Acura hatches a more extreme Integra Type S with Honda Racing assist

Honda Racing is bringing some motorsports inspiration to the Acura Integra Type S performance sedan in the form of a prototype at Monterey Car Week.

The Integra Type S HRC prototype boasts a slew of upgrades from Honda Racing Corp. U.S. and showcases a potential new line of street and track-focused performance parts, the automaker said.

The prototype's development was led by Honda Racing Corp. U.S., which handles Honda and Acura racing programs in North America such as IndyCar and International Motor Sports Association.

Designers at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles gave the Integra Type S a new front fascia with a larger splitter and cooling ducts, larger hood vents, side splitters and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing.

Additional carbon fiber components include the hood, rear door panels and one-piece Recaro bucket seats up front. The rear seat has been replaced with a carbon shelf that can hold four wheels and tires, Acura said.

The air conditioning system has also been removed. Acura said the prototype weighs nearly 200 pounds less than a regular Integra Type S, which was added to the brand's lineup in 2023.

"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," Jon Ikeda, senior vice president of Honda Racing Corp., said in a statement.

Power is still supplied by the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine found in the Integra Type S but the prototype features a larger intercooler, twin oil coolers and a tuned exhaust system, Acura said.

Eagle-eyed enthusiasts will notice that the prototype is finished in Indy Yellow Pearl, a color that debuted with the second-generation NSX hybrid supercar. There are color-matched yellow seat belts, stitching and trim.

Other track-ready goodies include a lowered suspension, lightweight wheels, high-performance tires and larger front rotors. The exterior sports aluminum Honda Racing Corp. badges.

Acura did not say whether the prototype will go into production.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story displayed an incorrect vehicle image.