Acura Takes on Pikes

Acura Tackles Pikes Peak

Another year, another thrilling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and this time, Acura is hanging its hat in the ring once more. It’s a prestigious race that can humble even seasoned pros, and Acura is not backing down. They’re rolling up their sleeves for the 103rd edition of this race, set for June 22, with one of their most souped-up machines yet— the Integra Type S. And while Acura’s racing entry is decked out with modifications, this isn’t just a showpiece. The impact on the showroom floor could be tangible, as parts tested here might make their way to production models.

The Race Car

This year, the Integra Type S is entering the Time Attack 1 (TA1) class, piloted by racing ace Katherine Legge. Last year, Legge carved out a top-five finish with a time of 10:51.359, just shy of the 10:48.094 record for a front-wheel-drive car. Acura’s betting that despite its lesser 360+ horsepower—especially when stacked against the 500-horsepower Acura TLX that once set the record—what they lack in raw power, they more than make up for with finesse. The car is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pushes power to the front wheels via a sleek six-speed sequential transmission, complete with paddle shifters. To tackle the mountain’s challenges, much of the car’s weight has been shaved off, while enhancing aerodynamics and cooling to keep everything in check on the climb.

Parts Development

The HRC Prototype has been the buzz for some time, especially after its reveal at Monterey Car Week last year. Acura isn’t keeping this technological prowess confined to the racetrack. With substantial interest from the automotive community, Acura is venturing into the aftermarket scene, offering genuine performance parts for street and track use. While specifics on which parts and when they’ll be available are still under wraps, it’s a clear sign Acura is listening to car enthusiasts. So, anyone heading to Pikes Peak could have a hand in steering the future direction of Acura’s performance parts lineup—feedback’s highly valued during such public showcases.

A Drive to Remember

Taking a step into the driver’s seat of the Integra Type S is like strapping into performance on a leash. Comparatively, it lacks the undomesticated horsepower seen in muscle cars but makes up for it with handling precision. The road-based model of the Integra Type S features a responsive steering setup that gives full feedback from the road, like a classic Acura experience but with a modern twist. Where other cars might feel bulky or cumbersome, the Integra dances around corners. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Golf R, Acura’s Integra Type S boasts a more engaging driving persona, embodying a lighter, more agile character.