The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype needs to make production

This is the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype. That last bit is important, because it tells us this is the work of Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US). HRC is – you guessed it – the racing arm of Honda. It was first established for bike racing in Japan in 1982, while the US branch was technically born in 1993 and was known as Honda Performance Development (HPD) until January 2024. HRC US looks after all Honda and Acura motorsports in North America, meaning it’s responsible for both its IndyCar and IMSA involvements. Exciting.

Although sadly, the name of that aggressive looking banana up there also quite plainly tells us that this thing is still a prototype. Booo. HRC US says that its creation was designed to show off “potential new street and track-focused performance parts” but we’d love to see a limited edition Integra make production.

Because this thing looks brilliant. There’s a new front bumper with a larger front splitter, bigger vents in the bonnet for better cooling and new side skirts. And the small matter of that adjustable carbon fibre rear wing.

The HRC Prototype was designed at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles and takes inspiration from the Integra Type S TCX race car. So, while the Integra Type S is a little softer than its Civic Type R in standard form, it looks like the HRC bits redress that balance.

For example, there’s new track-focussed suspension that’s 15mm lower than standard, plus you get an adjustable rear anti-roll bar and adjustable front and rear camber plates. There are lightweight 19in forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, bigger brakes and carbon fibre rear door panels.

The “output, response and cooling performance” of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot has been improved too, apparently, although we’re not told what that means in terms of numbers. The improvements come courtesy of a larger intercooler, twin oil coolers and a tuned, lightweight cat-back exhaust system from the TCX racer. With the air conditioning deleted this thing weighs over 90kg less than the standard Type S.

Much of that weight saving comes from the interior, with the rear seats replaced by a carbon fibre shelf and a cross brace that stiffens up the chassis. Stunning new carbon Recaro front seats too.

“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, senior vice president of HRC US.

“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.”

Come on then Jon, get this thing into production ASAP.