Deep in the Japanese mountains lies a test track that blatantly plagiarises the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany. This is Honda's playground and they're not afraid of the comparisons. Japanese car makers have always taken the best bits of European cars and improved it themselves, so why not do the same with racing circuits?
The Takasu test track measures 6.2km, offers more than 40 turns, including a dozen blind corners as it climbs and skews through the forest, one bit where all four wheels leave the tarmac if you're quick enough and a number of tricky cambers. If any car that can average 95mph and lap it in close to three minutes it's a bit special. The latest Honda Integra Type R does all of this. Better look out for a used one then.
Why shouldn't you buy new? Well, to put it simply, it's because you can't. Therefore it's time for a word of caution before we all get carried away. The latest Integra is very special indeed, however it's a bit too close in performance terms to the newest Civic Type R we have in the UK. As a result, Honda won't be importing it to our shores. To buy one it'll have to be a used example. This in itself isn't a problem as Honda are renowned for their reliability and build quality. You will however need to go through an importer to get your hands on one direct from Japan - a country that fortunately drives on the correct side of the road like us.
It's worth the hassle though, starting with the styling. The new Integra is a much chunkier model that the one built until 2001. Sleek headlights balanced perfectly with a revised grill give the car a purposeful look. The car sits on larger 17 inch alloy wheels (16 inch on the predecessor) with red Brembo brake callipers peering through the spokes, giving the car a cool look whilst enforcing that it'll stop dead too.
The roof line is actually higher than the old model too, with the car's stylist Hideaki Uchino quoted as saying the overall look is designed with the American market in mind. According to Uchino, previous sporty Hondas have been too "thin" so they've followed the lead of BMW and Audi's latest offerings. Surely not another case of the Japanese taking 'inspiration' from Europe? In this case we'll let Honda off, after all Uchino used to work for Ferrari stylists Pininfarina and helped design the 360 Modena. More than enough to have on your CV I'm sure you'd agree.
Recaro racing seats happily do remain, meaning that you'll remain gripped tightly no matter what corners lie ahead. The 1.8 litre engine has gone - upgraded to a smoother 2 litre i-VTEC. There's also some clever engineering meaning the intake cam timing is continuously variable. What this means in normal words is that emissions are reduced and power goes up. They're a clever lot aren't they?
As a result, power climbs 30bhp to 217bhp and the legendary i-VTEC will rev once more to 8,400rpm. The greatest joy of driving a VTEC still remains - this time at 6,000rpm. Once the counter hits this magical figure, the high-lift cams kicks in and you rampage towards the horizon accompanied by one of life's best soundtracks. A short shift six-speed gearbox makes sure you can get the most from all the revs too.
Honda also claims huge improvements in the structural rigidity of the body shell and when you combine this with stiffened suspension, it gives the new Integra a very different feel. Rear grip is phenomenal, with the car refusing to let go unless you really overdo it, but you'd have to be an idiot to be heading into a corner that fast anyway.
The larger wheels do more than just give the car a facelift, they really help with the handling too. Combining all these factors together, the latest car feels significantly faster (especially through the corners) even though the raw data suggests minimal speed advances - mainly as the car is 72kg heavier overall due to the larger engine.
When you do need to stop, never fear as the brakes, much like the wheels don't just look the part, they play it too. Again Honda talks in technical speak about 300mm vented discs, fade-resistant brake pads and duel cooling ducts. Just concern yourself with the fact that this car stops very quickly and doesn't get tired of doing so.
Finally in case you forgot what car you were in, 'Type R' badges adorn every available space - the seats, steering wheel, aluminum pedals, gear lever and so on. Honda needn't have bothered. Once you've driven the Used Honda Integra Type R, you'll never forget.
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