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 vehicle officially sold in Japan, precisely in the year the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The decision draws attention because it reverses a traditional flow in the automotive industry. Instead of exporting cars from Japan to the United States, Honda will now send a model produced in Ohio to the Japanese market.
The Integra Type S is currently the most powerful Integra ever produced, establishing itself as one of the sportiest versions in the model’s history.
Fully produced in the United States
The Acura Integra Type S is manufactured exclusively at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio. The high-performance turbocharged K20C engine is produced at the Anna Engine Plant, also in Ohio.
The same factory is responsible for producing the engine used in 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 over the last thirty years has been a source of enormous pride. Now, exporting the U.S.-built Integra Type S to Japan takes that pride to a new level.”
Enthusiasm from the Japanese public
Even before the export was confirmed, the sports car had already sparked curiosity in Japan.
The model was displayed at two of the country’s main automotive events:
- Tokyo Auto Salon 2026
- Osaka Auto Messe 2026
During the exhibitions, many visitors expressed enthusiasm 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 into Japan vehicles produced in American factories, 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 Acura and Honda vehicles manufactured in the U.S. 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 virtually the same specifications as the North American model — including left-hand drive, something unusual in the country.
Among the technical highlights are:
- 2.0-liter turbo VTEC engine
- 320 horsepower
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Automatic rev-matching system
- Limited-slip differential
- Dual-axis front suspension
- Adaptive dampers
- Brembo brakes
- 19-inch wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
Interior focused on technology and sporty experience
The Integra Type S interior combines sportiness with premium features.
Equipment includes:
- 10.2″ Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument cluster
- Head-Up Display
- Heated sport seats
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- ELS STUDIO 3D sound system with 16 speakers
Acura’s strategy is to position the model as a new interpretation of sporty 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.
