Acura showed off the new Integra Type S HRC Prototype on Thursday night, showing how much they care about us. Look at this, please. This aggressive, bright yellow hatchback shows how Acura can take what they learn at the races and apply it to everyday cars. The most powerful Integra to date, which was given the name HRC Prototype because Honda Racing Corporation was involved with it, showed off a “possible” new line of speed parts designed for the track. Even better, these changes do more than just make the car look better; they also make it run better in several aspects. Along with the obvious changes to the body, like the big rear wing for better downforce and aerodynamics, the engine and driving have also been improved. Lots of these come from the Integra Type S TCX race car, which plays in the SRO TC America race series. The front fascia is clearly more aggressive, with bigger cooling vents and a front splitter. The updated carbon fiber bonnet also has bigger vents that help airflow, and the side splitters are both new and useful. Of course, the best part is the huge, adjustable carbon fiber rear wing with metal uprights. It looks like important stuff. Inside, the Integra’s cabin is filled with many more parts that tell a similar story, though some parts are missing in this case. A lot of carbon fiber parts have been used to make the car lighter, but the biggest weight savings may be in the back seat, which doesn’t exist. It has been swapped out for a sleek carbon fiber shelf that can be used to store tires for track days or gear for weekend racers. Also, carbon fiber parts were used to replace the door panels on the back. The two front seats have been swapped out for a single Recaro box seat wrapped in carbon fiber. This is the most obvious change. The prototype of the HRC weighs 200 pounds less than the finished version. Acura even offers a way to delete the AC. The main feature of the cabin is an X-Brace with the HRC logo that acts as a multipoint harness connection point. Of course, the second best thing about it is how stunningly beautiful it is. The fit and finish on all of these parts are very good. At first, Acura didn’t say how fast this prototype was going, but I’m going to find out when it’s shown at Monterey Car Week. It didn’t say by how much, but it did say that a bigger radiator, two oil coolers, and a tuned, light catback exhaust system had made “output, response, and cooling performance” better. The TCX race car was used as a model for these changes, just like it was for the visible parts. Some of the more useful parts are a track-ready suspension with tuned coil-overs, an adjustable rear anti-roll bar, and adjustable front and back camber plates. Together, they help lower the car by 15 mm. Its 19×9.5-inch wheels have a bigger negative offset, which makes the front and back tracks 30 millimeters wider. They have Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires wrapped around them, which are very fast. Normal parts are swapped out for fifteen-inch, two-piece rotors, and Brembo six-piston brakes to improve stopping power. In general, the Integra Type S HRC Prototype is a great car for Acura fans. It would be great if the stock car looked better, even if it didn’t perform better in any way. However, HRC has made sure that the changes will actually be good. If you liked the Type S but liked the edge of the Civic Type R more, this should make you change your mind. HRC will decide if they want to give this or not after hearing what people in the car community have to say. As I’ve already said, I really hope they do. Honda/Acura could do more to improve its bond with fans in the United States than it does with fans in Japan. Offering the Integra Type S and Civic Type R for the past two generations, along with new and interesting projects like the HRC Prototype, are, without a doubt, big steps forward.
