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Rather, it's a truly excellent sports coupe.
When the Acura Integra is mentioned these days, everyone seems to be talking about the high-powered, track-ready Type R. In the mid-1990s, though, it wasn't the only Integra that deserved recognition. The 1994 GS-R model, which came in coupe and sedan versions, was nearly as entertaining.
Although this Acura couldn't rev 9000 RPM, its four-cylinder engine still had VTEC, allowing it to produce 170 horsepower from just 1.8 liters, according to Motorweek. This makes it the greatest output per liter of any new naturally aspirated automobile at the time. It was more like an Integra Si with a five-speed manual and retune suspension—sporty but not as hardcore as a Type R.
Related: 1997-2001 Acura Integra Type R: Costs, Facts, And Figures
The first-generation Integra included improved suspension components from the CRX Si, as well as disc brakes on all four wheels. One of the Integra's main selling factors was its revvy engine, which came in two flavors: D16A1 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder and D16A1 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder. That four-banger delivered 113 horsepower and 99 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission in most Integras.
The second-generation Integra (DA5-DA9, DB1-DB2) arrived in the United States in 1990, with a new 1.8-liter, 140-hp four-cylinder engine and completely independent double-wishbone suspension at all four corners. In the United States, the second-generation Integra came in three-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles. In 1992, a GS-R performance trim with an all-new 1.7-liter VTEC DOHC four-cylinder was added to the lineup, replacing the RS, LS, and GS grades.
The GS-R was a revelation in the compact sport segment because it contained some truly ground-breaking technology under the hood. The NSX was the first VTEC-equipped automobile to be imported to the United States. With 160 hp and 117 lb-ft of torque motivating a 2,600-pound frame, power and performance were strong. Of course, the GS-R received some further performance upgrades, such as firmer struts, a stiffer anti-roll bar, a shorter final drive ratio, and better tires.
Integra's third and perhaps most famous generation debuted in 1993, with alphanumeric chassis codes ranging from DB6 to DB9, DC1 to DC2, and DC4. The DOHC 1.8-liter engine was carried over from the previous model, with 140 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. Starting with the RS, LS, GS, and GS-R—the latter's 1.8-liter VTEC four-pot boosted power to 170 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, the highest output-per-liter of any naturally-aspirated engine at the time, along with the necessary suspension upgrades—the trims stayed the same.
In the shape of the 1997 Acura Integra Type R, the third-generation Integra represented the first—and until the current Civic Type R, the only—time a Honda Type R product made it to the United States. Even the GS-R and Type R have significant differences as a result of Honda's meticulous attention to detail. The Integra Type R's chassis and body were seam-welded for added structural stability, and the suspension mounting points were strengthened.
Related: 10 Things You Should Know Before Buying An Acura Integra
The 1994 Acura Integra GS-R used a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) 1.8 liter-1797 cc (109.66 cubic inch) I4 16-valve (four per cylinder) engine. The engine has a maximum power output of 168 hp at 7,800 rpm and a maximum torque output of 127 foot pounds at 5,200 rpm. Water is used to cool the engine. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive was also standard on the GS-R.
The 1994 Acura Integra GS-R has front-wheel drive. The front and rear suspensions are both double wishbones. The vehicle has a five-speed manual transmission. The front brakes on the 1994 Acura Integra GS-R are ventilated disks, and the rear brakes are servo-assisted anti-lock braking. There is a large steel front strut tower brace, as well as front and rear sway bars.
The GS-R seats four passengers and comes with six speakers, four midrange cones in the front and back, and two tweeters in the door panels. It also has six speakers, four midrange cones in the front and back, and two tweeters in the door panels.
Power brakes and steering are standard, as is four-wheel, double-wishbone suspension with gas-pressurized shocks for good road-holding ability, air conditioning, power moon-roof, cruise control, AM/FM stereo with cassette, digital clock, tilt steering, body-colored front and rear bumpers, remote hatch lid and fuel filler-door release, rear hatch lid spoiler, 15-inch all-season tires, and rear window defroster/washer-wiper.
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