The Integra ventilation system has been redesigned. Its air flow capacity is increased from 395 cubic meters per hour to 420 cubic meters per hour, which improves both the performance of the optional air conditioning system and increases air velocity from the instrument panel vents.
- Audio systems -
There are several standard and optional AM/FM audio systems available throughout the Integra line. The standard system for LS and GS models is AM/FM stereo with electronic seek tuning, cassette deck, auto preset feature and four speakers.
The most obvious difference between the two generations of Integras is size. The new cars are longer, lower and wider:
| . | 1990 Integra 3-Door | 1989 Integra 3-Door | 1990 Integra 4-Door | 1989 Integra 5-Door |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 100.4 in (2550 mm) | 96.5 in (2450 mm) | 102.4 in (2600 mm) | 99.2 in (2520 mm) |
| Overall Length | 172.9 in. (4392 mm) | 168.7 in. (4285 mm) | 176.5 in. (4484 mm) | 171.5 in (4355 mm) |
| Overall Width | 67.4 in. (1712 mm) | 65.6 in.(1665 mm) | 67.4 in.(1712 mm) | 65.6 in. (1665 mm) |
| Overall Height | 52.2 in. (1325 mm) | 52.9 in. (1345 mm) | 52.8 in. (1340 mm) | 52.9 in. (1345 mm) |
Styling
The Integra's styling is contemporary and distinctive. Its central element is an aggressive wedge shape that's softened and refined by organic contours. The look is sporty but subdued and is set off by such recognizable Acura design cues as a nearly flush exterior surface, slim door and window pillars, and large glass surfaces.
The Integra's style combines two major elements -- a large, airy greenhouse and a strong, authoritative lower body. They're united by a sweeping accent line that outlines the length of the car. The lightness of the greenhouse serves as a counterpoint to the lower body, giving the car a low look that's reinforced by a flare along the bottom sill.
The Integras have a wide stance, with tires that extend almost to the edge of the wheel openings. Their look is smooth and clean from every angle. When seen from the rear, this effect of coherence is reinforced by wide, thin taillights. They use a new lens that appears red, changing to amber or white only when the turn signal or the backup lights go on.
- Aerodynamics -
The Integra's shape is aerodynamically efficient, with a drag coefficient of only 0.32 for the 3-door and 0.34 for the 4-door. This means better fuel efficiency and a quieter ride as well as a more pleasing appearance.
Extensive wind tunnel testing was used to refine the Integra's design. The Integra's leading edge is designed to penetrate the air cleanly; the hood blends into the integrated bumper and low-profile halogen headlights keep the hoodline low. Cooling air is drawn through openings in the front air dam which is shaped to direct the air flow around the sides and over the car. The body surface is smooth, with nearly flush metal-to-glass areas and the floor pan and underbody are as flat as possible to smooth the air flow beneath the car.
Efficient engine and suspension packaging permits a very low hoodline that slopes sharply up to the cowl. The raked-back windshield blends the roof and large compound-curved rear glass. A short rear deck balances the long hood line. Integra GS 3-door models are equipped with a rear spoiler.
- Slim pillars and sashless doors -
The Integra's large greenhouse, when viewed from the top, has a metal roof panel that's small in proportion to the glass area. Viewed from the side, the roof has a thin line. This design is intended to both balance the look of the car and provide more natural light for the interior, creating a brighter, less confining atmosphere for occupants, and improving driver visibility.
The roof design is made possible by the use of slim pillars and sashless doors, which are similar in concept and design to those of the Acura Legend Coupe. The pillars are a composite of structural members, arranged to make them as strong as a conventional design even though they appear to be much narrower.
A major visual difference between the 1990 Integras and their predecessors is a departure from the hatchback look. The new 3-door is actually more of a liftback with a pronounced deck while the 4-door has a more formal, notchback silhouette.
Structural Design
For passenger security and to provide a stable handling platform, the Integra's body is a rigid unit structure designed to resist bending and torsional forces. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and NASTRAN, a stress analysis program written by NASA, were used throughout the development process to arrive at the final configuration of the Integra's body architecture. To assure the integrity of the passenger compartment, it is surrounded by box-section members.
The A-pillars have bracing at the cowl and an extra U-shaped reinforcing member that runs through the center of their box section. The B-pillars have reinforcement at their base, where they tie into the lower side members, which have a central support similar to that of the A-pillars. The rear pillars are anchored to the structure around the rear wheel housings with reinforcing members. Further bracing is provided by a bulkhead behind the rear seats in the 4-door models.
The pillars and sills are tied together by the floorpan, front and rear crossmembers, and a box-section around the perimeter of the roof to form a cage around the passenger compartment. The resultant structure has been increased 30 percent in bending rigidity and 90 percent in torsional rigidity.
The 1990 Integras will be built on a newly installed production line at the Honda manufacturing plant in Suzuka, near the city of Nagoya, about 200 miles west of Tokyo. It is a state-of-the-art facility that uses the latest manufacturing and quality control techniques.
- Anti-corrosion and Finish -
Resistance to corrosion is an inherent part of the Integra's design. The metal panels that make up the Integra's structure are carefully shaped to avoid indentations and depressions where moisture and road grime can accumulate and cause rust.
Also, special materials and treatments are used throughout the Integra body to repel rust and resist corrosion. A zinc phosphate coating is applied to the entire body. Double-sided- zinc-dipped coated steel is used for the hood, front fenders, front wheel wells, engine compartment, floor pan and along the sills, and single-sided zinc galvanized steel is used on many exterior panels. For additional protection, the leading edges of the hood and front fenders are treated with a special primer that resists chipping. Anti-rust wax is sprayed inside box-sections and out-of-the-way places.
The Integra's surface finish begins with a thorough cleaning and then goes through a special multi-step painting process. The finish is cured over a longer period of time at a lower temperature than in conventional painting procedures, which makes for a harder, more durable finish.
This three-coat, three-bake method has been used to apply the finish of Integra automobiles since they entered production. Over the years it has been improved and modified in a continuous effort to enhance quality. All of these evolutionary changes have been incorporated into a brand new paint facility in Suzuka.
Interior Design
The goal of the Integra's interior design is to assure the comfort and efficiency of the driver. Applying the principles of ergonomics assures that the instruments and controls are positioned so they fall into the driver's natural fields of vision and reach, the seats conform to the body's shape and provide fatigue-reducing support, and the color, touch and texture of interior surfaces helps to create a relaxing atmosphere.
The interior of the new Integra follows a "soft touch" theme, with yielding surfaces and smoothly contoured corners throughout the passenger compartment.
Comfort has been increased by providing more head and leg room for both front and rear occupants. The combination of increased space and larger glass areas also makes the Integra's interior even more bright and airy than before. Thin roof pillars permit excellent side and rear visibility. Front visibility has been improved by lowering the front cowl and the upper edge of the instrument panel, enhancing the driver's view of the road.
Integra instruments are positioned so that they can be read at a glance and all major controls fall within a finger's reach. The analog instruments are grouped directly in the driver's field of vision, with a large speedometer and tachometer in the center, and fuel and temperature gauges to the right and left, respectively. Switches and controls are designed to give tactile feedback so the driver can tell just by feel that a particular control has been activated.
- Seating and Cargo -
The Integra front seats are ergonomically designed to properly support the body during any driving situation, especially during maneuvers where high lateral loads are encountered. In addition, the front seats have reclining backs with lumbar support cushioning and incorporate a broad range of adjustments.
Front seat occupants are provided a motorized two-point passive shoulder belt, active lap belt, and knee bolsters. The driver's shoulder belt conveniently moves forward and out of the way whenever the key is removed from the ignition. The compact design of the anchor rails for the passive belts allows the use of sashless doors and makes a thin roof line possible.
The rear seat is contoured for more comfort and is equipped with 3-point seat belts in the outboard positions. The fold-down rear seat backs are split 60/40 for more cargo carrying versatility. With both seat backs folded down, luggage space is greatly increased; with one or the other down, both luggage and a passenger can be accommodated.
The combination of increased overall size and the use of a compact independent double-wishbone suspension has increased interior space and cargo space in both the 3-door and 4-door Integras.
- Ventilation -
Careful attention to aerodynamic design produces benefits which are not always readily apparent. For example, the shape of the Integra's body contributes to its ventilation system. By locating exit vents in the rear panel, where there's a low pressure area when the car is moving, stale air is drawn from the passenger compartment. This action lowers the pressure slightly in the passenger compartment, which helps to pull in fresh air through vents in the cowl.