The all-new 2023 Acura Integra is the subject of many a hotly debated conversation. Though the tradition of it sharing a chassis with the Civic is quite nicely upheld, many folks aren’t satisfied with the four-door-only offering and the choice to use a CVT automatic transmission instead of a dual-clutch. However, despite the critique, the Integra is still a great car that delivers plenty of power. That begs the question; how does it hold up in Motorsports competition?

2023 Acura Integra makes surprisingly unmodified motorsports debut at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura is bringing the new 2023 Integra out to the Pikes Peak international hill climb. The 2022 event marks the 100th running of the legendary race. Drivers from all over the world have been gathering at Pikes Peak to see who can get to the top of the mountain the fastest since 1916, and Acura has a strong history of participation.

According to the press release, this is the 12th consecutive year Acura has been competing in the legendary race. In the company’s tenure, its accumulated 25 podiums, 12 first-place finishes, and multiple course records. So, it only makes sense that the return of the historic Integra to motorsports would make an appearance here.

However, according to CNET, the most surprising part of the Integra race car that’s making an appearance at Pike’s Peak this year is how much it isn’t a racecar. While there are some requirements that have to be met in order to be eligible to compete, the Integra is surprisingly similar to one that would leave the assembly line for customer delivery.

Most prominently, the 2023 Acura Integra Pikes Peak racer does not have any modifications to the engine. Additionally, the outside of the car looks to be nearly entirely stock, save for the racing livery reminiscent of the first Integra race car that won back-to-back IMSA championships in 1987 and 1988. Realistically, the only upgrades the car has are sticky Pirelli tires and more aggressive brakes.

The interior is also impressively stock

With most race cars, you’d expect to see an entirely stripped-out interior that features no sign of it ever having been a production car. However, in the case of the 2023 Acura Integra Pikes Peak race car, it’s quite the opposite.

Obviously, the car is sporting a requisite roll cage, heavily bolstered racing seats, and an aftermarket steering wheel. However, the car also still has the entire dashboard, the stock shifter and center console, and even the factory infotainment system. That’s pretty wild to see inside of a race car.

Likely, Acura chose to leave this car mostly stock for its motorsports debut to prove just how capable the car is with stock horsepower and aero components. Sure, the company could have built a monstrous high-horsepower build that slays Pikes Peak with ease. However, that wouldn’t exactly bring much light to the road-going version. Instead, this car is effectively a road-going Integra. That is, as much as it could be in the case of competing at Pikes Peak.

Acura also has a fleet of other vehicles competing at the 100th running of Pikes Peak, too. This includes two NSX Type S models, one in the time attack one class and another in the exhibition class alongside the Integra. Additionally, two TLX Type S models are also competing in each class. Finally, an Acura NSX Type S is serving as the event’s official pace car.

Ultimately, Acura’s showing at Pikes Peak is sure to be fun to watch!