The Acura Integra Type S HRC has stirred real excitement. Stripped of luxury and built for the track, it reminds drivers what the Integra name once stood for. But is it simply a race car, or is Acura preparing something bigger?
What the Acura Integra Type S HRC Really Is
The Integra Type S HRC is no concept car. Built by Honda Racing Corporation USA, it turns the Integra Type S into a pure competition machine. The Integra Type S loses its comfort features. In their place are a welded roll cage, a fire suppression system, racing seats, and track-focused hardware.
Under the hood, the car keeps the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the road car, producing around 320 horsepower. But the experience changes completely. Weight savings and serious upgrades to the brakes, suspension, and wheels turn it into a much sharper weapon.
The look matches the purpose. A deep front splitter, a huge rear wing, wider fenders, and cooling vents make clear this car was designed to race, not cruise.
Why This Car Matters
The Type S HRC is important because it shows Acura still understands performance. The brand could have kept building comfortable, quiet cars for the street. Instead, it chose to put the Integra back on the track.
It’s a sign Acura wants to reconnect with the people who loved the original Integra Type R—drivers who cared about lap times, feedback, and balance more than touchscreen size. At a time when many companies focus on electric motors and driverless tech, Acura is reminding everyone it hasn’t forgotten how to build a car for real drivers.
Will Acura Build a Road Version?
Right now, the Integra Type S HRC is a racing car only. Acura hasn’t announced any plan to build a street-legal version.
But history says race cars often lead to road cars. If enough people show interest, Acura could build a lighter, more focused version of the Type S for the street. The changes could be simple: strip out some weight, tighten the suspension, tweak the aerodynamics, and offer a sharper version without turning it into a full race car.
Honda did something similar with the Civic Type R Limited Edition, which lost weight, sharpened the chassis, and became one of the best-driving hatchbacks on the road. Acura could do the same with the Integra.
How It Might Perform on Track
There are no lap times yet, but it’s safe to expect big gains over the road car. The stock Type S already handles well, with sharp steering and strong brakes. Cut the weight and improve the suspension, and the HRC version should turn in faster, brake harder, and corner with more speed and control.
Drivers will need real skill. Without driver aids and without a heavy body to mask mistakes, the HRC will reward smooth, quick hands and punish sloppy inputs. This car is built for those who want to drive, not just be along for the ride.
Why Enthusiasts Should Care
Even if Acura never builds a production version, the Integra Type S HRC is a good sign. It keeps the Integra name linked to racing. It shows Acura still knows how to build something pure and exciting. And it hints that more focused performance cars could return.
Racing efforts like this build real respect among drivers. Acura isn’t selling marketing slogans — it’s putting real cars on real tracks, just like it used to.
Final Verdict
The Acura Integra Type S HRC is not just a showpiece. It’s a real race car and a reminder of what made the Integra great in the first place. It proves Acura remembers its roots — and it proves that pure performance still matters.
If Acura listens to the excitement this car is creating, there’s a good chance the next Integra Type S could be even sharper, even faster, and even more exciting. Acura’s performance comeback is just beginning with the HRC.
