Acura has unveiled the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, signaling a thrilling expansion into street and track-focused performance parts under the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) banner. This prototype, revealed during Monterey Car Week, showcases the potential of HRC’s race-bred engineering to elevate the driving experience for Acura enthusiasts. The Integra Type S HRC Prototype is not just a concept; it’s a statement of intent, hinting at a new era of performance enhancements directly derived from championship-winning race technology, specifically tailored for the Acura Integra lineup.
Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President of Honda Racing Corporation USA, emphasized the core philosophy 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.” He further asserted the prototype’s performance-driven design, stating, “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 underscores HRC’s commitment to delivering authentic, performance-enhancing upgrades, moving beyond mere aesthetics.
The development, spearheaded by HRC US in Southern California, targets comprehensive improvements across all facets of driving dynamics. Engine output, suspension agility, and braking efficiency are all enhanced, complemented by significant weight reduction. This holistic approach underscores the dedication to transforming the Integra Type S into an even more formidable machine, both on public roads and demanding racetracks. The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is set for its public debut at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, marking a significant moment for performance car aficionados.
Aerodynamic Mastery: From Race Track to Street
The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype’s aggressive aesthetics are not just for show; they are a functional extension of aerodynamic expertise honed from the Integra Type S TCX racecar program. Designed at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, the prototype’s bodywork is sculpted to maximize downforce and high-speed stability. This translates to enhanced driver confidence and control, especially when pushing the limits on the track.
Key aerodynamic enhancements include a redesigned front fascia featuring a larger front splitter and integrated cooling ducts. These elements work in concert to manage airflow, reducing lift and channeling air where it’s needed most – for cooling and downforce. Larger hood vents further contribute to thermal management, extracting hot air from the engine bay to maintain optimal operating temperatures under strenuous driving conditions. Side splitters refine airflow along the vehicle’s flanks, minimizing turbulence, while an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, mounted on aluminum uprights, provides customizable downforce levels to suit various track conditions and driving styles.
Weight Reduction: Agility Amplified
To amplify performance, the Hrc Integra prototype undergoes a significant diet, leveraging carbon fiber components extensively. The hood and rear door panels are crafted from this lightweight yet strong material, contributing to a lower overall mass and improved weight distribution. Inside, aggressively bolstered one-piece Recaro bucket seats replace the standard units, offering superior lateral support while further reducing weight.
The rear seat has been ingeniously replaced with a carbon fiber shelf, designed to securely transport four mounted wheels and tires – a practical feature for track-day enthusiasts. Coupled with an optional air conditioning delete, these measures culminate in a weight reduction of approximately 200 lbs compared to the standard Integra Type S. This substantial weight loss enhances agility, responsiveness, and overall performance dynamics, making the HRC Integra Prototype a more nimble and engaging machine.
Engine and Handling: Race-Tuned Performance
The heart of the HRC Integra Prototype, the high-revving turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC® engine, receives performance augmentations inspired directly by the Integra Type S HRC TCX racecar. A larger intercooler enhances cooling efficiency, allowing for sustained high-performance output. Twin oil coolers further ensure optimal engine temperatures, crucial for track endurance and reliability. A tuned, lightweight cat-back exhaust system not only reduces weight but also optimizes exhaust flow, potentially unlocking additional horsepower and a more aggressive sound profile.
Handling prowess is elevated with a track-ready suspension setup, lowered by 15mm for a more aggressive stance and lower center of gravity. Tuned coilovers provide adjustable damping characteristics, allowing drivers to fine-tune the suspension for specific track conditions or personal preferences. An adjustable rear anti-roll bar and adjustable front and rear camber plates, similar to the racecar’s specification, further refine handling dynamics and cornering grip.
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 assertive visual presence. These performance wheels are shod with track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R ultra-high-performance tires (265/30ZR19) boasting a 60 Treadwear rating, maximizing grip and traction for exceptional cornering and braking performance.
Braking and Chassis: Engineered for Control
Exceptional braking performance is paramount for a track-focused machine, and the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype delivers with massive 15-inch two-piece front rotors, a significant 1.4-inch increase over the standard Integra. Brembo® 6-piston aluminum calipers provide formidable clamping force, ensuring consistent and fade-resistant braking performance. Two-piece rear rotors further contribute to reducing unsprung weight, enhancing suspension responsiveness. Larger ducts integrated into the front fascia optimize brake cooling by channeling more airflow directly to the front rotors, crucial for maintaining brake performance during intense track sessions.
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 striking Indy Yellow Pearl paint, matching the exterior, this structural element underscores the prototype’s performance intent. The cabin experience is further elevated with black Alcantara accents and color-matched yellow seatbelts, stitching, and trim, creating a premium, performance-oriented ambiance.
HRC Legacy: Racing Heritage and Future Innovation
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) embodies a rich legacy of motorsports excellence. Leading Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing endeavors in North America, HRC US is deeply involved in pinnacle racing programs such as IndyCar and IMSA sports cars, alongside contributing to Honda’s Formula One program. The announcement of HRC’s partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team as the official engine supplier in 2026 further cements their commitment to top-tier motorsport. With the growing Formula 1 presence in the U.S., HRC USA is poised to play a crucial role in Formula One power unit development and race support starting in 2026.
Established in Japan in 1982, HRC’s origins lie in motorcycle racing, amassing over 40 years of championship victories in prestigious global series including MotoGP, Superbike, and the Dakar Rally. In 2022, HRC expanded its purview to include auto racing, incorporating the Honda F1 program into its responsibilities, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to racing across two and four wheels.
The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype represents the tangible result of this racing heritage and engineering prowess, promising to bring track-derived performance to Acura enthusiasts. To gain further insights into the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype and future HRC performance parts, enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for updates here.
