-R engine
  • Air intake duct enlarged for increased air flow
  • Larger diameter exhaust pipes to increase exhaust flow obtained from the Type-R model
  • Catalytic converter optimized to reduce exhaust backpressure
  • Larger diameter front strut tower bar gas
  • Bushings replaced by bearings on strut mount
  • Deck lid spoiler
  • 6-speed transmission optimized with a lower final gear ratio for quicker acceleration and carbon synchronizers replacing brass on 5th and 6th gears for a smoother shift feel

Gear Ratios for the 2005 & 2006 revision

Gear Ratios 1st Gear - 3.267 2nd Gear - 2.130 3rd Gear - 1.517 4th Gear - 1.147 5th Gear - 0.921 6th Gear - 0.738 Reverse - 3.583 Final Drive - 4.765

[edit] Awards

[edit] Racing

Acura won the Manufacturers' Championship of the Speed World Challenge Touring Car class in 2006, running both RSXs and TSXs. RSX drivers finished in 5th and 9th in the Drivers' Championship.[4] Kensai Racing is using RSXs and TSXs in the KONI Challenge Series.[5] Badged as a Honda, the DC5 won the British Touring Car Championship with Matt Neal in 2005 and 2006, for Team Dynamics (branded as Team Halfords after the title sponsor).

[edit] References

[edit] External links