Acura has unveiled the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, signaling a thrilling new direction for performance enthusiasts. This prototype hints at a forthcoming line of street and track-focused performance parts under the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) banner. Developed by the same engineers responsible for HRC’s championship-winning race cars, these parts promise to infuse Acura vehicles with genuine racing pedigree. The Integra Type S HRC Prototype, revealed during Monterey Car Week, showcases the potential of these upgrades, pushing the already impressive Integra Type S to new heights of performance, suitable for both spirited street driving and demanding track environments.
Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President of Honda Racing Corporation USA, emphasized the core concept behind this initiative: “HRC performance parts is an exciting concept focused on building a stronger connection with Acura and Honda enthusiasts eager to access exclusive HRC race engineering to augment their performance driving experience. Every spec of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype screams performance. Everything is functional – if it doesn’t add performance it isn’t on the car.” This statement underscores the performance-driven philosophy behind HRC parts, ensuring that every component serves a purpose in enhancing the driving experience.
The development of the Integra Type S HRC Prototype is spearheaded by HRC US in Southern California. The focus is comprehensive, targeting enhancements across engine, suspension, and braking systems, alongside significant efforts to reduce vehicle weight. This holistic approach aims to unlock the full potential of the Integra Type S, translating to tangible improvements in both street and racetrack performance. The prototype made its public debut at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, on August 16th, generating considerable excitement among automotive aficionados.
Aerodynamic Enhancements for Track Domination
The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype boasts an aggressive and purposeful design, sculpted at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles. Drawing directly from the aerodynamic development of the Integra Type S TCX race car, the prototype features a suite of functional aerodynamic elements designed to maximize downforce and ensure exceptional high-speed stability.
Key aerodynamic upgrades include a redesigned front fascia incorporating a larger front splitter and integrated cooling ducts. These elements work in concert to manage airflow, reducing lift and channeling cooling air to critical components. Larger hood vents further contribute to thermal management by extracting hot air from the engine bay, while side splitters refine airflow along the vehicle’s flanks. The most visually striking aerodynamic component is the adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, mounted on robust aluminum uprights. This wing allows for precise tuning of rear downforce, optimizing the car’s balance for various track conditions and driving styles.
Finished in the vibrant Indy Yellow Pearl, a color first made famous by the second-generation NSX supercar, the prototype’s bodywork is visually arresting. Custom milled aluminum HRC badges, prominently placed on the grille, front fenders, and decklid, serve as a bold declaration of its racing lineage. These badges feature the same iconic logo seen on Honda and Acura’s victorious race machines in prestigious series such as IndyCar, IMSA, and Formula 1, further solidifying the connection to HRC’s racing heritage.
Weight Reduction: A Cornerstone of Performance
A significant aspect of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype’s enhanced performance comes from a meticulous focus on weight reduction. Extensive use of carbon fiber components plays a crucial role in shedding unnecessary mass. The hood and rear door panels are crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, significantly reducing weight in critical areas of the vehicle. Inside, aggressively bolstered one-piece Recaro bucket seats replace the standard seats, offering superior support while also contributing to weight savings.
Further demonstrating the prototype’s track-focused nature, the rear seat has been removed and replaced with a cleverly designed carbon fiber shelf. This shelf is engineered to securely accommodate four mounted wheels and tires, essential for track-day enthusiasts who transport their own wheel and tire sets. An optional air conditioning delete further underscores the commitment to weight reduction for ultimate performance. In total, these measures result in a remarkable weight saving of approximately 200 lbs compared to the standard Integra Type S, directly translating to improved acceleration, braking, and handling agility.
Enhanced Engine Performance and Optimized Handling
The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype elevates performance beyond aerodynamics and weight savings, delving into powertrain and chassis enhancements. The already potent turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine benefits from several key upgrades derived from the Integra Type S HRC TCX race car. A larger intercooler improves intake air density, while twin oil coolers ensure consistent engine temperatures under demanding conditions. A specially tuned, lightweight cat-back exhaust system not only reduces weight but also optimizes exhaust flow and enhances the engine’s auditory character.
Handling is meticulously refined through a track-ready suspension system. The prototype features lowered (15mm) suspension with tuned coilovers, allowing for precise adjustments to ride height and damping. An adjustable rear anti-roll bar and adjustable front and rear camber plates, similar to those used on the Integra Type S HRC TCX race car, provide further fine-tuning capabilities for optimal track performance. Forged lightweight 19 x 9.5-inch wheels, featuring an increased negative offset, widen the front and rear track by 30mm. This wider track not only enhances handling stability but also imparts a more aggressive and planted stance to the prototype.
To maximize grip and exploit the chassis enhancements, the performance wheels are shod with track-ready Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R ultra-high-performance tires (265/30ZR19) boasting a 60 Treadwear rating. These tires offer exceptional levels of grip in dry conditions, crucial for both track days and spirited driving.
Braking System: Confidence Inspiring Stopping Power
To match the substantial performance upgrades, the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is equipped with a significantly enhanced braking system. Massive 15-inch two-piece front rotors, a substantial 1.4-inch increase over the standard Integra, are paired with high-performance Brembo 6-piston aluminum calipers. Two-piece rear rotors are also implemented, further reducing unsprung weight and improving brake responsiveness. Larger ducts integrated into the front fascia are designed to channel increased airflow to the front rotors, significantly improving brake cooling performance and mitigating brake fade under strenuous track use.
To further enhance chassis rigidity and provide secure mounting points for multipoint harnesses, the rear bulkhead is reinforced with a robust X-Brace. Finished in the same striking Indy Yellow Pearl as the exterior, this brace not only adds structural integrity but also contributes to the prototype’s visual appeal. The interior experience is elevated with black Alcantara accents and color-matched yellow seatbelts, stitching, and trim, creating a premium and performance-oriented cabin environment.
Honda Racing Corporation USA: A Legacy of Performance
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) stands at the forefront of Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing endeavors in North America. From pinnacle racing programs in IndyCar and IMSA sports cars to supporting commercial racing initiatives and contributing to Honda’s Formula One program, HRC US embodies a commitment to racing excellence. Looking ahead, HRC will partner with the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team as the official engine supplier in 2026, further solidifying its presence on the global motorsport stage. With Formula 1’s growing presence in the U.S., HRC USA will play a vital role in Formula One power unit development and race support starting in 2026.
HRC’s origins trace back to 1982 in Japan, initially established as Honda’s motorcycle racing division. Over four decades, HRC has amassed an unparalleled legacy of championship victories in premier global racing categories, including MotoGP, Superbike, Motocross, World Trial, and the Dakar Rally. In 2022, HRC expanded its purview to include auto racing, incorporating Honda’s Formula 1 program into its responsibilities.
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About Honda Racing Corporation USA
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), formerly known as Honda Performance Development (HPD), boasts a rich history of creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since 1993. The transition to HRC US in January 2024, through integration with HRC Japan, signifies a strengthening of the company’s overall motorsports capabilities. HRC US leads all Honda and Acura high-performance racing programs in North America, from INDYCAR and IMSA to commercial racing, and will be instrumental in Formula One power unit development and race support as Honda enters its next F1 chapter in 2026.
HRC US specializes in the comprehensive design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts, providing crucial technical and race support. The company extends its support to amateur and professional Honda and Acura racers, offering parts and race services across various racing disciplines, from karting to the highest echelons of professional racing. www.hondaracing-us.honda.com
About Acura
Acura stands as a leading automotive brand, renowned for its commitment to expressive design, innovative engineering, and engaging driving dynamics, all rooted in its Precision Crafted Performance DNA. The Acura lineup features two sport sedans, the Integra and TLX, and three sport-utility vehicles, the RDX, MDX, and the all-electric ZDX. The ADX SUV is slated to join the lineup as a new entry-level model in 2025. High-performance Type S variants further exemplify Acura’s dedication to Precision Crafted Performance. All Acura vehicles sold in America are manufactured in the U.S., using both domestic and globally sourced components.
Further information about Acura can be found at: https://acuranews.com/en-US.
