Launched in 1986 as the first Japanese luxury brand in the United States, Acura commemorates its journey with a tribute to the racing Integra that made history for the brand on the track.
Acura will celebrate its 40th anniversary in the North American market on March 27, 2026, commemorating its position as the first Japanese luxury brand to launch in the United States. To commemorate the occasion, Acura unveiled the Acura Integra 40 Racer, a special project inspired by the first-generation model and created as a tribute to the brand’s first race car.
Acura was officially launched on March 27, 1986 with two vehicles, the Legend sedan and the Integra sports model, which became the core models that defined the brand identity. With European manufacturers leading the premium market at the time, Acura sought to set a new luxury standard focused on innovation, quality, reliability, and driving pleasure.
As part of this commemorative project, Acura Integra 40 RacerThe company’s motorsports history was reexamined through . This is a modern reinterpretation of the Comptech Integra No. 48, and the prototype vehicle played an important role in establishing Acura’s sports image by winning consecutive manufacturer and driver championships in the IMSA International Sedan Series from 1987 to 1990.
This commemorative model was developed by Honda Racing Corporation US (HRC US) and will be unveiled for the first time at the brand’s iconic home event, the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Mike Langel, Acura’s vice president of national sales, said the 40th anniversary is more than just a look back, it’s a testament to the brand’s continued commitment to innovation, performance and customer relationships.
The Acura Integra 40 Racer has been fully tuned for track driving. The powertrain includes a rebuilt D16A1 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, Monsoon ECU, coil-on-plug system, stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, custom Borla exhaust system, and Torsen LSD.
The suspension and braking system includes Tein coilovers, adjustable panhard bars, manual steering, manual brake system, Carbotech brake pads, steel brake lines, 14-inch Mugen wheels, and Yokohama ADVAN A050 semi-slick tires.
The interior is also designed for racing and is equipped with a Blackbird Fabworx roll cage, OMP racing seats, and 6-point seat belts.
The exterior is finished in Rio Red Metallic color, and the lightweight interior and engine room are Quartz Silverended with
Acura’s history
Acura’s history began in the early 1980s when American Honda discovered the demand among American consumers for more luxurious and performance-oriented vehicles. Because these vehicles did not fit the existing Honda brand image, the company established a new brand centered on luxury and sports.
This project, internally called Channel 2, began in earnest on April 1, 1984, when Honda officially announced the sale of luxury vehicles. In the same year, San Francisco consulting firm NameLab took charge of developing the brand name, and the name Acura, derived from the Latin root ‘acu’, was born, reflecting the concepts of precision and quality.
This strategy was successful. In its first year, Acura expanded its U.S. dealer network from 60 to 150, and within 12 months, it became the best-selling sports luxury import car brand. This changed the landscape of the premium market and provided an opportunity for other Japanese brands to enter the market.
Now, 40 years after its launch, Acura is strengthening its brand identity by building on its early models and motorsports heritage. This is a combination of luxury, technology, and performance that has been maintained since the company entered the U.S. market, and has become a key element leading the future direction of the brand’s development.
+ Fastport eQuad: Honda unveils new solution for urban deliveries
Source and image: Acura. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team
