Acura Integra Structure
The body structure of Type R Acura Integra is designed to provide a rigid and strong platform to ensure a long and durable service life and to create a stable base for the suspension. Also carefully designed crumble zones at front and rear side which minimizes cabin intrusion in a collision. Type R model undergoes many vigorous racetrack testing for dramatic enhancements in vehicle dynamics. The minimized weight enhances the rigidity of body structure.
Rigidity has impact on several critical areas. Rigidity of body is increased by adding body reinforcements in several key areas and performance rods in the front and rear side. if the body flexes and blends under loading then its no matter how the suspension of body finely calibrated or the structure of body is designed
The rigidity of Type R has been improved greatly in several areas using finite element analysis techniques and latest computer modeling techniques. On Integra GS-R the steel bars are replaced by larger aluminum front tower bar and performance rods at rear suspension and rear frame end adds additional strength.
Key components that have been reinforced include:
- aluminum strut tower bar
- thicker rear roof rail upper
- thicker rear wheel arch extension
- rear pillar upper garter
- thicker rear lower arm bracket
- thicker rear damper gusset
- thicker rear pillar upper girder
- performance rod added to rear cross member
- increased rear wheelhouse thickness