Acura is returning to Pikes Peak with a factory-backed Integra Type S DE5 race car, targeting a new front-wheel-drive record on the legendary Colorado mountain. The Japanese luxury brand holds the current FWD record at the event, and this purpose-built machine aims to reclaim bragging rights in the highly competitive hill-climb segment.
The Integra Type S represents Acura's return to the high-performance nameplate after a two-decade absence. The street version delivers 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. For the Pikes Peak assault, engineers have refined the DE5 race car specifically for the 12.42-mile course, which climbs 4,720 vertical feet at elevations up to 14,130 feet.
Pikes Peak represents one of motorsport's most demanding venues. The unpaved mountain roads feature no guardrails, dramatic elevation changes, and weather conditions that shift rapidly. Front-wheel-drive cars face particular challenges managing power delivery and weight transfer on the punishing terrain. Acura's current FWD record stands as a benchmark that few competitors have threatened.
The factory effort underscores Acura's commitment to performance authenticity. Rather than relying solely on aftermarket tuning, the brand invested in factory development for a race car that directly connects to customer models. This approach mirrors how manufacturers like Honda and Porsche leverage Pikes Peak to validate engineering and capture marketing value.
The Integra nameplate carries historical weight in the performance community. Early 2000s Integra Type R variants achieved cult status among enthusiasts, and this modern resurrection taps into that heritage while incorporating contemporary turbo technology and direct injection.