Acura 40th anniversary marked by Integra 40 Racer

Acura celebrates 40 years since its 1986 debut, presenting the Integra 40 Racer built by Honda Racing Corporation US as a tribute to its IMSA racing heritage.

Acura is marking 40 years since its U.S. debut not just with a milestone announcement, but by returning to its racing roots through the Integra 40 Racer project.

Launched on March 27, 1986 as the first Japanese luxury automotive brand, Acura was built around a clear idea: combining precision, quality, and driving performance. From the very beginning, with the Legend sedan and the sporty Integra, the brand positioned itself to attract customers who were otherwise moving toward European premium cars.

The anniversary Integra 40 Racer pays direct tribute to the Comptech Integra No. 48, which dominated IMSA competition in the late 1980s, winning consecutive manufacturers’ and drivers’ championships from 1987 to 1990. Built by Honda Racing Corporation US, the new car closely mirrors the original, featuring a rebuilt D16A1 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, and period-correct upgrades to suspension, braking, and chassis. Its debut is scheduled for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

This motorsport focus reflects a defining part of Acura’s early identity. Integra quickly became one of the most successful models in touring car racing, and its partnership with Comptech established the brand’s credibility on track as well as on the road.

Acura’s impact extended beyond its own lineup. Its early success in the U.S. luxury segment helped reshape the market, with Lexus and Infiniti entering shortly afterward, intensifying competition and prompting established European brands to adjust both products and pricing.

A major turning point came in 1990 with the debut of the NSX, a mid-engine sports car featuring an all-aluminum monocoque, VTEC technology, and development input from Ayrton Senna. The model set new expectations by combining high performance with everyday usability, reinforcing Acura’s technological positioning.

From the 1990s onward, Acura’s development became increasingly tied to the United States. Following the establishment of a major R&D center in Ohio in 1993, the brand began producing U.S.-developed models such as the CL, MDX, TL, TLX, and RDX. Today, every Acura sold in the U.S. is built in North America, with about 85% of 2025 sales coming from locally produced vehicles.

At the same time, the anniversary signals what comes next. Acura has confirmed that the next-generation RDX will feature a new dual-motor hybrid powertrain—the first of its kind for the brand. This move aligns with a broader strategy that combines gasoline and hybrid models while maintaining the performance-focused character that has defined Acura since its launch.

In this way, the 40-year milestone becomes less a retrospective and more a transition point—linking the racing success of the late 1980s with a new technological phase shaped by evolving powertrains and market demands.