The Acura Automobile Division recently introduced the all new 1994 Acura Integra Sports Coupe and Sports Sedan automobiles. In its third generation and eighth year since its debut in the U.S. market, the Integra continues to deliver sporty style, performance, comfort, advanced technology and unsurpassed customer value as the Acura entry-level model.
Both the Integra Sports Coupe and Sports Sedan are available in RS, LS and GS-R models, and all feature as standard equipment a driver's and front passenger's air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). "By now offering the performance-oriented GS-R version in the Sports Sedan configuration, we are expanding the appeal of the Integra," said Rich Thomas, executive vice president of Acura. "This model satisfies the driver who wants excellent performance, but also needs the versatility and convenience of a 4-door sedan," Thomas states.
The RS and LS models are equipped with a 1.8-liter, 142-hp, DOHC, 16-valve engine. They are available with a 5-speed manual or an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. The GS-R models feature a new 1.8-liter, 170-hp, DOHC, 16- valve engine equipped with the innovative Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system. The GS-R is available exclusively with a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission.
The higher power output of the Integra GS-R engine has been achieved by applying a number of advanced engine technologies. Chief among these is the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system pioneered by Acura in the NSX sports car. The VTEC system automatically adjusts valve timing, lift and duration to achieve low rpm torque and high rpm power. The combination of VTEC and a new dual-stage intake manifold delivers 170 hp over a broad power band. And to further ensure reliability and durability, the engine is equipped with an oil jet piston cooling system and a high-capacity aluminum radiator to more quickly dissipate engine heat.
The GS-R close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission features different gear ratios than the 5-speed in the RS and LS models. These ratios have been optimized to improve acceleration and to take full advantage of the engine's additional power, as well as to provide more relaxed driving and improved fuel efficiency at cruising speed. Engine vibration has been reduced in all Integra automobiles by a new hydraulic engine mount system.
The optional electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission is equipped with the unique Grade Logic Control System, an Acura innovation that reduces the "gear hunting" effect often experienced while traveling uphill or downhill in an automatic transmission-equipped car. The system actually calculates the hill's grade, and integrates that calculation with the engine speed (rpm) to select the ideal transmission gear for optimal acceleration (uphill) or engine braking (downhill).
All Integra models feature a fully independent double-wishbone suspension system, which is widely recognized for its ability to provide responsive handling with ride comfort. The GS-R features additional suspension refinements for more sporty performance, including a shock absorber tower bar and larger 6.0 JJ x 15 alloy wheels equipped with P195/55 R15 Michelin XGT-V4 high-performance tires.
Standard on all Integra models are 4-wheel disc brakes, ventilated at the front and solid at the rear. This system uses newly developed brake calipers that resist flexing for better performance under severe braking conditions.
New to the Integra LS-- and continued on the GS-R-- is a standard Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). This system is newly refined to minimize pedal kickback and maximize pedal feel. Under braking, the Integra ABS system modulates brake line pressure at the rate of ten times per second, reducing the possibility of wheel lockup and helping the driver to retain steering control even under maximum braking effort.
To achieve improved crash worthiness, quiet operation and a long service life, the Integra body structure was designed using the Cray II supercomputer to simulate real world body stresses and road shocks. As a result, the 1994 Integra Sports Coupe body is 40% stiffer in bending and 20% stiffer in torsional rigidity than the model it replaces, the Sports Sedan is 50% stiffer in bending and 5% stiffer in torsional rigidity.
The Integra uses front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb and dissipate crash energy before it reaches the passenger compartment. The doors are equipped with side-intrusion beams to reduce the possibility of injury in the event of a side impact. In addition, the Integra uses special side-impact pads in the door, at hip and shoulder level on the Sports Sedan and at hip level on the Sports Coupe, to further absorb impact energy. These refinements, in combination with the seat belts and air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) standard for both driver and front passenger in all Integra models, provide a comprehensive safety package.
Another new-for-1994 Integra feature that contributes to both sporty appearance and improved nighttime visibility is the projector beam headlights, which are used for low-beam road illumination. Light from the projector beam bulbs reaches farther, illuminates an area 20% greater, and has a bulb life 2.5 times longer than most headlights.
For 1994, the Integra adds the comfort of air conditioning as standard equipment on the LS and GS-R models. And to maximize head room an outer-opening moonroof is standard on the Integra LS and GS-R Sports Coupes and on the GS-R Sports Sedan.
All 1994 Integra models are equipped with a complete list of comfort and convenience items such as a standard tilt-adjustable steering column, power windows and door mirrors, a power-operated antenna, an AM/FM stereo cassette music system, remote trunk/fuel-filler-door releases and more.
In addition to providing increased performance, the 1994 Integra models achieve fuel efficiency that meets or exceeds that of the previous generation. Despite an all-new design and numerous additional standard features, prices for the 1994 Integra Sports Coupes range from only $14,820 for the RS to $19,650 for the GS-R. Prices for the Sports Sedans, including the new top-of-the-line Sports Sedan GS-R, range from $15,580 to $19,980.
The Acura marque has achieved a reputation for quality and reliability, as evidenced by its ranking for three consecutive years as Best Overall Carline in the J.D. Power and Associates® Vehicle Performance StudySM, a survey that measures driver satisfaction after three years of ownership. All Acura automobiles are protected by a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. A nationwide network of nearly 300 dealers offers a full line of Acura models, including the NSX, Legend, Vigor and Integra.
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