Nearly Perfect Street Car: A Glimpse into the History of the Honda Integra (Part 1)

Nearly Perfect Street Car: A Glimpse into the History of the Honda Integra (Part 1)

Original by Honda誌 | JDM Enthusiasts’ Journal | Updated Today

Introduction

We must be honest about our perception of cars as commodities. Since cars are considered consumer goods, no car can ever truly be perfect. Saying this might sound philosophical or even overly rational, but perfection in a product must come at a cost, and someone has to foot the bill. As such, the best we can do is to find a car that comes close to perfection. 💡

🛠️ Copyright Notice: Portions of the video content in this article come from the official Honda Collection Hall and other sources. The rights belong to their respective owners; we are merely the curators.

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Perfection for Everyday Streets

Many enthusiasts and influencers glorify their vision of the perfect car. 🚗✨ But many so-called perfect cars—Ferraris, Lamborghinis—aren’t suitable for everyday driving. These purpose-built performance machines often fail as daily drivers unless you’re a youthful thrill-seeker or driven by vanity.

💭 Thought to Ponder: Cars are tools first. Forget lofty notions of sentimentality if a car fails its basic purpose. A car must first be practical, reliable, and finally fun to drive. Media often emphasize driving performance, but as an owner, true appreciation comes over years of use.

A Brief History of the Honda Integra

The name "Integra" stems from the word “integrate,” meaning complete or unified. In Hong Kong, it’s affectionately known as "型格" (pronounced “Xing Ge”), a name it carried until its discontinuation in September 2006.

The DA Generation: The First Standalone Integra

The first true Integra launched in 1989. Initially available in three-door (DA5/6) and four-door (DA7/8) variants, it featured both the existing ZC engine and Honda’s all-new B16A engine:

• ZC engine (DA5/7): 120 hp @ 6,300 rpm.
• B16A engine (DA6/8): 160 hp @ 7,600 rpm (manual) or 150 hp (automatic).

💡 Specifications for the Integra XSi (DA6):

• Engine: B16A, 1.6L, DOHC VTEC.
• Power: 160 hp @ 7,600 rpm.
• Weight: 1,080 kg.
• Transmission: 5MT.

The Iconic DC2 Generation (1993-2001)

The DC2 Integra launched in 1993 and was produced for eight years—a long cycle for Honda. Its first phase featured the polarizing quad headlights, replaced in the 1995 facelift with rectangular lights for the Japanese market.

Type R: The Performance Legend

Launched in 1995, the Integra Type R (DC2-R) introduced the legendary B18C-R engine with:

• 200 hp @ 8,000 rpm
• 1,120 kg curb weight

It delivered unparalleled performance on the streets. 💥⚡

To Be Continued...

In the next installment, we’ll dive into the DC5 Integra, often considered one of the most refined Integra models. 🚗 Stay tuned!