Honda's Racing Division Enters the Performance Parts Game

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the official U.S. motorsports division of Honda and Acura, announced plans Thursday to develop a line of performance parts for Honda and Acura road cars, similar to those offered by Ford's Ford Performance Division and Nissan's Nismo Division. like those offered by Ford's Ford Performance Division and Nissan's Nismo Division.

HRC, formerly known as Honda Performance Development (HPD), had already hinted at a performance parts line when it unveiled the Acura Integra Type S HRC prototype at the 2024 Monterey Car Week in August. On Thursday, HRC revealed that it has created a new business unit to develop and market these parts.

The first prototype parts are expected to be available for testing as early as next year; HRC has not yet revealed specific part details, but has mentioned items designed for road, race track, and trail.

The Integra Type S HRC prototype offers a glimpse of its potential for road and track use. In addition, HRC will showcase the Honda Pilot HRC prototype at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week to preview potential parts for off-road applications.

With the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, HRC is previewing aerodynamics, suspension, powertrain, and braking upgrades.

HRC has not revealed specific upgrades for the Pilot HRC Prototype, but photos accompanying Thursday's announcement show a camouflage wrap, roof rack, additional lights, underbody protection, and a rugged front bumper with built-in winch, The Pilot is shown equipped with all-terrain tires. Notably, the Pilot already offers a certain level of off-road capability in the rugged Pilot Trail Sport model.

Although not mentioned in Thursday's announcement, HRC's new parts range will likely maintain the same factory warranty as the official performance parts offered by rival brands.