Acura Celebrates Turning 40 by Building This Rad Integra Race Car

Why It Matters

The project reinforces Acura’s historic racing pedigree and leverages nostalgia to strengthen its performance‑oriented brand image, potentially driving higher consumer interest and showroom traffic.

Key Takeaways

• Acura revives 1980s IMSA championship Integra
• Rebuilt D16A1 1.6‑L engine with Borla exhaust
• Tein coil‑overs and manual brakes enhance handling
• OMP seats, roll cage create full race‑spec interior
• Debuts at 2024 Long Beach Grand Prix event

Pulse Analysis

Acura’s 40‑year milestone is more than a birthday banner; it’s a strategic reminder of the brand’s roots in motorsport. Launched in 1986 as Honda’s first U.S. luxury marque, Acura quickly proved its mettle on the track, with the Comptech Integra dominating the IMSA International Sedan series in the late 1980s. By resurrecting that winning machine, the automaker taps into a narrative of engineering excellence that resonates with both longtime enthusiasts and a new generation seeking authentic performance credentials.

The Integra 40 Racer is a showcase of modern engineering married to classic DNA. A refurbished D16A1 1.6‑liter DOHC four‑cylinder now pushes power through stainless‑steel long‑tube headers and a custom Borla exhaust, while a five‑speed manual transmission feeds a limited‑slip differential. The chassis, originally praised for its balance, receives Tein coil‑over dampers, an adjustable Panhard rod, and a manual brake system with stainless‑braided lines and race‑grade pads. Inside, OMP racing seats, six‑point harnesses, and a roll cage replace comfort‑focused components, delivering a pure track‑ready experience.

From a business perspective, debuting the car at the Long Beach Grand Prix serves as a live‑action billboard for Acura’s performance ambitions. The spectacle draws media attention, fuels social‑media buzz, and aligns the brand with the excitement of contemporary motorsport. Such heritage‑driven projects often translate into heightened showroom traffic, especially for performance‑oriented models like the NSX and TLX‑Hybrid. In an industry where legacy and innovation intersect, Acura’s celebration underscores how a well‑executed nod to the past can amplify future growth.