Acura announced that it will begin exporting the Integra Type S, a high-performance model manufactured in the United States, to Japan.
Sales are scheduled to begin in 2026, marking a symbolic moment: it will be the first Acura brand vehicle officially sold in Japan, precisely in the year in which the brand celebrates 40 years of existence.
The decision draws attention for reversing a traditional flow in the automotive industry. Instead of exporting cars from Japan to the US, Honda will now ship a model produced in Ohio to the Japanese market.
The Integra Type S is currently the most powerful Integra ever produced, consolidating itself as one of the sportiest versions in the model’s history.
Production entirely in the United States
The Acura Integra Type S is manufactured exclusively at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio. The high-performance K20C turbo engine is produced at the Anna Engine Plant, also in the state of Ohio.
This same factory is responsible for manufacturing the engine that powers the Honda Civic Type R, another sports car that is also exported to Japan.
According to Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president of the Manufacturing Management Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America:
“Building Acura models in the United States for the past thirty years has been a source of enormous pride. Now, exporting the U.S.-made Integra Type S to Japan takes that pride to a new level.”
Japanese public enthusiasm
Even before export confirmation, the sports car had already aroused curiosity in Japan.
The model was exhibited at two of the country’s main automotive events:
- Tokyo Auto Salon 2026
- Osaka Auto Fair 2026
During the exhibitions, many visitors expressed excitement about the possibility of the car officially reaching the Japanese market.
A historic move by Honda
The export of the Integra Type S also reinforces Honda’s tradition of exporting vehicles manufactured in the United States.
In 1988, the company became the first Japanese automaker to import cars produced in American factories to Japan, with the shipment of the Accord Coupé and the Gold Wing GL1500 motorcycle, both manufactured in Ohio.
Since 1987, Honda has exported more than 1.75 million U.S.-made Acura and Honda vehicles to global markets, including nearly 300,000 units destined for Japan.
Sports car with manual transmission and 320 horsepower
In Japan, the Integra Type S will be sold with practically the same specifications as the North American market — including left-hand drive, something unusual in the country.
Among the technical highlights are:
- Motor 2.0 turbo VTEC
- 320 horsepower
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Automatic rotation adjustment system
- Limited slip differential
- Two-axle front suspension
- Adaptive dampers
- Brembo brakes
- 19 inch wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
Interior focused on technology and sports experience
The interior of the Integra Type S combines sportiness with premium features.
Among the equipment are:
- 10.2″ Acura Precision Cockpit Digital Dashboard
- Head-Up Display
- Heated sports seats
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Induction cell phone charging
- ELS STUDIO 3D sound system with 16 speakers
Acura’s strategy is to position the model as a new interpretation of sports performance for a modern generation of enthusiasts.
Source and images: Acura. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
