2002: Inaugural production year introducing DC5 Integra Type R as fourth-generation evolution of legendary Type R lineage featuring all-new K20A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine producing 220 PS (217 horsepower) at 8,000 RPM representing substantial technological advancement versus previous B18C configuration. Launch specification manufactured exclusively at Suzuka facility featured close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, helical limited-slip differential, Brembo four-piston front brake calipers, Recaro bucket seats with red stitching, MOMO leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, and lightweight 17-inch five-spoke wheels wearing Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tires sized 215/45R17. Initial market reception praised high-revving engine character achieving 8,200 RPM redline, precise shifter feel, exceptional chassis balance, and improved mid-range torque versus DC2 predecessor addressing previous criticisms of peaky power delivery requiring aggressive driving extracting performance. Production allocation restricted to Japanese Domestic Market with limited export availability to Australia and New Zealand in slightly detuned specifications lacking full JDM performance hardware creating immediate grey market demand for authentic Japanese-specification examples commanding premium pricing in enthusiast communities worldwide.
2003: Continuation production year maintaining proven 2002 specification without significant mechanical updates as Honda prioritized development resources toward upcoming mid-cycle refresh. Model year characterized by consistent build quality, expanding enthusiast community recognition, and growing aftermarket support ecosystem with suspension manufacturers, exhaust specialists, and engine management developers introducing DC5-specific performance products. September 2003 minor update introduced body-color windscreen washer nozzles replacing previous black specification, rear privacy glass became standalone option, and two MiniDisc audio system options addressed technology expectations. Competition participation accelerated across grassroots motorsport including autocross Solo II, time attack events, and circuit racing establishing DC5 Type R as formidable front-wheel-drive competitor achieving competitive lap times versus more powerful rear-wheel-drive rivals through superior chassis balance and driver engagement characteristics. Used market values remained stable reflecting strong new vehicle demand and limited depreciation typical of Type R variants maintaining collector appeal through proven reliability and emotional driving character absent from contemporary turbocharged competitors prioritizing outright power over naturally-aspirated purity.
2005: Major mid-cycle facelift introducing comprehensively updated exterior styling, enhanced chassis rigidity, and refined suspension tuning addressing customer feedback accumulated through three-year production experience. Exterior updates included revised front bumper with integrated fog lights, new headlamp assemblies, updated tail light design, revised side skirts, and new front grille incorporating prominent Type R badging creating fresher aesthetic presence. Chassis reinforcements featured strengthened suspension mounting points, uprated spring and damper specifications, revised bushing compounds, larger brake master cylinder improving pedal feel, and more responsive steering calibration enhancing turn-in response without compromising stability. Interior updates included revised instrument cluster design, updated audio head unit options, and refined seat fabric patterns maintaining Recaro bucket seat retention. Mechanical specification remained unchanged preserving proven K20A powerplant and six-speed transmission validating original engineering excellence. Production volume decreased as Honda prepared DC5 generation conclusion planning successor development, while growing collector recognition generated increased market interest for final-year examples anticipated appreciating post-production similar to DC2 predecessor experiencing substantial value increases establishing Type R variants as legitimate investment-grade collector vehicles.
2006: Final production year concluding DC5 Integra Type R generation with total Japanese Domestic Market output reaching approximately 12,247 units establishing platform as relatively limited-production performance vehicle. Model year maintained 2005-facelift specification through production conclusion without additional updates, while manufacturing ceased June 2006 preparing Honda's performance vehicle strategy transition toward Civic Type R development incorporating DC5's K-series engine technology and track-focused philosophy into larger FD2 platform. Final-year examples commanded strong transaction prices from enthusiasts recognizing conclusion of Integra Type R nameplate's 15-year production spanning DA, DC2, and DC5 generations establishing legendary reputation within front-wheel-drive performance segment. Legacy positioned DC5 Type R as definitive naturally-aspirated K-series performance application combining accessible pricing, engaging dynamics, reliable mechanicals, and emotional high-revving character creating compelling alternative to European hot hatch competitors, while contemporary used market values range $15,000-$35,000 with pristine unmodified examples commanding premium pricing reflecting strong collector demand and nostalgia-driven appreciation for pure naturally-aspirated Honda performance preceding modern turbocharged efficiency-focused automotive landscape fundamentally transforming enthusiast vehicle segment priorities.