Acura’s HRC Prototype Takes the Integra Type S to New Levels

With the launch of the Type S, Acura gave a big boost in performance to the revived Integra sport sedan. But the automaker is now hinting that it could take things to a new level with the HRC Prototype it rolled out during Monterey Car Week. Here’s what we’ve learned about it.

Once upon a time, Acura was a brand that performance fans took quite seriously. In recent years, even the revived NSX didn’t seem to put it back on the map, perhaps because that sports car was simply too pricey for most buyers and Acura simply didn’t have anything more affordable that performance fans could imagine owning.

The revival of the long-lamented Acura Integra for the 2023 model year suggested the luxury arm of Honda was determined to get taken seriously again – all the more so with the subsequent debut of the Integra Type S.

Now, Acura is demonstrating just how much further it might take things with the launch of the Integra Type S HRC Prototype at the annual Monterey Car Week. Think aero upgrades, to start with, and a major diet that shaves something like 200 pounds off the weight of the current package.

What we know

To start with, it helps to recall that HRC is shorthand for Honda Racing Corporation – the Japanese automaker’s answer to the better known Toyota TRD.

There was plenty of buzz surrounding the reveal of the HRC Prototype at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering over the weekend. Some speculate we could see a limited-edition package bearing the HRC badge. But Acura itself seems to be downplaying that idea in favor of an alternate approach: offering up many of the parts and components found on the concept model as standalone aftermarket options.

Building a stronger connection with enthusiasts

“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,” said Jon Ikeda, HRC’s senior U.S. Vice President.

One thing Ikeda stressed is that all the parts are about go, not show.

“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.” He added.

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What’s on the HRC Prototype

The package starts off with an extensive list of aerodynamic upgrades:

• A new front fascia with added splitter;
• Large hood vents;
• New side skirts; and
• A massive carbon fiber rear wing that can be adjusted for specific tracks.

All this adds up to improved stability and downforce, whether on track or on the street.

The factory tires have been replaced on the HRC Prototype by sticky, track-oriented Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo Rs. They’re wrapped around new forged wheels. And they give the Integra Type S an additional 30 mm of track width, front and back.

Add adjustable coilovers lowering ride height by 15 mm, an adjustable rear anti-roll bar, new brake rotors and 6-piston Brembo calipers up front.

Power

For now, at least, Acura isn’t doing anything to boost power of the Integra Type S’s 2.0-liter turbo-four. The 2025 model makes 320 hp and 310 lb-ft. But the HRC package adds the stuff you’d need to handle more than a few flat-out laps, including twin oil coolers, a larger intercooler and an exhaust package shared with the Type S racer.

Despite all the additional parts, Acura somehow found a way to put the HRC Prototype on a strict diet. It sheds about 200 pounds compared to the production Integra Type S.

Much of the credit goes to the extensive use of carbon fiber for the hood, the rear door panels and the shells for the “aggressively bolstered” Recaro seats, Acura noted. The rear seat, meanwhile, has been replaced by a carbon fiber shelf.  The air conditioning system also has been deleted.

Now what?

We’ll have to wait to find out what Acura has in mind.

It’s possible the automaker might surprise us and come up with an actual HRC edition, much as Toyota did with the GR Corolla.

More likely, however, we ‘ll see at least some of the HRC Prototype’s unique parts and components reappear in the Acura catalog something in the not-too-distant future.