OVERVIEW
The goals for the Acura Integra structure were to provide a
strong,
rigid platform to ensure a long, durable service life, create a
stable base for the suspension, provide carefully designed front
and
rear crumple zones to minimize cabin intrusion in a collision,
and
ensure very tight tolerances to help provide the occupants with a
quiet, vibration-free environment.
Another goal was to shift as much of the mass to the center of the vehicle as possible to enhance transient response and handling. Other considerations included the creation of a large greenhouse to maximize front and rear visibility, creating a large cabin that provides ample room while making the cabin intimate to enhance the feeling of a sports-oriented coupe and sedan.
The styling of the 1998 Integra has been freshened in part by redesigning both the front and rear bumpers and combination lighting assemblies.
AERODYNAMICS
The aerodynamic goal for the Integra was to achieve a balance
of
forces that include moderate downforce at the rear, low
turbulence,
minimal wind roar in crucial areas such as the windows,
excellent
flow-through ventilation, and to provide optimum resistance to
crosswinds while maintaining a low drag coefficient. This was
achieved by extensive computer modeling, using the Cray
supercomputer
and wind-tunnel testing with scale models, mockups and
prototype
vehicle bodies. One important detail of the aerodynamic package
is
the one-piece, integral bumper assembly. This unit not only
gives the
Integra a clean, modern appearance, but its flowing, one-piece
construction eliminates gaps between the bumper and the body
that
tend to produce turbulence and disrupt laminar airflow over the
hood.
The Integra has a drag coefficient of 0.33 and a lift coefficient of
0.10.
ANTI-CORROSION MEASURES
To enhance corrosion protection, virtually every panel of the
Integra
is constructed of double-sided galvanized steel. The only
significant
panel that does not use galvanized steel is the roof. After
assembly,
the body in white is treated to an electro-deposition process that
bonds a rust-inhibiting primer coating to the metal.
Electro-deposition draws this coating into minute crevices,
helping
to ensure a barrier against rust-producing moisture. A
moisture-resistant wax is also injected into hidden body cavities,
to
help prevent corrosion that might otherwise form from
condensation.
BODY RIGIDITY
Rigidity clearly has an impact on a number of critical areas. Any
suspension, for instance, no matter how finely calibrated or
advanced
in design, will fail to perform properly if the body flexes and
bends
under loading. Rigidity also contributes significantly to crash
protection and reduction of vibration and exterior noise, and to
the
build quality perceived in areas like the small gaps between
panels
and openings.
Developed using the latest computer modeling and Finite Element Analysis techniques, the current Integra Sports Coupe is 40% stiffer in bending and 20% stiffer in torsional rigidity than the previous model. The Sports Sedan is 50% stiffer in bending and 5% stiffer in torsional rigidity.
INTEGRAL BUMPERS
To update the styling of the 1998 Integra, the fully integrated
bumper and lighting has been re-styled while maintaining the
unique
signature of the 4-headlight design.
The use of a one-piece integral front bumper accomplishes a number of objectives. In addition to providing a clean, modern and aerodynamic appearance, it reduces the number of components and the weight of the front facias, enhances the anti-corrosion performance of the entire front end, resists minor dents and flying debris better and, in case of a minor collision, helps reduce damage that might otherwise be transmitted to the front fenders.
The choice of polypropylene for front and rear bumper material was made based on its properties of resilience to minor damage and because of the material's inherent recyclability. Due to the unique formulation of pigments and medium, the painted bumper resists the fading that was commonly associated with synthetic plastic bumpers. The front and rear bumpers of the Integra resist damage up to a 5-mph collision.
VISIBILITY
One of the design priorities of the body was to provide the driver
with as much visibility as possible. As a result of extensive
engineering, which was able to create thin but strong pillars, and
a
compact engine, which contributes to a low cowl, the Sports
Coupe
offers 298.9 degrees of visibility while the Sports Sedan offers
306.3 degrees of visibility.
PIN-GUIDE DOOR SASH
The Integra Sports Coupe uses a pin-guide sash system for the
door
glass. A pin, which is bonded to the rear inside edge of the door
glass, slides in a channel designed into the window sash. The
pin
holds the window captive against the sash and forms a tight
seal to
enhance the rigidity of the glass and resist the negative air
pressure that builds up at the side of the vehicle at high road
speeds. The system also allows tighter tolerances between the
glass
and the moulding, and contributes to better aerodynamics and
reduced
levels of wind noise.
OUTER-OPENING MOONROOF
In order to maximize head room, the Integra LS, GS and GS-R
Sports
Coupes and Sports Sedans feature a moonroof that slides back
and out
of the roof proper. Unlike conventional sunroof configurations
that
slide into a receptacle in the roof, this unit takes up less head
room.
PROJECTOR BEAM HEADLIGHTS
A key element of the 1998 Integra styling is the signature
four-headlight design. For 1998, the individual lights have been
enlarged and repositioned for a near-flush look. This change not
only
improves styling, it helps smooth aerodynamic flow over the front
bumper.
To enhance illumination and give the Integra a modern look, the engineers specified projector beam lamps for low-beam use. Compared to conventional units, these lamps reach 13 feet farther and illuminate an area 20% while the high beams, which use improved halogen lamp technology, reach 125 feet farther and illuminate an area 2.5 times greater.
CRUMPLE ZONES
As mentioned earlier, the Integra provides a high degree of
structural rigidity to enhance crash protection. At the front and
rear, the Integra has been designed with deformable crumple
zones.
These are designed to deform in a controlled manner, absorb
the
impact energy and help prevent deformation of the passenger
compartment.
SIDE-IMPACT PROTECTION
To help minimize injury to the occupant in a side-impact
collision,
the Integra features door intrusion beams as well as
energy-absorbing
pads in the doors.
On the Sports Sedan, there is a polypropylene pad located at hip level and a extended styrene pad located at shoulder level for both front and rear doors. The Sports Coupe, due to its different structural architecture, requires only a polypropylene pad. These pads substantially reduce the energy transmitted to the occupants in the event of an accident.