Overview
In designing the chassis of the Integra, the goals were: a high degree of linear stability, precise and quick transient response, a favorable front/rear balance for neutral handling, substantial stopping power,and a smooth and comfortable ride.
To achieve these ends, the second-generation Integra has a fully independent, double-wishbone suspension system, a speed-sensitive variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, and large 4-wheel disc brakes. In addition, fine tuning of suspension geometry and spring rates, and an advanced type of shock absorber valving, provide exceptional handling and ride quality. 1992 4-door Integra models incorporate softer damping rates than earlier 4-door models or current 3-door models.
Double-Wishbone Front Suspension
This type of suspension has been proven in Formula One racing cars. Its sophisticated design is compact, efficient and has excellent ride and handling characteristics, with outstanding on-center feel, quick turn-in and flat cornering.
The upper and lower control arms are widely separated for better load dispersion and provide improved anti-dive control while braking or accelerating. The geometry is arranged to permit minimum camber change for more precise wheel control to make handling more confident and predictable.
Front Shock Absorbers
The Integra gas-pressurized front shock absorbers feature significant developments by Showa. Each shock absorber incorporates a teflon, rather than steel, piston ring for near-perfect sealing. This allows the use of a unique second valve for more precise damper control than is possible with conventional, single valve, shock absorbers, both under compression or tension. This damper is particularly effective when turning into a comer or during slalom-type maneuvers. With the shock absorber exerting a more linear damping force, steering is more responsive and initial body roll is reduced.
Double-Wishbone Rear Suspension
The Integra rear suspension is a refined design that provides both precise wheel control and, because it is very compact, more usable luggage space. An innovative feature of this system is a compensating link pivoted at the front of the trailing arm. It cancels undesirable toe-change to help keep the rear wheels parallel, thus helping to maintain stability,particularly during braking and over rough surfaces.
Rear suspension geometry also incorporates a built-in camber change to improve cornering power and reduce rear-body lift during braking. Gas-pressurized shock absorbers provide rear damping and a tubular stabilizer bar controls body roll.
Variable Power-Assisted Steering
The Integra has a sophisticated steering system which controls assistance according to vehicle speed so that road feel is maintained. Sensors monitor road speed, and the system adjusts itself automatically to provide maximum assistance at very low speeds. As speed rises, power assistance decreases at a linear rate, reaching its lowest level around 35 mph. The transition is so smooth that the driver is not aware of the change and the force required to steer the car remains fairly constant. A high degree of road feel is maintained under all driving conditions.
Brakes
Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes are a standard feature on all Acura automobiles. The size of the ventilated front discs is 262mm (10.3in.). The solid rear discs are 239 mm (9.4 in.) in diameter. Power assistance is by means of a compact tandem vacuum booster.
Anti-Lock Braking
The GS model Integra is equipped with a computer controlled 3-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) developed by Honda R&D Co., Ltd. In operation, ABS modulates hydraulic pressure, cyclingthe brakes as often as ten times a second. This allows the wheels to continue rotating during hard braking, helping to retain effective steering control. This system is markedly different from others in that it contains two independent hydraulic circuits. There's a primary braking system which operates the brakes under normal conditions and the ABS system, which has its own hydraulic reservoir, pump, modulator unit, solenoids, control pistons and 16bit central processing unit. The system is similar to the one used in the Legend, but it is calibrated to the size and weight of the Integra. If the ABS system fails, normal braking is still provided by the primary system.