2000 Acura Integra GSR: Horsepower & Specs That Redefine Average Sports Sedans

In the crowded arena of compact performance sedans, the 2000 Acura Integra GSR stands out not just for its sleek design and refined interior, but for its potent powertrain and balanced dynamics—delivering up to 260 horsepower in a compact package with efficiency and refinement. This model redefines what a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can achieve in the midsize segment, combining spirited performance with real-world practicality in a way few rivals match. The heart of the 2000 Acura Integra GSR is its 2.0-liter Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) engine, a engineering marvel tuned for both responsiveness and reliability.

Powered by a 230 horsepower pre-turbo boost and aEC9W mated to an 8-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), the engine delivers quick, seamless acceleration while maintaining a low revving character that builds anticipation. With peak power hitting 260 hp and maximum torque peaking at an impressive 456 lb-ft, this setup ensures the GSR can punch through traffic and command attention on open roads alike. _Specs at a Glance:_ - Engine: 2.0L Supercharged Turbocharged Inline-4 - Power: 260 hp@6,000–6,500 rpm - Torque: 456 lb-ft@2,500–5,800 rpm - Transmission: 8-speed CVT with Sport-tuned shift logic - 0–60 mph: Approximately 6.6 seconds - Top Speed: Electronically limited around 140 mph _Performance Handling:_ While adding over 200 horsepower to the base Integra platform transforms the driving experience, the GSR retains the ride precision and stability typical of Acura’s approach.

The chassis, engineered with light-weight steel and carefully tuned suspension, delivers balanced understeer characteristics—ideal for both daily commuting and spirited weekend driving. Downforce-enhancing aerodynamics, including a front grille vortex, spoiler, and rear diffuser, enhance grip without sacrificing low-end efficiency. Inside the cabin, driver-focused ergonomics meet high-quality materials, with intuitive controls that keep focus on the road.

The integration of Industry-like precision in tuning—balancing the turbocharged engine’s character—ensures each turn feels deliberate, each shift smooth. _Acceleration and Driving Dynamics:_ Measuring 0–60 mph in under 7 seconds, the GSR closes the gap on traditional midsize rivals. The CVT shifts intelligently, preserving gear ring harmony, while the turbocharger delivers surge with minimal lag, making low-speed sap responsive without disruptive turbo thrust.

At higher speeds, the vehicle maintains refinement—quiet cabins up to high freeway volumes, responsive steering, and tire grip that surprises under hard applications. _Efficiency Meets Performance:_ Space-saving efficiency is a hallmark of the GSR’s engineering. With combined city/highway MPG ratings around 30+ in hybrid-adjacent real-world conditions—though not a hybrid, its hybrid-use-friendly architecture reflects Acura’s forward-thinking design—the sedan proves that performance doesn’t demand compromise.

Fuel economy and torque delivery remain optimized across driving cycles, reducing long-term ownership costs without sacrificing engagement. _Comparative Edge:_ When benchmarked against peers like the Honda Accord Touring Turbo and Toyota Camry TRD Sports—both offering comparable horsepower—the GSR excels in balance. While some rivals prioritize raw power or track signaling, Acura’s setup emphasizes driver engagement grounded in usable performance.

Unlike overly aggressive tuning, the GSR’s engine map prioritizes reliability and real-world usability, making it the ideal blend of sporty intent and everyday practicality. _The Verdict:_ The 2000 Acura Integra GSR is more than a performance sedan—it’s a masterclass in compact engineering. With up to 260 hp housed in a responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, paired with a shift-refined CVT and precise chassis tuning, it delivers thrilling power without sacrificing refinement or reliability.

For drivers seeking a dynamic, balanced sports sedan that’s ready for both highway cruising and spirited weekend drives, the GSR stands as a definitive centerpiece—where horsepower, precision, and practicality converge.

The synergy between brute horsepower and meticulous tuning makes the GSR a standout: a midsize performance icon built for real-world use with an edge that’s both accessible and thrilling, proving this 2000 model is the benchmark for the modern sporty sedan.