After 40 years, Acura is finally headed to Japan.
As Acura celebrates its 40th anniversary this March, the brand is will enter the Japanese market for the first time with the Acura Integra Type S. It also marks the return of the Integra nameplate to Japan since it was discontinued in 2006 as the Honda Integra.
Built in Marysville, Ohio, the Integra Type S will be exported to Japan mostly unchanged, retaining full U.S.-market specifications — including left-hand drive. Sales in Japan begin in the second half of 2026.
Could this be the beginning of Acura’s expansion into the Japanese market, or simply a special 40th anniversary occasion?
Full press release below.
Acura to Export U.S.-Built Integra Type S High Performance Model to Japan
• Sales of Integra Type S will begin in Japan in the second half of 2026
• Integra will bring Acura Precision Crafted Performance to Japanese market for the first time, matching U.S. market specifications
• Integra Type S is built exclusively at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio, using domestic and globally made parts
March 2, 2026 – TORRANCE, Calif.,
Acura announced today that the U.S.-built Integra Type S—the most powerful, best-performing Integra ever—will be exported to Japan, with sales scheduled to begin in Japan in 2026. The high-performance Integra variant will become the first Acura-branded vehicle sold in Japan as the brand marks its 40th anniversary. Acura was the first premium Japanese automobile brand sold in the U.S. market.
The award-winning Acura Integra Type S is built exclusively at the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally made parts. The K20C engine that powers the Integra Type S is built exclusively at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, which also produces the engine that powers the Civic Type R, which is also exported to Japan.
“Building Acura models in America for the past thirty years has been a source of immense pride, and now exporting the American-built Integra Type S to Japan takes that pride to a new level,” said Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president of the Manufacturing Management Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America. “Our Ohio associates pour their expertise and passion into every vehicle, and we’re excited for customers in Japan to experience the performance they create.”
Honda exhibited the Acura Integra Type S at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 and Osaka Auto Messe 2026, held in January and February 2026, respectively, where many visitors expressed excitement over the possibility of the model being available for the Japan market.
In March 1988, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to import its own U.S.- made vehicles to Japan, with a shipment of Accord Coupe automobiles and Gold Wing GL1500 motorcycles made at Honda plants in Marysville, Ohio, USA. Since beginning overseas exports of U.S.-made automobiles in 1987, Honda has exported more than 1.75 million Acura and Honda vehicles to global markets. This includes nearly 300,000 vehicle exports to Japan.
A perennial top seller in the premium sport compact segment in America since its launch in 2022, the Acura Integra consistently commands about 35% of retail sales¹ in the segment. Integra Type S has been especially important to Acura in attracting the youngest buyers in its segment² with the high-performance Type S variant representing over 10% of the Integra sales mix.
Acura Integra Type S
The Integra Type S will be offered in Japan matching U.S. market specifications, including left-hand-drive, to deliver a new interpretation of ultimate street performance for the next generation of enthusiast drivers, with class-leading power and dynamic capabilities paired with premium features and refinement.
Standard high-performance hardware includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC® engine producing 320 horsepower and the only available manual transmission in its class – a precise, short-throw 6-speed with an automatic rev-matching system for an intimate and rewarding connection with the driver. A limited slip differential puts the engine’s power to the pavement effectively.
An innovative dual-axis front suspension design and performance-tuned Adaptive Damper System provide precise control of ride and handling with optimized damping curves to suit driving conditions. Powerful Brembo® front brake calipers and lightweight 19-inch wheels wrapped in sticky 265/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance summer tires complete the dynamic package.
Inside, Integra Type S drivers are treated to class-leading premium features and technologies, including heated front sport seats, a 10.2-inch Acura Precision CockpitTM Driver Information Interface and Head-Up Display. Must-have technology features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM compatibility, wireless phone charging and a 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system also are standard. For more information on the Acura Integra Type S click here.
About Acura
Acura is a leading premium auto brand committed to delivering expressive styling, innovative engineering and engaging dynamics, all built on the brand’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA. The Acura lineup consists of four models: the Integra sport sedan, and the ADX, RDX, and MDX sport-utility vehicles. The all-electric RSX will join the lineup in 2026. About 85% of Acura vehicles sold in America in 2025 were made in America, using domestic and globally made parts.
More information about Acura is available here: https://acuranews.com/en-US.
¹Source: Urban Science DataHubTM retail sales 2026CYTD March.
²Source: Strategic Vision New Vehicle Experience Study 2022-2025, median age.
[Source: Acura]