2021 TLX will make its racing debut at Pikes Peak Hill Climb; The TLX Type S prototype serves as an official pacemaker car
Acura will present three tickets to the Pikes Peak race; two race-tuned TLX 2021 sports sedans and one NSX “Time Attack”, all piloted and manned by the company’s R&D engineers
The TLX Type S development prototype is ready to accelerate the race, powered by Acura’s new 3.0 V6 Turbo producing an estimated 355 horsepower, 354 lb. foot torque
The new TLX will hit Acura dealers this fall; High-performance type S variant to follow next spring
TORRANCE, California, July 30, 2020 – The 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb marks the official racing debut of the completely revamped 2021 TLX, which will go on sale this fall. Acura will compete in the 98th “Race to the Clouds” race on August 30 with two race-prepared second-generation TLXs with modified versions of the 2.0-liter production turbocharged engine, along with a NSX “Time Attack” supercar. The pace of the race to the 14,115-foot summit will be a prototype development of the highly anticipated TLX Type S, before it is launched on the market next spring.
VIDEO: Acura TLX 2021 to make its racing debut at Pikes Peak
Racing is a key expression of Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA. For the past nine years, Acura has used the grueling Pikes Peak hill climb as an opportunity to develop the skills of the company’s young engineers and as a test bed for future performance technologies in Acura production vehicles. The Acura Pikes Peak Race Team is comprised of a group of volunteer R&D engineers and is responsible for all aspects of the competition, including vehicle development, race preparation, crew support and car navigation for race to the finish line.
Acura’s long-standing competitive presence at Pikes Peak includes scoring numerous race records and podium finishes. In 2019 Peter Cunningham finished first in the Open Class for the third consecutive year with the RealTime Racing TLX GT (9: 24,433). Current record runs include a hybrid production car record for the Acura NSX driven by James Robinson (10: 02,448) and a front wheel drive record for the Acura TLX driven by Nick Robinson (10: 48,094).
The race tickets
TLX Type S Pace Car // Driver: Nick Robinson
The TLX Type S Pace Car, an early development prototype used for circuit testing, will be driven by Nick Robinson, a lead engineer in the company’s Chassis Development Group. The TLX Type S prototype is undergoing final development tuning before it hits the market next spring. The TLX Type S is Acura’s new 3.0-liter V6 Turbo engine, which is expected to produce 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet. of torque and power distribution to all four wheels through the fourth generation of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive ™ (SH-AWD®). Additionally, the TLX Type S Pace Car has been outfitted with the optional lightweight Y-spoke wheels, inspired by the NSX’s own, and various safety modifications including a fire suppression system and roll cage.
As a Pikes Peak veteran, Robinson set a new front-wheel drive record for Pikes Peak in 2018 with an Acura TLX and achieved a Time Attack 2 Class Win with a second-generation NSX in 2016. The year before, he won the PP250 class in a Honda motorcycle. Additionally, Nick Robinson is an expert in driving safety and helps guide new drivers throughout their careers at Honda R&D Americas.
2021 TLX 2.0T // Driver: Jordan Guitar
The two TLX 2021 race cars will compete in the Exhibition Class, with multiple modifications in preparation for the grueling climb up the hill. The TLX’s standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has been race-tuned with a larger turbo and intercooler for more power. The braking performance of the electro-servo braking system is enhanced with the Brembo® 4-piston calipers and front rotors of the TLX Type S, along with high-performance racing pads. A more aggressive suspension setting is applied, as well as a unique setting for the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive ™ (SH-AWD®) system. The lightweight 19-inch HRE wheels with Pirelli racing tires complete the TLX’s race readiness.
Pilot Jordan Guitar, a member of the company’s Chassis Development Group, made his Pikes Peak debut in 2018 and returned in 2019, piloting the Acura SUVs in both cases.
2021 TLX 2.0T // Driver: Justin Lumbard
The second TLX entered into the Show Class will be led by Justin Lumbard, team manager for Acura’s Pikes Peak efforts. Lumbard’s TLX benefits from a higher-performance tune for the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a more aggressive setup for the TLX’s double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. Rounding out the race-ready modifications are high-performance brake pads, lightweight 18-inch HRE wheels and Pirelli racing tires.
Justin Lumbard, a rookie competitor to Pikes Peak, joined the Acura Pikes Peak team in 2017 and became a co-leader a year later. Lumbard took the lead role in Acura’s Pikes Peak racing program this year, including overseeing the development of TLX race car builds.
“Time Attack” NSX // Driver: James Robinson
Returning to the Peak for the third consecutive year is the NSX “Time Attack” hosted by James Robinson. A 10-time veteran at Pikes Peak, Robinson’s past successes in “Race to the Clouds” include a record hybrid car production with NSX in 2018 (10: 02.448), as well as podiums in Show classes, Open and Time Attack 1.
The “Time Attack” NSX features improved aerodynamics through a larger rear spoiler and aggressive front splitter. Larger turbochargers and improved engine management software increase total system output to around 625 horsepower. Various weight reduction measures, including a stripped interior, reduce the weight of the “Time Attack” NSX by more than 200 pounds. Finally, the lightweight HRE forged wheels are wrapped in high-grip Pirelli R compound rims.
About the 2021 TLX
The new 2021 Acura TLX ushers in a new era of Acura performance as the fastest, best-handled, and best-equipped sedan in the brand’s 35-year history. With a model-exclusive body structure and chassis architecture, the full line of turbo engines, and an athletic stance with bold proportions, the new TLX offers dramatic gains in both style and dynamic performance. The 2021 TLX will hit dealerships in early fall, while the high-performance Type S variant will arrive next spring. For more information: 2021 Acura TLX Reveal
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers engineered precision performance – a commitment to expressive style, high performance, and innovative engineering – all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura line features five distinctive models: the ILX and TLX sports sedans, the RDX and MDX sport utility vehicles, and the next-generation electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are manufactured in the USA, using parts of national and global origin.
Additional media information, including pricing, features and specifications, and high-resolution photos are available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com.
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