Acura has unveiled the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, a thrilling glimpse into a new realm of street and track performance parts developed by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) engineers. This prototype, showcased during Monterey Car Week, embodies the culmination of HRC’s championship-winning expertise, promising Acura enthusiasts an unprecedented level of driving exhilaration for their Integra Type S vehicles. The Integra Type S HRC Prototype elevates the already impressive Integra Type S, infusing it with advanced aerodynamics, engine enhancements, and suspension refinements honed on the racetrack with the Integra Type S TCX racecar.
“HRC performance parts represent an exciting initiative to forge a deeper connection with Acura and Honda aficionados who crave exclusive HRC race engineering to amplify their performance driving,” stated Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA. “The Acura Integra Type S Hrc Prototype is a symphony of performance-driven design. Every component is functional, contributing directly to enhanced performance; superfluous elements are simply absent.”
Spearheaded by HRC US in Southern California, the Integra Type S HRC Prototype project is a holistic approach to driving dynamics. It encompasses improvements to the engine, suspension, and braking systems, alongside substantial weight reduction, showcasing the untapped potential of the Integra Type S for both spirited street driving and demanding track environments.
The public debut of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is scheduled for The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on Friday, August 16th, with a press event at 10:36 a.m.
Optimized Aerodynamics for Track Domination
The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype’s aggressive aesthetic, conceived at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, is visually striking from every perspective. Drawing directly from the aerodynamic development of the Integra Type S TCX racecar, the prototype boasts enhanced downforce and high-speed stability. Functional aerodynamic elements are meticulously integrated to optimize performance at track velocities. These include a redesigned front fascia featuring a larger front splitter and strategically placed cooling ducts, expanded hood vents, side splitters, and a track-ready adjustable carbon fiber rear wing with durable aluminum uprights.
The prototype is finished in Indy Yellow Pearl paint, a vibrant hue first popularized on the second-generation NSX supercar, adding to its visual drama. Custom-milled aluminum HRC badges adorn the grille, front fenders, and decklid, proudly displaying the same emblem found on championship-winning Honda and Acura race machines in prestigious series like IndyCar, IMSA, and Formula 1.
Weight Reduction Through Carbon Fiber Innovation
A core principle in elevating the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype’s performance is weight reduction. Extensive use of carbon fiber components significantly lightens the vehicle. This includes a carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber rear door panels, and aggressively sculpted one-piece Recaro bucket seats. The rear seating area has been ingeniously replaced with a carbon fiber shelf, designed to securely transport four mounted wheels and tires for track days, demonstrating a practical approach to performance enhancement.
Combined with an optional air conditioning delete, the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype achieves a remarkable weight reduction of nearly 200 lbs compared to the standard Integra Type S, directly translating to improved agility and responsiveness.
Enhanced Engine Performance and Cooling
The high-revving turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC® engine of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype receives notable upgrades to boost output, responsiveness, and cooling efficiency. Drawing technology from the Acura Integra Type S HRC TCX race car, these enhancements include a larger intercooler, twin oil coolers, and a meticulously tuned, lightweight cat-back exhaust system. These modifications ensure optimal engine performance even under demanding track conditions.
Upgraded Handling with Track-Ready Suspension
Handling prowess is paramount in the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype. It features a track-ready suspension system lowered by 15mm, incorporating tuned coilovers, an adjustable rear anti-roll bar, and adjustable front and rear camber plates – components mirroring those found in the Acura Integra Type S HRC TCX race car. Forged lightweight 19 x 9.5-inch wheels with an increased negative offset widen the front and rear track by 30mm. This not only sharpens handling dynamics but also imparts an assertive stance to the prototype.
To maximize grip and cornering capabilities, the performance wheels are shod in track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R ultra-high-performance tires (265/30ZR19) with a 60 Treadwear rating, ensuring exceptional adhesion on both street and circuit.
Superior Braking for Confident Control
Exceptional braking performance is crucial for a track-focused machine. The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is equipped with massive 15-inch two-piece front rotors, a substantial 1.4-inch increase over the standard Integra, paired with Brembo® 6-piston aluminum calipers. Two-piece rear rotors further contribute to reducing unsprung weight. Larger ducts integrated into the front fascia optimize brake cooling by channeling increased airflow to the front rotors, maintaining consistent braking performance during rigorous driving.
To 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. The premium performance-oriented cabin is further refined with black Alcantara accents and color-matched yellow seatbelts, stitching, and trim, creating a purposeful and visually cohesive interior environment.
Honda Racing Corporation USA: Race-Bred Engineering
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) is the driving force behind Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing programs in North America. From premier series like IndyCar and IMSA sports cars to supporting commercial racing initiatives and contributing to Honda’s Formula One program, HRC US embodies a legacy of racing excellence. Notably, HRC is set to partner with the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team as the official engine supplier in 2026. With the growing Formula 1 presence in the U.S., HRC USA will play a vital role in Formula One power unit development and race support starting in 2026.
Established in Japan in 1982 as Honda’s motorcycle racing division, HRC boasts over four decades of championship-winning heritage across global racing disciplines, including MotoGP, Superbike, Motocross, and the Dakar Rally. In 2022, HRC expanded its scope to include auto racing, encompassing the Honda F1 program.
The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype signals an exciting future for Acura enthusiasts, hinting at the potential availability of HRC performance parts to elevate the driving experience of their own vehicles. This prototype represents a tangible link between Acura’s road cars and the pinnacle of motorsports, promising a new era of track-inspired performance.
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About Honda Racing Corporation USA
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), formerly Honda Performance Development (HPD), has been instrumental in creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since 1993. In January 2024, HPD transitioned to HRC US, integrating with HRC Japan to amplify the company’s overall motorsports capabilities. HRC US spearheads all Honda and Acura high-performance racing programs in North America, from INDYCAR and IMSA to commercial racing programs, and will contribute to Formula One power unit development and race support as Honda enters its next F1 phase in 2026.
HRC US specializes in powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts design and development, alongside providing technical and race support. The company also offers parts and race support to amateur and professional Honda and Acura racers across various racing styles, from karting to the highest echelons of professional racing. www.hondaracing-us.honda.com
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive brand dedicated to delivering 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 will join the lineup as a new entry model in 2025. High-performance Type S variants further exemplify Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance ethos. All Acura vehicles sold in America are manufactured in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.
More information about Acura is available at: https://acuranews.com/en-US.
