In 2018, Acura claimed the fastest front-wheel-drive record at the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with driver Nick Robinson behind the tiller of an Acura TLX. The time set was 10:48.094, and until now, nobody has successfully challenged that record. Probably the closest to that record-setting run was from another Acura – the Integra Type S DE5 from last year’s event, with a lap time of 10:51.359.
That same Integra Type S DE5 is returning to this year’s Pikes Peak for another shot at the record – still with IndyCar and IMSA veteran Katherine Legge at the helm – competing in the Time Attack 1 (TA1) division. Even better, Acura is also bringing another Integra as its pace car: the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, the badass concept that debuted at last year’s Monterey Car Week and previews an even hotter Acura hot hatch expected to hit showrooms at some stage.
A More Hardcore Integra Type S DE5
This year’s contender, the #93 Integra Type S DE5, is, of course, based on the production Integra Type S. It’s a race car right off the factory line, eligible to compete in multiple racing series and sold directly to racers. It’s designed, developed, and assembled inside Honda’s North American facilities, and is the successor to the championship-winning line of HRC-developed touring cars, including versions of the 10th-generation Honda Civic Si and Type R and the 11th-generation Civic Si FE1.
Related
The Most Amazing Vehicles To Ever Tackle Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak, the most spectacular hill climb in the world. A place of glory, and failure. This is 10 of the greatest Pikes Peak vehicles. Ever.
Powering the Integra Type S DE5 is a modified version of the factory 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder K20C8 engine, producing over 360 horsepower and sent to the wheels via a six-speed sequential, paddle-shift transmission. Other upgrades include HRC-developed suspension and brakes, along with racing essentials like safety roll cages, aero components, and enhanced cooling systems.
Acura’s New Pace Car Is Yellow, Winged, And Wild
While Acura’s participation last year saw the ZDX Type S becoming the first-ever electric pace car, the Japanese marque’s return will be more special for enthusiasts. As its 11th pace car, Acura is bringing in the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, custom-wrapped in Indy Yellow and driven by Rusty Smith. Smith is an Olympic speed skater and a Honda/Acura enthusiast, owning several models, including a first-gen NSX-T.
Related
Honda’s Funky New EV Will Make A Splash At The 2028 Olympics
Honda just announced its partnership with the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, which it will support with the 0 Series SUV and Saloon.
Of note, the Integra Type HRC Prototype inspired the Japanese automaker to start offering authentic performance parts for customer use for street, track, and off-road applications.
The 103rd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 22, 2025, with practice and qualifying events happening days before the big “Race to the Clouds” on Sunday.
