Acura is marking its 40th anniversary by reviving a pivotal moment in its history: the Comptech Integra that dominated IMSA racing in the late 1980s. The company has built a modern tribute, dubbed the Integra 40 Racer, to honor this legacy.
From Luxury Launch to Racing Success
Acura was introduced in 1986 as Honda’s luxury division, quickly gaining recognition for models like the Integra and Legend. However, the brand’s early success wasn’t just about road cars. The Integra proved competitive on the track, winning consecutive IMSA International Sedan championships in 1987 and 1988. The new Integra 40 Racer is a direct homage to that era.
This isn’t just nostalgia; Acura’s early racing success was crucial in establishing it as a performance-focused brand. The Integra’s wins demonstrated that Japanese luxury cars could compete with European rivals, shifting perceptions in the automotive market.
Reviving the Race Car
The Integra 40 Racer isn’t merely a replica. Built by Honda Racing Corporation USA, it features a heavily modified first-generation Integra. The original 1.6-liter D16A1 engine has been rebuilt and painted Quartz Silver, now paired with stainless-steel headers and a custom Borla exhaust. Power is delivered through a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.
The chassis has been upgraded with Tein coil-over dampers, an adjustable panhard rod, and manual brakes for precise handling. The car also includes stainless braided brake lines, race-grade pads, and semi-slick Yokohama ADVAN tires.
Inside, the Integra 40 Racer boasts OMP racing seats with six-point belts and a custom roll cage for safety. The interior has been stripped down to reduce weight, removing the stereo, carpet, and rear seats.
A Legacy on Display
Acura will showcase the Integra 40 Racer at this year’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, allowing fans to experience this piece of automotive history firsthand.
The Integra 40 Racer serves as a reminder that Acura’s success wasn’t built solely on luxury but also on a commitment to performance and racing innovation. This restored race car honors that heritage, solidifying the brand’s legacy in the automotive world.
