Honda Integra DC5

The DC5 series Integra (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ DC5) is the fourth and final generation of the Honda Integra compact sports car, introduced in Japan on 13 April 2001, and produced from July 2001 to July 2006. It was introduced in North America for the 2002 model year as the Acura RSX, the name a part of Acura's naming scheme changing the names of its models from recognizable names like "Integra" or "Legend" to alphabetical designations in order for buyers to build more recognition to the marque, and not the individual cars.[2]

Honda Integra (DC5)
2002 Honda Integra DC5 (Australia)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	Acura RSX (North America)
Production	2001–2006
Model years	2002–2006
Assembly	Suzuka, Mie, Japan
Designer	Hideaki Uchino, Masashi Shimada (1998)[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	FF layout
Chassis	DC5
Powertrain
Engine	02-06 Base: 2.0L K20A3 160 hp (119 kW) I4 02-04 Type-S: 2.0L K20A2 200 hp (149 kW) I4 05-06 Type-S: 2.0L K20Z1 210 hp (157 kW) I4 02-06 Type-R: 2.0L K20A 220 hp (164 kW) I4
Transmission	5-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	101.2 in (2,570 mm)
Length	172.2 in (4,374 mm)
Width	67.9 in (1,725 mm)
Height	2005-06: 54.9 in (1,394 mm) 2002-04: 55.1 in (1,400 mm)
Curb weight	2,601 lb (1,180 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Honda Integra DB6-DB9, DC1-DC2, DC4
Successor	Acura CSX (Canada)

Chassis and Drivetrain

In concordance with the introduction of the Integra's platform mate, the seventh-generation Civic being introduced in 2000, the Integra joined the Civic in abandoning Honda's traditional double wishbone suspension at both ends and adopted MacPherson struts in the front and trailing arm type suspension in the rear along with the new K-series engine supplanting the B-series.

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.[3]

Facelift

The DC5 received a facelift in 2004 (MY2005). The headlight and taillight assemblies lost the so-called 'teardrop' shape. This made the assemblies flush with the bumpers. Aside from the facelift, this year also saw other changes. The interior received new trim and gauge clusters, an immobilizer and alarm became standard, the body became stiffer, the suspension springs were redesigned, and the car's tendency to bump steer was reduced.[4]

Market

Japan

In Japan, the Integra was introduced in two versions, the iS (later renamed Type S in the 2004 refresh) and the Type R.

The iS/Type S (not to be confused with the RSX Type-S), which was essentially the same as the base Acura RSX, featured the K20A3 engine with an output of 160 hp (120 kW) and mated to either a 5-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2001-2003 iS was available with 15-inch steel wheels with covers, or optional 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. The 2004-2006 Type S was equipped with 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels shared with the RSX Type-S. The JDM Type R had reduced weight, a 217 hp (164 kw)  K20A engine (Japan-only; Oceania models use an engine similar to the RSX Type-S), 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, as well as a helical limited slip differential (LSD), stiffer springs and shocks, high intensity discharge (HID) projector headlights, aluminum pedal set, 4-piston front Brembo brake calipers, 17-inch 5 double-spoke wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro suede seats/matching interior, leather wrapped MOMO steering wheel, body trim, front strut bar, and more. The Type R lacked many of the luxury features (like vanity mirrors or side airbags) found in the Type S, true to its racing heritage. The C package on the Type R added various accessories, such as a rear window wiper, remote control, and folding mirrors.[5] Interior-wise, the JDM iS had one interior colour, Ebony, in its first year. After 2002, Titanium interiors became available for all exterior colours. The Type S had redesigned cloth and leather seats. The Type R had choices of black/blue/red interiors (including colour matching Recaro seats), depending on exterior colours. The refreshed Type R had the option of either the high wing, or the trunk lip spoiler. Both the iS and Type S were available with sunroof, and navigation systems.[6] Additional interior and exterior accessories were available from Honda's Modulo line. Modulo accessories offered include interior trim (shift knobs, decals, etc.), foglights, aero kits (front/side/rear bumper enhancements), wing spoilers, alloy wheels, push button start, upgraded speakers, and navigation.

Interestingly, Japan's vehicle parts road compliance regulations means many tuning parts for the DC5 can be purchased from Honda dealerships. For example, M&M Honda, a Honda dealer, manages their own brand of parts.[7] Honda tuner Mugen sells their performance parts via Honda dealers as accessories.[8][9]

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Front side

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Rear

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Interior

Exterior Color	Interior Color	iS	Type S
Taffetta White	Ebony/Titanium	X
Premium White Pearl	Ebony/Titanium		X
Alabaster Silver Metallic	Ebony/Titanium		X
Satin Silver Metallic	Ebony/Titanium	X
Magnesium Metallic	Ebony/Titanium		X
Desert Silver Metallic	Ebony/Titanium	X
Jade Green Metallic	Ebony/Titanium		X
Eternal Blue Pearl	Ebony/Titanium	X
Vivid Blue Pearl	Ebony/Titanium		X
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Ebony/Titanium	X	X
Milano Red	Ebony/Titanium	X	X
Blaze Orange Metallic	Ebony/Titanium		X

Exterior Color	Interior Color	Type R
Championship White	Black	Red
Milano Red	Black	Red
Satin Silver Metallic (02-04)	Black	Red
Alabaster Silver Metallic (05-06)	Black	Red
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Black	Red
Eternal Blue Pearl (02-04)	Black	Blue
Vivid Blue Pearl (05-06)	Black	Blue

• 
  HID head lights/Modulo front kit
• 
  Modulo side skirt
• 
  With Modulo rear kit
• 
  Brembo quad piston calipers, 17x7 5 dual spoke wheels
• 
  Main engine compartment. K20A engine
• 
  Red Recaro seats

Oceania

In Australia, the Integra was available in four models: the base model, simply named Integra, Luxury, Type R and Type S. The base Integra was simply the Japanese-market iS, while the Luxury added accessories like leather seats and a sunroof. Australian Type Rs were different from the JDM models, as they were not equipped with all of the features of the latter. They lacked the Brembo braking system, used the 200hp K20A2 in place of the slightly more powerful K20A, and regular 16-inch 5-spoke wheels, painted in gun metal or white, were used instead of the 17-inch, 5 dual-spokes. However, the Australian Type R does retain the JDM model's helical limited slip differential, and full Type R interior (MOMO steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, Recaro seats and colour matched carpets) and aero (wing and front/rear bumper lips). The Type R was dropped in 2004, and replaced by the Type S, which was mechanically identical to the USDM RSX Type-S (though it did lack cruise control), but badged like the JDM Type S. With the Integra's refresh in 2004, the base model was dropped. The only trims available in 2006 was the Luxury and Type S.[10] Black was the only interior colour available for the redesign. For facelifted Oceanic models, extra strengthening was given to fit higher safety regulations.

Exterior Color	Integra	Integra Luxury	Type R (02-04)	Type S (05-06)
Championship White	N/A	N/A	Black/Red	N/A
Premium White Pearl	Black	Black	N/A	Black
Milano Red	Black	Black	Black	Black
Satin Silver Metallic	Black	Black	Black	N/A
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Black	Black	Black/Red	Black
Arctic Blue Pearl	N/A	N/A	Black/Blue	N/A
Eternal Blue Pearl	Black	Black	N/A	N/A
Vivid Blue Pearl (05-06)	N/A	Black	N/A	Black
Magnesium Metallic (05-06)	N/A	Black	N/A	Black
Blaze Orange Metallic (05-06)	N/A	Black	N/A	Black

New Zealand only had two models, the VTi and Type R. The VTi came standard with alloy wheels, but was otherwise the same as the JDM iS. The Type R was also replaced by the Type-S like Australia in 2004. NZDM Type R models are the same as AUDM ones, but did not have ABS.

Exterior Color	Integra VTi	Type R (02-04)	Type S (05-06)
Championship White	N/A	Black/Red	Black
Premium White Pearl	Black	N/A	N/A
Milano Red	Black	Black	Black
Satin Silver Metallic	Black	Black	N/A
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Black	Black/Red	Black
Arctic Blue Pearl	N/A	Black/Blue	N/A
Eternal Blue Pearl	Black	N/A	N/A
Vivid Blue (05-06)	N/A	N/A	Black
Magnesium (05-06)	N/A	N/A	Black
Blaze Orange (05-06)	Black	N/A	Black
Blade Green (05-06)	Black	N/A	Black

• 
  2001-2004 Honda Integra DC5 Type R front
• 
  2001-2004 Honda Integra DC5 Type R rear
• 
  2005-2006 Honda Integra DC5 Type R front
• 
  2005-2006 Honda Integra DC5 Type R rear

Acura RSX

US

2005-06 Acura RSX Type-S, with A-Spec small trunk lip spoiler and A-Spec/Type R wing.

Two models were available in the US: RSX and RSX Type-S. The RSX had numerous standard features such as cruise control, 4-wheel ABS, power windows and a power moonroof. The RSX used the 160 hp (120 kW) K20A3 engine throughout the entire production run. (Engine was rated 155 hp (116 kW) after SAE net revision)[11] Sport cloth seats were standard with optional perforated leather interior. An optional 16-inch 7-spoke alloy wheel was available that is very similar to the USDM 15-inch DC2 Integra Type R alloy wheels. The RSX was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control.

The RSX Type-S had a 200 hp (149 kW) (2002–2004) K20A2 or 210 hp (157 kW) K20Z1[12][13] (Labeled in 2006 as 201 hp (150 kW) due to SAE hp calculation revision)[11] in 2005-2006 and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission was not offered on the Type-S. The Type-S included additional features such as sport-tuned suspension, gunmetal painted wheels, 11.8" ventilated front disc brakes, larger sway bars and a Bose 7-speaker (including a subwoofer mounted on the spare tire) audio system.[14]

One peculiar note for the initial 2002 model year were two available options. HID projector headlights from the Integra Type R was made available to the RSX for $1500.[15]

In 2005, the RSX received a refresh. On the exterior, Acura updated the headlights and taillights and the Type-S received an updated rear hatch spoiler. The base model received 12 spoke Enkei alloy wheels, while the Type-S came with 17-inch 5-spoke Enkei/Asahi wheels wrapped in Michelin HX MXM4 215/45/R17 tires.[13] 17-inch Enkei J10s alloy wheels (with Acura specific fitment and center caps) were optional. Under the hood, the RSX Type-S received the camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, 4.77 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese DC5 Type R.

The "A-Spec Performance Package" was a dealer option package. The body kit is essentially debadged JDM Honda Modulo kit, while the wing is from the Type R. The package included a sport suspension system, under-body spoiler kit, wing spoiler (came with stronger hatch shocks to hold additional weight), exterior badging and 5 dual spoke 17-inch gun metal wheels.[16][17]

The RSX had numerous exterior color options but only two interior colors: Black (Ebony) and Beige (Titanium). The exterior color choice would dictate the interior color. Some colors were available in either trim package while other colors would be available in one trim level but not the other.

In 2002, colour options were as follows:[18]

Exterior Color	Interior Color	Base	Type-S
Taffetta White	Titanium	X
Premium White Pearl	Titanium		X
Noble Green Tricoat (2002 only)	Optional	Never ordered
Satin Silver Metallic	Ebony	X	X
Desert Silver Metallic	Titanium	X	X
Jade Green Metallic	Titanium	X	X
Arctic Blue Pearl	Ebony		X
Eternal Blue Pearl	Ebony	X
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Ebony	X	X
Firepepper Red (2002 only)	Titanium	X	X
Milano Red	Titanium	X	X
Redondo Red Pearl (2003 only)	Titanium	X	X

In 2006, the available color combinations were as follows:[19]

Exterior Color	Interior Color	Base	Type-S
Taffetta White	Titanium	X
Premium White Pearl	Titanium		X
Alabaster Silver Metallic	Ebony	X	X
Magnesium Metallic	Ebony/Titanium	X	X
Jade Green Metallic	Titanium	X	X
Vivid Blue Pearl	Ebony	X	X
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Ebony	X	X
Milano Red	Titanium	X	X
Redondo Red Metallic	Titanium	X	X
Blaze Orange Metallic	Ebony		X

Canada

Three models were available in Canada: Base (cloth interior, no ABS, no moonroof, no cruise control, unpainted side skirts and front lip, 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, non heated seats, non leather wrapped steering wheel, essentially an Integra iS.), Premium (Moonroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated, leather seats) and Type-S (bigger front brake rotors than premium and base, BOSE sound system with sub, stiffer shocks, 200-210 hp, oil cooler, upper sway bar). The A-Spec package was available to the Type-S models. The Canadian RSX had a significantly larger washer sprayer bottle to deal with harsher weather. They were 4.5 litres vs. 2.5 litres for USDM cars. All Canadian cars with leather seats were heated along with side view mirrors.

The refresh in 2005 brought the same updates as USDM cars. Base model now has standard alloy wheels (16 inch, 12 spoke). Sport cloth standard in 2005, optional leather in 2005-2006.

Wheel types varied according to model year. 2002-2004 models had a 15-inch steel wheel with covers (Base), 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels in silver (Premium) or gunmetal (Type-S). 2005-2006 had 12 spoke wheels for both Base and Premium. Type-S had the 17 inch 5 spoke alloys. Acura branded Enkei J10s, 16 inch old ITR, and 17 inch 5 dual spoke A-Specs were available as accessory wheels.[20]

The CDM RSX had the same interior as the USDM RSX, however the exterior and interior colours are different. e.g. CDM Taffeta/Premium White Pearl exterior cars came with Ebony black interiors.

• 
  2005 Acura RSX Premium edition, with A-Spec bodykit and A-Spec/Type R wing spoiler.
• 
  The interior of a Canadian 2004 RSX Type-S

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined crash test ratings of the RSX.[21]

NHTSA scores

Acura RSX (2002 - 2006)
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Rollover:

Performance

• 0-60 mph: 6.3 sec (2002-04 TYPE -S)
• 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec (2005-06 TYPE -S)[22]
• Top speed : (drag limited) 145 mph (233 km/h)[22]
• Standing 1/4-mile: 15.8 sec(2002-06 BASE)
• Standing 1/4-mile: 15.1 sec(2002-04 TYPE -S)
• Standing 1/4-mile: 14.6 sec(2005-06 TYPE -S) @ 95 mph[22]
• 70 mph-0 mph braking distance : 181 ft (55 m)[22]
• 300 ft (91 m) skidpad : 0.86 g[22]
• EPA Fuel Economy: 24 mpg_‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg_‑imp) city/31 mpg_‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg_‑imp) highway[23]

Awards

The RSX was named in Car and Driver's 10 Best List in 2002 and 2003.[24][25]

Racing

Acura won the Manufacturers' Championship of the SCCA World Challenge Touring Car class in 2006, running both RSXs and TSXs. RSX drivers finished in 5th and 9th in the Drivers' Championship.[26] Kensai Racing is using RSXs and TSXs in the KONI Challenge Series.[27] 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).

Sales

Calendar year	US[28]
2001	16,401
2002	30,117
2003	24,292
2004	21,940
2005	20,809
2006	16,996

References

1. "AUTOMOBILE" (PDF).
2. Flint, Jerry. "Acura: The Honda That Didn't". Forbes. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
3. "How VTEC/I-VTEC Works". SuperStreetOnline. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
4. "JDM Honda Integra Type R DC5 Changes (Facelift Description)". www.integratyper.org. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
5. "JDM Honda Integra Type R DC5 Changes (Facelift Description)". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
6. http://www.integratyper.org/specs/images/brochures/JDM-DC5-2001.pdf
7. "ホンダ車のチューニング/M&M HONDA WEB SITE". Retrieved 3 August 2019.
8. "MUGEN Order System". online.mugen-power.com. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
9. "MUGEN Order System". online.mugen-power.com. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
10. Honda Australia Brochure
11. Jim Flammang. "2006 Acura RSX". Archived from the original on 22 July 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
12. 2005 Acura Brochure http://www.auto-brochures.com/acura.html
13. "2005 Acura RSX Type-S". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
14. "2006 Acura RSX". Archived from the original on 15 July 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
15. http://forums.clubrsx.com/showpost.php?p=36252744&postcount=6
16. "2002 Acura RSX Color Options - CarsDirect". CarsDirect. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
17. "2006 Acura RSX Color Options - CarsDirect". CarsDirect. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
18. "2002 Acura RSX". Retrieved 23 May 2016.
19. "2006 Acura RSX". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
20. Acura Canada
21. "1990-2010 Vehicle Search Results - Safercar -- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
22. "2005 Acura RSX Type-S - Specs". caranddriver.com. Archived from the original on 15 December 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
23. "2005 Acura RSX Type-S - Specs". EPA. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
24. "2002 Acura RSX Awards and Accolades at carmax.com". Archived from the original on 21 September 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
25. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
26. "Curran Tastes Victory In Speed World Challenge Touring". Archived from the original on 14 October 2007.
27. "Kensai Racing Total Motorsport Performance Products". Kensairacing.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
28. http://news.honda.com/newsandviews/local_news_content/%5b5147g%5d_Honda_2015_Digital_FactBook.pdf

External links

• RSX Type S - Automobile Magazine Review
• Honda Integra/Acura RSX Brochures and information