Honda Integra DC5


The DC5 series Integra 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.

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, 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.

Facelift

The DC5 received a facelift in 2004. 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.

Market

Japan

In Japan, the Integra was introduced in two versions, the iS and the Type R.
The iS/Type S, which was essentially the same as the base Acura RSX, featured the K20A3 engine with an output of 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 K20A engine, 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, as well as a helical limited slip differential, stiffer springs and shocks, high intensity discharge 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 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. 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, 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. Additional interior and exterior accessories were available from Honda's Modulo line. Modulo accessories offered include interior trim, foglights, aero kits, 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. Honda tuner Mugen sells their performance parts via Honda dealers as accessories.
Exterior ColorInterior ColoriSType S
Taffetta WhiteEbony/TitaniumX
Premium White PearlEbony/TitaniumX
Alabaster Silver MetallicEbony/TitaniumX
Satin Silver MetallicEbony/TitaniumX
Magnesium MetallicEbony/TitaniumX
Desert Silver MetallicEbony/TitaniumX
Jade Green MetallicEbony/TitaniumX
Eternal Blue PearlEbony/TitaniumX
Vivid Blue PearlEbony/TitaniumX
Nighthawk Black PearlEbony/TitaniumXX
Milano RedEbony/TitaniumXX
Blaze Orange MetallicEbony/TitaniumX

Exterior ColorInterior ColorType R
Championship WhiteBlackRed
Milano RedBlackRed
Satin Silver Metallic BlackRed
Alabaster Silver Metallic BlackRed
Nighthawk Black PearlBlackRed
Eternal Blue Pearl BlackBlue
Vivid Blue Pearl BlackBlue

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 and aero. The Type R was dropped in 2004, and replaced by the Type S, which was mechanically identical to the USDM RSX Type-S, 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. Black was the only interior colour available for the redesign. For facelifted Oceanic models, extra strengthening was given to fit higher safety regulations.
Exterior ColorIntegraIntegra LuxuryType R Type S
Championship WhiteN/AN/ABlack/RedN/A
Premium White PearlBlackBlackN/ABlack
Milano RedBlackBlackBlackBlack
Satin Silver MetallicBlackBlackBlackN/A
Nighthawk Black PearlBlackBlackBlack/RedBlack
Arctic Blue PearlN/AN/ABlack/BlueN/A
Eternal Blue PearlBlackBlackN/AN/A
Vivid Blue Pearl N/ABlackN/ABlack
Magnesium Metallic N/ABlackN/ABlack
Blaze Orange Metallic N/ABlackN/ABlack

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 ColorIntegra VTiType R Type S
Championship WhiteN/ABlack/RedBlack
Premium White PearlBlackN/AN/A
Milano RedBlackBlackBlack
Satin Silver MetallicBlackBlackN/A
Nighthawk Black PearlBlackBlack/RedBlack
Arctic Blue PearlN/ABlack/BlueN/A
Eternal Blue PearlBlackN/AN/A
Vivid Blue N/AN/ABlack
Magnesium N/AN/ABlack
Blaze Orange BlackN/ABlack
Blade Green BlackN/ABlack

Acura RSX

US

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 K20A3 engine throughout the entire production run. 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 K20A2 or K20Z1 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 audio system.
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.
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. 17-inch Enkei J10s alloy wheels 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, exterior badging and 5 dual spoke 17-inch gun metal wheels.
The RSX had numerous exterior color options but only two interior colors: Black and Beige. 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:
Exterior ColorInterior ColorBaseType-S
Taffetta WhiteTitaniumX
Premium White PearlTitaniumX
Noble Green Tricoat OptionalNever ordered
Satin Silver MetallicEbonyXX
Desert Silver MetallicTitaniumXX
Jade Green MetallicTitaniumXX
Arctic Blue PearlEbonyX
Eternal Blue PearlEbonyX
Nighthawk Black PearlEbonyXX
Firepepper Red TitaniumXX
Milano RedTitaniumXX
Redondo Red Pearl TitaniumXX

In 2006, the available color combinations were as follows:
Exterior ColorInterior ColorBaseType-S
Taffetta WhiteTitaniumX
Premium White PearlTitaniumX
Alabaster Silver MetallicEbonyXX
Magnesium MetallicEbony/TitaniumXX
Jade Green MetallicTitaniumXX
Vivid Blue PearlEbonyXX
Nighthawk Black PearlEbonyXX
Milano RedTitaniumXX
Redondo Red MetallicTitaniumXX
Blaze Orange MetallicEbonyX

Canada

Three models were available in Canada: Base, Premium and Type-S. The A-Spec package was available to the Type-S models. 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.
The refresh in 2005 brought the same updates as USDM cars. Base model now has standard alloy wheels. 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, 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels in silver or gunmetal. 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.
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.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined crash test ratings of the RSX.

Performance

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

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.
Kensai Racing is using RSXs and TSXs in the KONI Challenge Series.
Badged as a Honda, the DC5 won the British Touring Car Championship with Matt Neal in 2005 and 2006, for Team Dynamics.

Sales