Acura has marked the 40th anniversary of its launch in the United States, commemorating its debut on March 27, 1986 as the first Japanese luxury car marque.
The brand entered the market with the Legend saloon and Integra, positioning itself as a performance-focused premium alternative to established European competitors. Within two years, Acura became the best-selling luxury-performance import brand in the US, supported by rapid dealer network expansion and strong customer demand.
To coincide with the 40th anniversary, Acura has unveiled the Integra 40 Racer – a tribute to its first competition model, the Comptech Integra No. 48. The original car secured consecutive IMSA International Sedan Series manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles between 1987 and 1990, while drivers’ championships over the same period were won by Elliott Forbes-Robinson, Peter Cunningham and Steve Cameron. Although officially run by Comptech Racing, the programme operated with direct technical support from Honda R&D and Acura’s US organisation. Engines, data and component development flowed between road-car engineering teams and the race effort.
The new build, developed by Honda Racing Corporation US, will debut at the 51st Acura Long Beach Grand Prix. The Acura Integra 40 Racer retains a rebuilt version of its original D16A1 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, updated with a Monsoon ECU and a coil-on-plug conversion. Breathing is improved through a stainless 4-2-1 long-tube header and a custom Borla exhaust system, while a Torsen-type limited-slip differential enhances traction and power delivery.
Chassis and control systems have been reworked with Tein coilovers and an adjustable panhard bar, alongside a manual steering rack and manual brake conversion to reduce weight and increase driver feedback. Braking performance is supported by Carbotech pads and stainless braided lines, while lightweight Mugen 14inch wheels are fitted with Yokohama ADVAN A050 semi-slick tyres.
Inside, the car is stripped for competition use and fitted with a custom roll cage by Blackbird Fabworx, along with OMP racing seats and six-point Endurance harnesses. Externally, the car is finished in Rio Red Metallic, with a contrasting Quartz Silver stripped interior and engine bay completing the build.
More details can be found here.
