2001 Acura Integra Type-R

The Type-R name has become legendary for a good reason: there have been few front-wheel drive cars so rewarding to drive as the Acura Integra Type-R. A quick spin around a course well-suited to the Integra’s neutrally balanced handling, like Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, will demonstrate that the Type-R is an apex-carving scalpel. Then there’s the sound of the highly-developed 1.8-liter four—when the VTEC kicks in on the motor’s way up to a stratospheric 8,600 RPM redline, it’s clear this coupe means business. A whole generation of car enthusiasts grew up with the Integra Type-R being their ideal sports coupe—a blank slate for modification already pretty hot right out of the box. Hot, but subtle—you might miss the taller rear wing and model-specific lightweight wheels if you’re not looking for them. Of course, there’s nothing subtle about its performance, and there are few brand-new front-drivers that can keep up when the going gets twisty.