Honda’s racing division gets into performance parts game

Honda and Acura’s official motorsports arm in the U.S., Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), announced on Thursday plans to develop a line of performance parts for Honda and Acura road cars, similar to offerings from Ford’s Ford Performance division and Nissan’s Nismo unit.

HRC, previously known as Honda Performance Development (HPD), has already hinted at a performance parts line with the reveal of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype during August’s 2024 Monterey Car Week. On Thursday, HRC confirmed it has established a new business unit to develop and market these parts.

The first prototype parts are expected to be ready for testing as soon as next year. While HRC hasn’t detailed specific parts yet, it mentioned items designed for road, racetrack, and trail use.

The Integra Type S HRC Prototype provides a glimpse of what’s possible for road and track use. Additionally, HRC will showcase a Honda Pilot HRC Prototype at next week’s 2024 SEMA show in Las Vegas, previewing potential parts for off-road applications.

On the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, HRC has previewed upgrades to the aerodynamics, suspension, powertrain, braking, and more.

Although HRC hasn’t disclosed the specific upgrades on the Pilot HRC Prototype, a photo accompanying Thursday’s announcement shows a Pilot equipped with a camouflage wrap, roof rack, extra lights, underbody protection, a rugged front bumper with an integrated winch, and all-terrain tires. Notably, the Pilot already offers a certain level of off-road capability in the rugged Pilot TrailSport model.

Though not mentioned in Thursday’s announcement, HRC’s new parts range will likely maintain the factory warranty, similar to official performance parts offered by rival brands.