Overview
The chassis and suspension of the second-generation Integra were engineered with high performance a top priority. The chassiswas also designed from the start to be capable of handling the elevated performance potential of the 160-horsepower VTEC engine. Because of this advance planning, and the sophisticated technology of the Integra, the GS-R suspension geometry, suspension tuning and primary braking systems are identical to those of the 1992 Integra RS, LS and GS 3-door models.
Like other Integra models, the GS-R uses a fully independent, double-wishbone suspension system, a speed-sensitive, variable power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering system, 4-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).
Double-Wishbone Front Suspension
Double-wishbone suspension has been proven in Formula One racing cars. Its sophisticated design is compact, efficient and has excellent ride and handling characteristics, with outstanding on-center feel, quick turn-in and flat cornering.
The upper and lower control arms are widely separated for optimal load dispersion and provide effective anti-dive control while braking or accelerating. The geometry is arranged to permit minimal camber change for precise wheel control, to make handling sure and predictable. A 23 mm-diameter stabilizer bar controls body roll during cornering without degrading bump-absorption capabilities.
Front Shock Absorbers
The gas-pressurized front shock absorbers feature advanced developments by Showa. Each shock absorber incorporates a Teflon, rather than steel, piston ring for near-perfect sealing and reduced friction. This allows the use of a unique second valve for more precise damper control than is possible with conventional, singlevalve shock absorbers, both under compression and tension. The more precise damping control is particularly effective when steering into a corner or during slalom-type maneuvers. With the shock absorber exerting a more linear damping force, steering is more responsive and initial body roll is reduced.
Double-Wishbone Rear Suspension
The rear suspension is a refined design that provides both precise wheel control and, because it is very compact, more usable luggage space. An innovative feature of this system is a compensating link pivoted at the front of the trailing arm. It cancels undesirable toe-change to help keep the rear wheels parallel, thus maintaining stability, particularly during braking and over rough surfaces.
Rear suspension geometry also incorporates built-in camber change to improve cornering power and reduce rear body lift during braking. Gas-pressurized shock absorbers provide taut, precise damping and a 14.7mm-diameter stabilizer bar controls body roll.
Variable Power-Assisted Rack-And-Pinion Steering
The Integra steering system controls the amount of power assist according to vehicle speed so that road feel is maintained. Sensors monitor road speed, and the system adjusts itself automatically to provide maximum assistance at very low speeds. As speed rises, power assistance decreases at a linear rate, reaching its lowest level around 35 mph. The transition is so smooth that most drivers are not aware of the change; the force required to steer the car remains fairly constant. A high degree of road feel is maintained under all driving conditions.
Braking
Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes are a standard feature of all Acura automobiles. On the Integra, the size of the ventilated front discs is 262mm (10.3 in.). The solid rear discs are 239mm (9.4 in.) in diameter. Power assistance is by means of a compact tandem vacuum booster.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The GS-R is equipped with a computer-controlled Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) developed by Honda R&D. In operation, the ABS modulates hydraulic pressure, cycling the brakes as often as ten times a second. This allows the wheels to continue rotating during hard braking, helping to retain effective steering control. The system is similar to the one used in the Legend and Vigor, but it is calibrated to the size and weight of the Integra. If the ABS system fails, normal braking is still provided by the primary system.
Wheels And Tires
The GS-R is equipped with distinctive 5.5 JJ x14 cast-aluminum wheels.The six-spoke design is also used on Integra GS models, and bears a family resemblance to the five-spoke design used for the NSX.
Michelin XGT-V4 P195/60 R14 85VAll Seasonhigh-performancetires are used for a combination of precise, predictable performance on dry pavement, and a high level of stability and confidence in inclement weather.