Acura turns Integra Type S to race car mode with HRC Prototype

HRC Prototype is a track-focused Integra Type S

Honda’s North American racing department has finally showed us what they’ve been doing with the Civic Type R’s twin.

Making its debut at the Monterey Car Week is the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype. Finished in a striking Indy Yellow Pearl taken from the second-generation NSX, the high-performance hot hatch previews the possible upgrades that Acura has been developing for the Integra Type S platform.

While the standard Acura Integra Type S debuted as a sleeker version of the FL5, the more aggressive body kit in the HRC Prototype puts it right back to Type R territory. The aero package was developed for the Integra Type S race car, and consists of a new front chin splitter, larger hood vents, side skirt fins, and an adjustable rear wing.

Along with the visual upgrades, HRC has also put the Integra Type S on a diet. Overall weight was reduced by 90 kg as the HRC Prototype made use of carbon fiber on the hood, rear door panels, and the Recaro bucket seats.  The rear seats have also been deleted, and in place of it is a carbon shelf where owners can secure an extra set of wheels for a trackday. To take things to more extreme measures, Acura also has optional air conditioning delete for the HRC Prototype.

Acura is yet to disclose official power figures, but the 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo powerplant shared with the FL5 Civic Type R gets a larger intercooler, twin oil coolers, and an exhaust system taken from the Integra Type S race car.

For better handling and a more aggressive stance, the HRC Prototype sits 15mm lower than the standard Type S as it receives tuned coilovers, adjustable rear anti-roll bar, plus adjustable front and rear camber plates. The forged lightweight 19x9.5-inch wheels also feature increased negative offset which basically gives a wider track width. The wheels are wrapped in sticky 265/30ZR19 Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.

Other handling ugprades include a reinforced X-brace on the rear bulkhead, 15-inch two-piece front brake rotors with Brembo 6-piston aluminum calipers, and lighter two-piece rear brake rotors.

Acura is yet to release other information, but we're excited about their future plans. Is this more likely to be a separate aftermarket upgrade purchases for the Integra Type S, or a special model for production like what Toyota did in the Morizo versions of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla?