The Acura Integra Type-R returned for its sophomore year in 1998. The Type-R can be distinguished from the rest of the Integra lineup by its pronounced rear spoiler, lower front lip, and aerodynamic side skirts. The Type-R was only offered in a coupe body style, and for 1998, was again sold in only one color – Championship White.

White Integra Type-R wheels were wrapped in Bridgestone summer performance tires and larger disc brakes were found at all four corners. Many chassis enhancements were made over non-Type-R trims, including body reinforcements, a stiffer suspension, and removal of sound deadening materials. Acura also deleted cruise control and the sunroof for the Type-R, and air conditioning was optional. Even the windshield glass was thinner than normal in an effort to save weight.

The beating heart of the 1998 Acura Integra Type-R is its high-revving VTEC four-cylinder engine. Although it has the same 1.8-liter displacement as the rest of the North American Integra offerings, Honda extensively reworked the unit and assembled it by hand. The result was a rating of 195 horsepower at a 8,000 rpm and 130 pound-feet of torque at 7,300 rpm. Power goes to the front wheels through a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission.

1998 Integra Type-Rs included a rear window wiper—a feature that was absent for the 1997 Type-R. The 1998 model year is also the second rarest for U.S. market Type-Rs, with just 998 examples sold here that year.