E-Rod
Honda Fanatic
- First Name
- Erik
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2016
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 83
- Reaction score
- 74
- Location
- Lancaster, SC
- Car(s)
- 1991 NSX, 2006 S2000, 2024 Integra Type-S
- Thread starter
- #1
Today I picked up my ITS in PWP (now named "Luna", as today was also a full moon), somewhat impulsively after having an A-Spec loaner for a couple of days while my NA1 NSX has been getting some work done (CV joint/boots + alignment). I admit I was skeptical of it at first with the loaner, but I really enjoyed the ride. Despite being a CVT it felt really smooth, great handling and brakes, and nice tech package for all the bells and whistles.
I wasn't in the market for a car exactly, but my DD is a Tesla Model 3 and despite being the Performance model... it's not exactly a driver's car or exciting. I actually nickname her Cinderella because I only take her out when its not a good day or event to take the NA1 or AP2 out. But then I started to think why do I own a car that I don't enjoy driving? Because it's a trusty DD? Surely there must be a better way I thought...
Today I came back to turn in the loaner and "just take a look" at the showroom while I waited for them to wrap up the service. There was an Apex Blue ITS out front that caught my eye but the PWP+Ebony in the showroom absolutely stole the show for me. The way the pearl shimmered in the light and black on white contrast, made me miss my CTR. Initially I thought I wanted LCM, but after seeing it in person on an Apsec it was a bit too drab for me.
I already knew in my heart I was taking this car home, I don't know why I was trying to talk myself out of it or waiting on another color to show up. After another few minutes I was talking to the sales rep about price and they wanted MSRP nothing more -- fair enough. After doing all the fun paperwork I was sitting in the ITS and setting it all up -- much easier after getting familiar with the Integra loaner already. I felt like a kid on Christmas, the thrill of getting a new toy that's brand new and shiny. I wasn't sure if I enjoyed more sitting inside it or gawking at it from the outside.
I had a nice 45 minute drive home and oh boy... does this have some balls!
I thought the 600 mile "break-in" would require some restraint but honestly this car gets well up to speed with minimal effort. I don't want to say I'm scared of the power, but I'm definitely not worried about feeling the need to wind it out to get it. Maybe it's just being used to N/A motors and the linear power band compared to the turbo boost, but goodness!
My main joy is just the comfort of the ride, this thing is an amazing DD. I'm trying to compare it to the memories of the CTR, but this just feels all around better. Smoother, more refined, just more comfortable (especially the suspension). Would be no problem taking this on a 500+ mile road trip and sitting in it for hours on end cruising along. More luxury, less boy-racer.
I can say that this 6-speed transmission is probably one of the best ever and that's a high bar for Honda. I've always loved the AP2 transmission but I dare say this one is even better. The short throw and the simple click confirmation with zero grittiness is just heaven. Having owned a FG2 back in the day and later the FK8, this is the end-game of what I wanted those cars to be.
My poor AP2 is going to get even less time now...
(I sold the Model 3 to my brother who really enjoys it)
I wasn't in the market for a car exactly, but my DD is a Tesla Model 3 and despite being the Performance model... it's not exactly a driver's car or exciting. I actually nickname her Cinderella because I only take her out when its not a good day or event to take the NA1 or AP2 out. But then I started to think why do I own a car that I don't enjoy driving? Because it's a trusty DD? Surely there must be a better way I thought...
Today I came back to turn in the loaner and "just take a look" at the showroom while I waited for them to wrap up the service. There was an Apex Blue ITS out front that caught my eye but the PWP+Ebony in the showroom absolutely stole the show for me. The way the pearl shimmered in the light and black on white contrast, made me miss my CTR. Initially I thought I wanted LCM, but after seeing it in person on an Apsec it was a bit too drab for me.
I already knew in my heart I was taking this car home, I don't know why I was trying to talk myself out of it or waiting on another color to show up. After another few minutes I was talking to the sales rep about price and they wanted MSRP nothing more -- fair enough. After doing all the fun paperwork I was sitting in the ITS and setting it all up -- much easier after getting familiar with the Integra loaner already. I felt like a kid on Christmas, the thrill of getting a new toy that's brand new and shiny. I wasn't sure if I enjoyed more sitting inside it or gawking at it from the outside.
I had a nice 45 minute drive home and oh boy... does this have some balls!
I thought the 600 mile "break-in" would require some restraint but honestly this car gets well up to speed with minimal effort. I don't want to say I'm scared of the power, but I'm definitely not worried about feeling the need to wind it out to get it. Maybe it's just being used to N/A motors and the linear power band compared to the turbo boost, but goodness!My main joy is just the comfort of the ride, this thing is an amazing DD. I'm trying to compare it to the memories of the CTR, but this just feels all around better. Smoother, more refined, just more comfortable (especially the suspension). Would be no problem taking this on a 500+ mile road trip and sitting in it for hours on end cruising along. More luxury, less boy-racer.
I can say that this 6-speed transmission is probably one of the best ever and that's a high bar for Honda. I've always loved the AP2 transmission but I dare say this one is even better. The short throw and the simple click confirmation with zero grittiness is just heaven. Having owned a FG2 back in the day and later the FK8, this is the end-game of what I wanted those cars to be.
My poor AP2 is going to get even less time now...
(I sold the Model 3 to my brother who really enjoys it)
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