Founded in 1986 as the first Japanese luxury brand in the United States, the brand celebrates its career by honoring the racing version of the Integra, which defined its history on the racetrack.
Acura celebrated the 40th anniversary of its debut in the North American market on March 27, 2026, where it became the first Japanese luxury brand to appear in the United States. To celebrate the occasion, the manufacturer presented the Acura Integra 40 Racer model, a special project based on the first generation and a tribute to the brand’s first racing car.
Acura officially entered the market on March 27, 1986 with two models that defined its identity: the Legend sedan and the sporty Integra. The aim was to create a new level of luxury based on innovation, quality, reliability and driving pleasure at a time when the premium segment was largely dominated by European manufacturers.
As part of the celebration, the brand looked back at its racing past Integra 40 Racer with its presentation, which is a modern reinterpretation of the Comptech Integra racing car number 48. The original vehicle played a key role in establishing Acura’s sporty image by winning back-to-back manufacturer and driver championships in the IMSA International Sedan Series from 1987 to 1990.
The celebratory model was developed by Honda Racing Corporation US (HRC US) and will make its public debut at the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, a race of symbolic significance for the brand in its hometown.
According to Mike Langel, Acura’s senior vice president of national sales, the 40th anniversary is not only a reminder of the past, but also a reaffirmation of the brand’s commitment to innovation, performance and customer relationships.
The Acura Integra 40 Racer received a complete transformation optimized for track use. The drivetrain includes a rebuilt original D16A1 engine, five-speed manual transmission, Monsoon ECU, coil-on-plug conversion, stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust downpipe, custom Borla exhaust system, and Torsen self-locking differential.
For the chassis and braking system, the project uses Tein coilovers, adjustable panhard bars, manual steering, manual brake system conversion, Carbotech brake pads, braided steel brake pipes, 14-inch Mugen rims and Yokohama ADVAN A050 semi-slick tires.
The interior is also designed for racing purposes, with a custom roll cage from Blackbird Fabworx, OMP racing seats and six-point seat belts.
The exterior of the car has been painted Rio Red Metallic, while the interior and engine compartment have been lightened Quartz Silver made in color.
The story of Acura
Acura’s story began to take shape in the early 1980s, when American Honda recognized the need among American consumers for more refined, performance-oriented products. Since these vehicles did not fit Honda’s traditional image, the company created a new division specifically focused on luxury and sportiness.
Known internally as Channel 2, the initiative became official on April 1, 1984, when Honda announced that it would market luxury vehicles. That same year, the San Francisco consulting firm NameLab was commissioned to create a name that reflected the core values of the new brand: precision and quality. As a result, the name Acura was born, which comes from the Latin root “acu” and is associated with the concept of precision.
The strategy proved successful. In the first year, Acura expanded its dealer network from 60 to 150 in the United States. Just 12 months later, it has become the country’s best-selling sports luxury import brand, helping to redefine the premium market and paving the way for other Japanese manufacturers to enter the segment in the coming years.
Four decades after its debut, Acura uses the legacy of its first models and racing past to reinforce its market identity: the combination of luxury, technology and performance that defined its American entry and continues to guide the brand’s future.
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Source and images: Acura. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and verified by the editors
