Acura has unveiled the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, signaling a thrilling new direction for performance enthusiasts. This prototype, showcased during Monterey Car Week, hints at a forthcoming line of street and track-focused Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) performance parts, developed by the same engineers behind championship-winning race machines. The Hrc Integra Prototype takes the already impressive Integra Type S to an entirely new level, promising ultimate performance for both the road and the racetrack.
Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President of Honda Racing Corporation USA, emphasized the core concept: “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.” He further stated about the HRC Integra, “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 philosophy underscores the prototype’s design, where every modification serves a purpose in enhancing the driving experience.
Spearheaded by HRC US in Southern California, the development of the Integra Type S HRC Prototype is a holistic approach to performance enhancement. It targets every aspect of the driving experience – engine, suspension, and braking – alongside significant weight reduction. This prototype is not just a concept car; it’s a demonstration of the potential inherent in the Integra Type S, amplified by HRC’s racing expertise to deliver a dramatically improved driving experience, whether on public roads or pushing limits on a track. The public can witness the HRC Integra firsthand at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, on Friday, August 16.
Aerodynamic Enhancements Inspired by Racing
The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype boasts an aggressive aesthetic, conceived at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles. This design is not merely for show; it’s deeply rooted in the aerodynamic knowledge gleaned from developing the Integra Type S TCX racecar. The objective is clear: maximize downforce and bolster high-speed stability. Several functional aerodynamic components are integrated to achieve peak performance at track speeds. These include a redesigned front fascia featuring a more prominent front splitter and strategically placed cooling ducts, enlarged hood vents to manage heat, side splitters to channel airflow, and a visually striking adjustable carbon fiber rear wing supported by aluminum uprights. These elements work in harmony to ensure the HRC Integra remains planted and responsive at high velocities.
The prototype’s striking visual appeal is further enhanced by its Indy Yellow Pearl paint finish, a vibrant color first introduced on the second-generation NSX supercar. Custom-milled aluminum HRC badges, prominently displayed on the grille, front fenders, and decklid, boldly declare its performance pedigree. 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, connecting the HRC Integra directly to a legacy of motorsport excellence.
Weight Reduction Through Carbon Fiber Innovation
A cornerstone of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype’s performance philosophy is weight reduction. To achieve this, extensive use of carbon fiber components is implemented. The hood and rear door panels are crafted from this lightweight yet strong material, significantly reducing overall mass. Furthermore, the interior features aggressively bolstered one-piece Recaro bucket seats, constructed to minimize weight while providing maximum support during high-G maneuvers. In a further pursuit of weight savings, the rear seat has been replaced with an ingenious carbon shelf. This shelf is not just about shedding pounds; it’s designed with the track enthusiast in mind, providing a secure and stylish way to transport four mounted wheels and tires to and from the track.
Coupled with an optional air conditioning delete, these measures culminate in a remarkable weight reduction of nearly 200 lbs compared to the standard Integra Type S. This substantial decrease in mass directly translates to improved acceleration, braking, and handling, making the HRC Integra significantly more agile and responsive.
Enhanced Engine Performance and Optimized Handling
The high-revving turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC® engine at the heart of the HRC Integra benefits from significant enhancements, focusing on output, response, and cooling efficiency. Drawing directly from the development of the Acura Integra Type S HRC TCX race car, upgrades include a larger intercooler, twin oil coolers, and a meticulously tuned, lightweight cat-back exhaust system. These modifications ensure the engine operates at peak performance, even under the demanding conditions of track driving.
Handling is equally refined. The HRC Integra features a track-ready suspension lowered by 15mm, incorporating tuned coilovers, an adjustable rear anti-roll bar, and adjustable front and rear camber plates – components mirroring those found on the 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 but also gives the prototype a more assertive and planted stance.
To maximize grip and translate these handling improvements into on-track performance, the wheels are shod in track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R ultra-high-performance tires (265/30ZR19) with a 60 Treadwear rating. Braking performance is also elevated to meet track demands. The HRC Integra is equipped with massive 15-inch two-piece front rotors, 1.4 inches larger than the standard Integra, and robust Brembo® 6-piston aluminum calipers. Two-piece rear rotors further reduce unsprung weight, contributing to improved suspension responsiveness. Larger ducts in the front fascia are implemented to enhance brake cooling, channeling more air to the front rotors and ensuring consistent braking performance even under intense use.
Further enhancing chassis rigidity and providing secure mounting points for multipoint harnesses, the rear bulkhead is reinforced with a robust X-Brace. Finished in the same eye-catching Indy Yellow Pearl paint as the exterior, this structural element also adds a visual flourish. The cabin experience is elevated with premium materials, featuring black Alcantara accents and color-matched yellow seatbelts, stitching, and trim, creating a performance-oriented yet refined interior environment within the HRC Integra.
Public Debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is set to make its public debut at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, on Friday, August 16th. This prestigious event, a highlight of Monterey Car Week, provides the perfect stage for Acura to showcase the HRC Integra to a discerning audience of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts.
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US): 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 and contributing to Honda’s Formula One program, HRC US plays a crucial role in the company’s motorsport success. Looking ahead, HRC will partner with the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team as the official engine supplier in 2026. With Formula 1’s growing presence in the U.S., HRC USA will be increasingly involved in Formula One power unit development and race support starting in 2026, further solidifying its commitment to high-performance engineering.
HRC’s roots trace back to its establishment in Japan in 1982 as Honda’s motorcycle racing division. Over four decades, HRC has built an unparalleled legacy of championship wins in global racing categories, including WGP/MotoGP, Superbike, Motocross, World Trial, and the grueling Paris Dakar rally. In 2022, HRC expanded its purview to include auto racing, incorporating Honda’s F1 program into its responsibilities, and now bringing its expertise to road cars with projects like the HRC Integra.
Stay Informed About the HRC Integra Prototype
Enthusiasts eager to learn more about the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype and the future HRC performance parts can sign up for updates here. This prototype represents a significant step in Acura’s commitment to Precision Crafted Performance, promising an exciting future for owners seeking to elevate their Integra Type S driving experience to track-ready levels.
