Acura Created a 1986 Integra Race Car for Its 40th Anniversary, and It’s Absolutely Stunning.

      Acura

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      It’s time to celebrate 40 years of Acura. Honda’s luxury division was introduced in the United States on March 27, 1986, with the launch of the Legend and Integra. Rather than a clichéd “you’re old” message, Acura is honoring its 40th anniversary with a nod to its inaugural race car.

      Revealed on the brand's official anniversary, the Acura Integra 40 Racer pays homage to the Comptech number 48 car, which secured consecutive championships in the IMSA International Sedan Series for manufacturers and drivers from 1987 to 1990. Constructed by Honda Racing Corporation, it will debut to the public at the Acura-sponsored Long Beach Grand Prix during the weekend of April 19.

      The Rio Red Metallic hatchback features a historically accurate D16A1 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, enhanced with a Monsoon ECU and coil-on-plug modification, and utilizes a stainless steel 4-2-1 long-tube header paired with a Borla exhaust system. It is connected to a five-speed manual transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

      The suspension consists of Tein coilovers and an adjustable panhard bar, while steering and brakes are entirely manual. In stark contrast to contemporary performance vehicles, this replica race car is equipped with 14-inch wheels and Yokohama Advan-A050 semi-slick tires. The interior has been outfitted with a roll cage and racing seats featuring six-point harnesses.

      Internally referred to as Channel 2, Acura was publicly announced on April 1, 1984. However, Honda's initiative to create a luxury brand for the North American market was no prank. Acura was ahead of competitors Infiniti and Lexus, and while the latter two targeted the conventional luxury market, Acura adopted a dual strategy with the Legend and Integra.

      Sporty and petite, the Integra quickly established a standard. The Integra Type R and NSX of the 1990s became symbols of performance, giving Acura a distinct and less formal image compared to its Japanese luxury counterparts. The current Integra remains one of the few encouraging options in a dwindling market for enjoyable yet practical vehicles, while Acura continues to participate at the highest level in IMSA racing.

      However, at present, Acura finds itself in a holding pattern. Honda has canceled its upcoming electric vehicles, including an Acura crossover intended to revive the RSX name. Although Acura had begun to reduce its EV expectations prior to this, it has now paused RDX production, leaving a replacement several years away and missing out on significant sales opportunities. This does not bode well for Acura's next 40 years.