If you’re a fan of the automotive realm and are into all things car culture, then you probably know of legendary automotive photographer Larry Chen. It’s no secret that he spends a lot of time in Japan, so much so that he’s already owned a car just for him to use when he’s there.
Sometime last year, though, he shipped his R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R back to the US where he’s based. And it was only until recently that he’s found a replacement: a DC2 Honda Integra Type R.
We ourselves have been following Larry and his adventures around the world, and we’re familiar with the cars he’s driven or is currently driving. While it’s hard to believe that this is his first Honda, well, that’s just how it is.
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Is the DC2 Integra Type R anywhere near an R34 GT-R—and in Bayside Blue at that—in terms of performance? Definitely not. The Honda doesn’t have the legendary RB26DETT twin-turbo straight-six with the all-wheel-drive system that the Nissan has. That being said, we still think it’s a worthy replacement.
The Integra Type R comes with a B18C powertrain—a legend in its own right—and in true Type R fashion, has a front-wheel-drive layout. It’s a ‘measly’ 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine but it puts out a healthy 197hp and about 181Nm of torque. The numbers pale in comparison to that of any GT-R’s, but the DC2 Integra Type R, mind you, is renowned as one of the best FWD cars ever built. That means that in terms of fun—or smiles-per-liter, if you would—it’s right up there with Godzilla itself. But don’t take it from us. Take it from Chen himself, who had this to say in his post: “This car is about pure driving pleasure and it almost brings tears to my eyes from how much joy it gives me.”
Chen also shared that the particular unit he bought—which had 137,000km on it but was still in pristine condition—was actually a ‘Type Rx,’ meaning it was a send-off for the DC2 Integra and was sold sometime between 2000 to 2001. Interesting stuff, huh?
