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On Thursday evening, Acura unveiled its Integra Type S HRC Prototype, showcasing its continued commitment to performance. This vibrant yellow hatchback is a testament to Acura’s ability to leverage its racing insights to create impressive street vehicles. The model is named the HRC Prototype in recognition of the collaboration with Honda Racing Corporation, and it highlights a potential new lineup of performance parts designed for track enthusiasts.
More than just visual enhancements, these upgrades are designed to enhance the car’s overall performance. The vehicle features a larger rear wing for improved aerodynamics and downforce, alongside enhancements in engine functionality and handling. Many of these improvements are inspired by the Integra Type S TCX race car, which competes in the SRO TC America championship.
The front of the vehicle showcases a noticeably aggressive configuration, including a larger front splitter and dedicated cooling ducts. The revised carbon fiber hood features enhanced air vents, while functional side splitters contribute to the car’s aerodynamic performance. And then there’s the prominent adjustable carbon fiber rear wing with aluminum supports, clearly designed for serious performance.
Inside, the cabin is equipped with various new components, although notably, some items have been removed. An abundance of carbon fiber helps reduce weight, with a significant decrease coming from the rear seat area, which has been replaced by a sleek carbon fiber shelf for transporting items such as tires for track days. The rear door panels are now carbon fiber, and the two front seats have been swapped for one-piece Recaro bucket seats featuring carbon fiber shells. Overall, the HRC Prototype is 200 pounds lighter than its production counterpart, and Acura even mentions an option to remove the air conditioning system.
The cabin features an HRC-branded X-Brace, which not only enhances safety by providing attachment points for multi-point harnesses but also adds a visual appeal with its stunning design. The workmanship on all these components is nothing short of exceptional.
While Acura did not reveal specific performance metrics for this prototype, information will be shared during its reveal at Monterey Car Week. However, they mentioned improvements in “output, response, and cooling performance” facilitated by a larger intercooler, dual oil coolers, and a lightweight, tuned cat-back exhaust system—though exact specifications remain unconfirmed. As with the exterior modifications, these enhancements draw from the TCX race car.
In terms of tangible features, the Integra boasts a track-optimized suspension system with tuned coilovers, an adjustable rear anti-roll bar, and adjustable camber plates, which significantly elevate handling while lowering the vehicle by 15 mm. The car rides on 19×9.5-inch wheels with a negative offset, expanding both front and rear track width by 30 mm. These wheels are fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R ultra-high-performance tires. Enhanced stopping power is provided by new 15-inch two-piece rotors and Brembo six-piston calipers, which replace the standard brakes.
In summary, the Integra Type S HRC Prototype is an enthusiast’s dream. Even without improving the base model’s performance, its striking aesthetics alone make it highly desirable. However, the fact that HRC has integrated functional upgrades is indeed exciting. If you appreciated the Type S, yet favored the more aggressive styling of the Civic Type R, this prototype should appeal even more to you.
I suspect that HRC will assess the level of interest among car enthusiasts to determine if this model will be produced. I truly hope they proceed, as Honda/Acura could further strengthen its connection with American car enthusiasts, similar to its initiatives in Japan. With the availability of the Civic Type R over two generations, alongside the Integra Type S, and exciting concepts like the HRC Prototype, Acura is moving in a positive direction.
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