OVERVIEW
The goals for the Type R structure were to provide a strong, rigid
platform to ensure a long, durable service life, create a stable base
for the suspension, and to provide carefully designed front and rear
crumple zones to minimize cabin intrusion in a collision. The
ultimate focus for the Type R was to minimize weight while enhancing
the rigidity of the body structure and to optimize the aerodynamic
effectiveness of the body.
Key improvements include:
- Improved body rigidity by adding performance rods in the front and rear, and body reinforcements in several key areas;
- Aerodynamic enhancements, such as a new chin spoiler and wing-type rear spoiler, and lower overall vehicle height;
- Overall reduction in vehicle weight.
A large percentage of the vehicle mass is near the center of the vehicle for enhanced transient response and handling. The Type R also has a large greenhouse for maximum visibility, as well as a large cabin that is roomy yet intimate with an enhanced feeling of a sports-oriented coupe.
AERODYNAMICS
The aerodynamic goal for the Integra was to achieve greatly improved
high-speed driving performance. The primary focus was to balance the
forces that would allow for improved front and rear downforce, low
turbulence, minimal wind roar in crucial areas such as the windows,
excellent flow-through ventilation, and to provide optimum resistance
to crosswinds while maintaining a low drag coefficient. This was
achieved through extensive wind-tunnel testing with scale models,
mockups and prototype vehicle bodies. It also involved extensive
racetrack testing, and the use of the Cray supercomputer. One
important detail of the aerodynamic package is the one-piece,
integral bumper assembly. This unit not only gives the Integra a
clean, modern appearance, but its flowing, one-piece construction
eliminates gaps between the bumper and the body that tend to produce
turbulence and disrupt laminar airflow over the hood.
To achieve maximum aerodynamic efficiency, the Type R also includes a new chin spoiler and a new wing-type rear spoiler, and the vehicle is 15 mm lower in overall height than the Integra GS-R. These contribute to a 30 percent reduction in the coefficient of lift over the Integra GS-R, and a 1 percent improvement in its drag coefficient.
ANTI-CORROSION MEASURES
To enhance corrosion protection, virtually every panel of the Type R
is constructed of double-sided galvanized steel. The only significant
panel that does not use galvanized steel is the roof. After assembly,
the body in white is treated to an electro-deposition process that
bonds a rust-inhibiting primer coating to the metal.
Electro-deposition draws this coating into minute crevices, helping
to ensure a barrier against rust-producing moisture. A
moisture-resistant wax is also injected into hidden body cavities, to
help prevent corrosion that might otherwise form from condensation.
BODY RIGIDITY
Rigidity clearly has an impact on a number of critical areas. Any
suspension, for instance, no matter how finely calibrated or advanced
in design, will be unable to perform properly if the body flexes and
bends under loading. Rigidity also contributes significantly to crash
protection, and to the build quality perceived in areas like the
small gaps between panels and openings.
Developed using the latest computer modeling and Finite Element Analysis techniques, the rigidity of the Type R has been greatly improved in several areas. A new, larger aluminum front tower bar replaces the steel bar on the GS-R, and the addition of performance rods to the rear frame end and rear suspension lower arm add additional strength. Key components that have been reinforced include the rear wheel housing, rear pillar upper garter, rear roof rail upper, rear wheel arch extension, rear lower arm bracket, and rear damper gusset.
INTEGRAL BUMPERS
To update the styling of the 1998 Integra Type R, the fully
integrated bumper and lighting has been restyled while maintaining
the unique signature of the four-headlight design.
The use of a one-piece integral front bumper accomplishes a number of objectives. In addition to providing a clean, modern and aerodynamic appearance, it reduces the number of components and the weight of the front facias, enhances the anti-corrosion performance of the entire front end, resists minor dents and flying debris better and, in case of a minor collision, helps reduce damage that might otherwise be transmitted to the front fenders.
The choice of polypropylene for front and rear bumper material was made based on its properties of resilience to minor damage and because of the material's inherent recyclability. Due to the unique formulation of pigments and medium, the painted bumper resists the fading that was commonly associated with synthetic plastic bumpers. The front and rear bumpers of the Integra resist damage up to a 5-mph collision.
VISIBILITY
One of the design priorities of the body was to provide the driver
with as much visibility as possible. As a result of extensive
engineering, which was able to create thin but strong pillars, and a
compact engine, which contributes to a low cowl, the Type R offers
298.9 degrees of visibility.
PIN-GUIDE DOOR SASH
The Type R uses a pin-guide sash system for the door glass, like all
Integra Coupes. A pin, which is bonded to the rear inside edge of the
door glass, slides in a channel designed into the window sash. The
pin holds the window captive against the sash and forms a tight seal
to enhance the rigidity of the glass and resist the negative air
pressure that builds up at the side of the vehicle at high road
speeds. The system also allows tighter tolerances between the glass
and the molding, and contributes to better aerodynamics and reduced
levels of wind noise.
PROJECTOR BEAM HEADLIGHTS
A key element of the 1998 Integra styling is the signature
four-headlight design. For 1998, the individual lights have been
enlarged and repositioned for a near-flush look. This change not only
improves styling, it helps smooth aerodynamic flow over the front
bumper.
For enhanced illumination and a modern look, the engineers specified projector beam lamps for low-beam use. Compared to conventional units, these lamps reach 13 feet farther and illuminate an area 20% greater while the high beams, which use improved halogen lamp technology, reach 125 feet farther and illuminate an area 2.5 times greater.
CRUMPLE ZONES
As mentioned earlier, the Integra provides a high degree of
structural rigidity to enhance crash protection. At the front and
rear, the Integra has been designed with deformable crumple zones.
These are designed to deform in a controlled manner, absorb the
impact energy and help prevent deformation of the passenger
compartment.
DUAL AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
A driver and front passenger air bag Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) is standard equipment. The driver's air bag is located in the
steering wheel hub, while the passenger's air bag is located on top
of the dash. Both air bags are triggered simultaneously by means of
three impact sensors located in the passenger compartment. To ensure
maximum reliability, the sensors use gold-plated electrical
connectors. As in all Acura automobiles, the front passenger air bag
is designed to deploy upward along the windshield and then back
toward the occupant. This provides a large cushion to help protect
the front passenger.
THREE-POINT SEAT BELTS
The dual front air bags are designed to work in conjunction with the
3-point seat belts. For easy access, the front buckles are attached
to the driver's and front passenger's seats.
SIDE-IMPACT PROTECTION
To help minimize injury to the occupant in a side-impact collision,
the Integra features door intrusion beams as well as energy-absorbing
pads in the doors.
For additional protection, there are polypropylene pads located at hip level on both front doors. These pads substantially reduce the energy transmitted to occupants in the event of an accident.
EXCLUSIVE BODY COLOR
All Integra Type R's will be available in Championship White. This
color was developed exclusively for Honda's Formula One race cars in
the early 1960s and is applied on the Type R to commemorate the
company's first-ever Formula One victory. Richie Ginther's
first-place finish in the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix.