Acura Debuts Integra Type S HRC Prototype at Monterey Car Week

The Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is a high-performance concept that showcases Acura's racing heritage and engineering prowess. Here are some key highlights:

• Aerodynamic Enhancements: Inspired by the Integra Type S TCX racecar, it features a larger front splitter, cooling ducts, hood vents, side splitters, and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing for improved downforce and high-speed stability.
• Weight Reduction: The prototype is nearly 200 lbs lighter than the standard Integra Type S, thanks to the use of carbon fiber components, lightweight wheels, and the removal of non-essential features like air conditioning.
• Performance Upgrades: It includes a larger intercooler, a lightweight cat-back exhaust system, and an adjustable rear anti-roll bar to enhance engine, suspension, and braking performance.
• Interior Design: The cabin is equipped with carbon fiber Recaro bucket seats, yellow seatbelts, and Alcantara trim, emphasizing its track-focused nature.
• Exclusive Features: The prototype is finished in Indy Yellow Pearl, a color previously exclusive to the NSX supercar, and adorned with custom HRC badges.

This prototype was unveiled at Monterey Car Week and hints at a potential line of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) performance parts for Acura enthusiasts.

Next Gen Acura NSX Delayed?

Rumor has it that the next generation Acura NSX will be delayed for at least 6 months. A couple of things could have helped cause this schedule change.

First, there was a crash at Honda's Takasu Proving Ground in May (2014). Reports are saying that a car went off course while testing and two men in their 20's were hurt. The passenger was transported to a nearby hospital while the driver sustained minor injuries. Rumors are saying the vehicle was the new NSX.

If that wasn't bad enough, now there are images of a charred NSX destroyed due to fire while testing on the Nurburgring in Germany. The camo-ed prototype was completely destroyed after the engine compartment caught fire at the end of July (2014).

Here's video of the test NSX without fire:

2015 Acura TLX Prototype

Acura today unveiled the 2015 Acura TLX Prototype showcasing the design and performance direction for the all-new 2015 TLX performance-luxury sedan launching mid-year at Acura dealerships nationwide. The TLX was developed around the theme"Red Carpet Athlete" to deliver a compelling blend of luxury refinement and sports-sedan athleticism, with exhilarating performance enhanced by next-generation Acura powertrain and dynamic handling technologies. The TLX will join the ILX compact luxury sedan and the RLX luxury performance sedan as the third vehicle in Acura's sedan lineup. The new TLX replaces both the TSX and TL sedans.

Car highlights include:

• Jewel Eye LED
• Dimensionally, the overall length is 3.8 inches shorter than the current TL, yet rides the same 109.3 inch wheelbase as the TL. The prototype's right-sized dimensions place the new TLX neatly in between the smaller ILX and larger RLX sedans.
• Two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
• Two-wheel drive with either the 2.4 or 3.5 liter engines
• TLX SH-AWD is exclusively for the 3.5 liter V6 engine with 9-speed transmission.
• Two new engines
• 2.4-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with direct-injection.
• 3.5-liter SOHC V6 with direct injection
• Two new transmissions.
• 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with torque converter is mated with the new 4 cylinder engine.
• 9-speed automatic transmission is mated with the V6 engine

The TLX was designed and developed in the United States by Acura engineers working in the company's Los Angeles design studio and Raymond, Ohio new-vehicle development center. The new TLX will be produced using domestic and globally sourced parts at the company's award-winning Marysville, Ohio auto plant, which presently manufactures the 2014 Acura TL performance-luxury sedan.

Acura Reveals TLX Prototype at 2014 NAIAS in Detroit Video:

For more details, please see the Acura TLX Press Release.

On Track With The New NSX

From the moment it first turned a wheel at the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Acura NSX has always been right at home on a racetrack. So it is not surprising the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course played host to the very first high-speed, public appearance of a new NSX prototype. Preceding the Honda Indy 200—and broadcast live on NBC Sports—the Acura supercar lapped the undulating circuit at speed in front of thousands of cheering fans. The rolling NSX prototype maintains the beautiful styling and proportions of the concept car and adds the dynamic NSX enthusiasts have waited months for—the sound. The mid-mounted V6 did not disappoint, howling to redline several times. Slated for launch in 2015, the production NSX will be built just down the road from the Mid-Ohio track in Marysville, OH using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Acura NSX Teaser on Vine and Instagram

You have to wait to see the Acura NSX prototype August 4 at the Mid-Ohio Raceway for the Honda 200 IndyCar race, but you can catch a couple of teasers from Vine and Instagram now.

Vine: First for Acura fans. New NSX prototype. Right now. #AcuraNSX




Instagram: First for Acura fans. New NSX Prototype.

Acura ZDX Designers

Michelle Christensen - Exterior Designer

Michelle Christensen was only 25 years old and straight out of the Art Center College of Design when she first sketched the ZDX.

"From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be," said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. "My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior."



Michael Wiedeman - Interior Designer



Damon Schell - Project Leader

If you want a family car, buy an MDX -- the ZDX is aimed at well-off couples who don't need to take kids with them when they travel, say the designers. "At one stage, we even thought of making it so the rear seats folded up only when you needed them," says Schell.

Video Of The ZDX Prototype

For interviews with the Acura ZDX designers, click here.

To view all ZDX related entries, click here.

Tons Of Acura ZDX Pictures

The ZDX will deliver sports sedan performance on the road with its powerful V-6 engine mated to an all-new, smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The potent powertrain will be coupled with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, giving the ZDX outstanding handling and cornering capabilities in all-weather conditions.

In typical Acura fashion, the ZDX will be available with the latest in customer enhancing technologies and advanced safety features including an all-new blind spot information system, which will help drivers change lanes more confidently. A new multi-view rear camera makes parking even easier with the added enhancement of both a wide angle and top down view. Acura signature technologies like Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™, Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Bluetooth® connectivity will also be available on the all-new model.



A prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupemade its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The production version of the dramatically styled prototype goes on-sale in the fall of 2009.



With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.







The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them.



The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants.



The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver control.









A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim.











The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage.







In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar.





The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.




ZDX Prototype Dimensions:
Length: 192.4 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 61.8 inches
Wheelbase: 108.2 inches
Wheel/tire: 9-spoke custom alloy wheels with Michelin Latitude HP 275/40ZR 20 tires
Powertrain: All-aluminum VTEC® V-6, all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
Seating capacity: 5-passenger
[Source] Acura Press Release
Click here to do a 360 of the ZDX at Acura.com

People are speculating that the teaser shots are of the production version of the vehicle. Notice how the ZDX "Prototype" does not match eariler teaser shots.

ZDX Prototype To Debut At New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)

Straight from Acura:

"TORRANCE, Calif. - 03/30/2009
Acura announced it will debut a prototype of the all-new ZDX luxury four-door sport coupe at the New York International Auto Show. The prototype features striking coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility to define a new luxury category.
“The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. “The prototype showcases a new level of luxury, style and refinement for Acura and speaks volumes towards our commitment to advancing the brand.”
The production version of the ZDX prototype will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup when it arrives at dealerships this fall and offer the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety.
The ZDX prototype will be introduced at the New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Acura booth."

[Source] AcuraNews.com

So now it's official, it's not a 2011 MSX, but a 2010 ZDX.



More pictures here.