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Integra Type R is not just another new model from Honda.
This high-performance sports car marks the beginning of a whole new range of "Type R" series.
R stands for Racing, and it's clear that the Integra Type R has to meet its claims with high performance and handling.
We're going to see this attractive powerhouse in action.
I'm privileged to present you a strong look and superior performance.
Our destinations are 3 of 9 legendary European circuits
on which this new race car drove to accomplish a mission.
To set new lap records for 2.0L N class,
which includes stock models with minor modifications.
Honda engaged top drivers for each of the three race tracks.
For the Nurburgring Altfrid Heger.
For the Ardennes course of Franco chance, Tieri Tassa.
And Gabriele Tarquini goes on record hunt at Silverstone.
He's also going to introduce the Integra Type R on the street circuit of
Monaco, which was the scene of many success stories of Honda motors in Formula 1.
Light is green for the first record attempt on the Nurburgring.
Motor-sport boss Trevor Elliott will speak now.
Honda wrote motor-sport history in F1 and SPD Cup on the Nürburgring.
Today Integra Type R writes the next chapter and returns the glory of past days.
Martin Sharp is the team leader responsible for preparation of Integra Type R.
He'll tell us why this record attempt is so important.
9 racetracks in a month is a major challenge for the man and the machine.
This car really kicks *** so we expect to see a great performance that
will show the potential of Integra Type R to European sports car fans.
Completely different Racetracks profiles are going to test the car to its limits, but this power
package has the required potential to set new lap records which of course is still a difficult task.
The first challenge is to break the lap record at the Nurburgring.
Altfrid Heger, it's your turn.
It's not going to be a problem for such a good Touring driver as him, he knows
the track as his coat, but first he has to accommodate himself for a N class car.
Altfrid Heger starts the first attempt with the Integra Type R.
Two rounds have been completed , however, without
any lap record, so what's the Pro's opinion?
This is the first class N car I drive on a race track, I am impressed with the power of the Integra Type R.
Okay, now let's modify the rear axle geometry and change
the tire pressure. Let's see if it brings a few seconds.
I'm sure the car is capable of doing that, but I don't know
if I'll manage to catch up 4 seconds, I'll do my best.
Altfrid is a pro which always delivers full performance.
Let's move to Monaco, one of the most famous and most difficult circuits in the world.
Let's see if the new Integra Type R can excite a top driver like Gabriele Tarquini.
No doubt Monaco is the most difficult GP Course in the world.
And that is the notorious left-right chicane Casino.
Damn hard to drive because of the slippery tarmac.
I will never forget this curve, Mirage du port.
In 1989, I was in 4th place in perhaps my best Formula 1 race when my engine failed.
This is the fantastic tunnel.
Formula 1 can drive through it at 200 kmh and accelerate up to 300 kmh before braking point.
Now we are in the swimming pool chicane.
Also one of the major challenges in Monaco.
Take a look at this Integra Type R.
Its styling and performance characteristics, the whole
appearance reflects the Motor-sport experiences of Honda.
This car was completely designed for maximum performance, it's a street legal race car.
Take a look at the engine.
1.8 liter displacement and 190 Hp thanks to Honda VTEC technology.
Complemented by great power-to-weight ratio and
perfectly tuned suspension matching the engine power.
And Recaro seats perfectly tailored for driver's requirements.
A word on the motor.
The machine revs easily over 8400 rpm, the powerful
sound resonates throughout, it's the power you can hear.
Braking balance and braking force are fantastic.
Going full throttle at hairpin exit, no problem.
Integra Type R stays on course even at full throttle corner exit thanks to a special differential.
Fast curve combinations are pure fun.
You can feel the perfectly matched and balanced weight distribution.
The car stays always under control.
Especially the suspension tuning is where the Motor-sport experience of Honda shines fully.
The handling stays neutral up to the limits, just like a racing car.
The philosophy behind the Integra Type R can be summed
with two words: lot of power and driving pleasure.
High performance becomes pure pleasure.
What was the motivation of Honda for this bold step?
One day, Honda CEO Kamamoto, after reviewing current Japanese models, said.
Guys those are really great cars but not one of them is really fascinating.
We, as Honda, have written Motor-sport history, shaped the F1 for years,
let us build a car that will reflect that. And thus the Type R was born.
The fact that the R stands for Racing can be recognized at first sight.
The Type R concept is further development of Honda's racing past.
With the Integra Type R, experienced F1 engineers
created a road car with the heart of a racing car.
This Type R is a living racing philosophy. The driving feeling, the direct contact and unfiltered reactions.
It's about the performance and pure driving pleasure.
Gabriele Tarquini is getting ready to break the
lap record on the great race track in Silverstone
The modifications are limited to a minimum.
A few procedures on suspension and brakes, for example, softer brake pads, that's about it.
This Integra Type R comes very close to a road model.
Typical Honda, they work with such tight tolerances, that we could
rarely make any improvements on, in 10 years of our cooperation.
Experienced pro driver Gabriele Tarquini came with some
suggestions for optimization based on the test run.
We test different setups to find out the best one for our record attempt, but
the base of Integra Type R is optimal. I'm confident we'll break the record.
Unofficially, Gabriele has already set a new lap record.
Now he wants to push even harder.
Not bad !
A true champion! Gabriele Tarquini has improved the
lap record for class N cars by incredible 8 seconds!
For us it's a genuine experience to have such drivers on board.
During the lap record attempts, selected journalists have had
the opportunity to test the Integra Type R on the road.
Here are two quotes, Auto Express:
It's hard to find any flaw on the Integra Type R. A car that is able to conjure
big smile on the face of his driver, must've done things totally right.
Autocar: The Integra Type R has similar character as the Ferrari 355. If that
wouldn't be enough to make it the best Japanese car, I don't know what else would.
The scene for our last record attempt is in Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
The driver Tieri Tassa pushes the throttle.
Pretty exciting, the motor is super strong.
It's a pure pleasure to drive a class N version
on this great track here in Spa francorchamps.
The pit crew makes final preparations for the ultimate record attempt.
The challenge was a huge success.
Spa is a track for full-fledged racing drivers and it's our last challenge.
We were able to break the lap record for class N cars everywhere except for Austria,
where however it was raining, and we missed the record just by two seconds. Not bad right?
The weather in Spa - francorchamps is known for sudden changes, dry and wet
road sections, sun and rain within one round. Here everything is possible.
A look at the sky doesn't reveal anything good as Tieri
Tassa starts his record attempt with the Integra Type R.
Happy end in Spa - francorchamps! The weather held up quite well in
contrary to the lap record which Tieri Tassa improved significantly.
The commentary of successful driver:
You never know what to expect in Motor sport, so I
wasn't hundred percent sure to break the record.
But we have achieved our goal.
The successes shown here are the result of groundbreaking
technology and experienced race engineers from Honda.
The extremely high-revving engine convinces even professionals
through its response and impressive acceleration values.
Cornering behavior and fade-free braking performance thanks
to the race proven chassis were praised by all critics.
The most outstanding is the directional stability with minimal understeer.
The best thing about the Integra Type R is that anyone can see its athlete qualities. Its dynamic
design and powerful look full of details make it a fascinating eye-candy, even when it's parked.
Conclusion: The Honda Integra Type R with its superior performance and
safety reserves gives you a driving experience of breathtaking kind.