[Auto]New Acura TLX 2021 makes its presentation at Pikes Peak

[SougarLord]

Acura will compete in the 98th edition of the "Race to the Clouds", to be held on August 30, with two second-generation TLXs prepared for the race, powered by modified versions of the 2.0-liter production turbocharged engine, along with the supercar NSX "Time Attack". It will set the pace for the 14,115-foot summit race a prototype development of the highly anticipated TLX Type S ahead of its market launch next year.

 

                                                                

 

Racing is a key expression of Acura's Precision Crafted Performance DNA. For the past nine years, Acura has used the strenuous 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 Racing Team is comprised of a group of volunteer R&D engineers who are in charge of all aspects of the competition, including vehicle development, race readiness, support for crew and race car navigation to the finish line.

 

 Acura's traditional presence in the Pikes Peak competition includes numerous career records and podium positions. In 2019 Peter Cunningham finished first in the Open Class for the third year in a row with the RealTime Racing TLX GT (9: 24.433). Records currently held include a record in hybrid production cars for the Acura NSX driven by James Robinson (10: 02,448) and a record in front-wheel drive for the Acura TLX driven by Nick Robinson (10: 48,094).

 

Participants in the race

 

TLX Type S Pace Car // Safety Car Driver: Nick Robinson

 

The TLX Type S Pace Car, an early development prototype used for circuit testing, will be piloted by Nick Robinson, lead engineer for the company's Chassis Development Group. The TLX Type S prototype is undergoing final development tuning before it hits the market next year. Acura's new 3.0-liter Turbo V6 engine powers the TLX Type S, and is expected to produce 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, and distribute power to all four wheels using the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. Acura 4th Generation ™ (SH-AWD®). In addition, the TLX Type S Pace Car has been outfitted with optional lightweight "Y" spoke rims, inspired by those of the NSX, and various safety modifications, including a safety cage and fire suppression system.

 

Robinson, a Pikes Peak veteran, set a new record for front-wheel drive at Pikes Peak in 2018 with an Acura TLX and achieved a Class 2 Time Attack win with a second-generation NSX in 2016. The previous year he won the PP250 class in a Honda motorcycle. Additionally, Nick Robinson acts as an expert on driving safety and helps guide new riders throughout their careers at Honda R&D Americas.

 

TLX 2.0T 2021 // Pilot: Jordan Guitar

 

The two TLX 2021 racing cars will compete in the Exhibition Class, with multiple modifications in preparation for the tough hill climb. The TLX's standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has been tuned for the race with a bigger turbo and midcooler for more power. The stopping performance of the servo-electric braking system is enhanced with the Brembo 4-piston front calipers and rotors of the TLX Type S, along with high-performance racing brake pads. A more energetic suspension setup has been applied as well as exclusive tuning for the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Lightweight 19-inch HRE rims with Pirelli racing tires complete the preparation for the TLX.

Pilot Jordan Guitar, a member of the company's Chassis Development Group, made his debut at Pikes Peak in 2018 and returned in 2019, piloting both in an Acura SUV.

 

TLX 2.0T 2021 // Driver: Justin Lumbard

 

The second TLX entered in the Show Class will be piloted by Justin Lumbard, team manager for Acura's Pikes Peak projects. Lumbard's TLX takes advantage of a higher production tuning for the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a more aggressive setup for the TLX's double wishbone front suspension and rear multi-link suspension. They round out race modifications, high-performance brake pads, lightweight 18-inch HRE rims and Pirelli racing tires.

Rookie competitor Justin Lumbard at Pikes Peak joined the Acura Pikes Peak team in 2017 and became co-director a year later. Lumbard took over as Acura's Pikes Peak racing program leader this year, including overseeing construction development for the TLX race car.

 

NSX "Time Attack" // Pilot: James Robinson

 

The NSX "Time Attack" piloted by James Robinson returns to Pikes Peak for the third consecutive year. Previous successes in Robinson's "Race to the Clouds", a veteran of 10 Pikes Peak appearances, include a record for hybrid production car set with the NSX in 2018 (10: 02.448), as well as podium finishes at the Classes: Exhibition, Open and Time Attack 1.

 

The NSX "Time Attack" features improved aerodynamics through a larger rear spoiler and aggressive front splitter. Larger turbochargers and improved engine management software increase overall system output by around 625 horsepower. Various weight reduction measures, including a stripped interior, reduce the weight of the NSX "Time Attack" by more than 200 pounds. Finally, lightweight HRE forged wheels are lined with high-grip Pirelli R-compound tires.