Honda and HRC Evaluating Building Performance Models Beyond Type R

Honda is hinting at even more hardcore models under the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) brand.

Honda’s track-ready lineup—led by the Civic Type R, Civic Si, and their Acura Integra counterparts—has a hard-earned reputation for delivering street and track performance. But there could be even more on tap.

Speaking during the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona, Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe confirmed the company’s interest in creating ultra-high-performance models using HRC racing technologies.

“Today, I cannot tell the exact plan yet, but yes, we should create such kind of performance model together with HRC racing technologies,” Watanabe was quoted by The Drive. He noted that the American division of HRC has already started developing performance parts for existing Honda and Acura models.

When asked if this new project would involve bespoke hypercars or prototypes akin to Honda’s ARX-06 IMSA GTP racer, Watanabe clarified that the focus would remain on enhancing existing models, such as the Integra Type S and Civic Type R.

The blueprint for these ultra-high-performance models is the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype, a one-off concept revealed at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. The track-focused prototype earned praise from Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda, who even requested one for personal use in Japan.

Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President of HRC US, offered additional details about what these HRC-branded models could entail. “You have the Type S or Type R for the road and [on the other end] you have a race car that you can buy for the track—so this would be something in between,” Ikeda said.

Ikeda emphasized that any HRC-branded vehicle would represent the ultimate expression of its base model while remaining street-legal. “The idea is for customers to click on ‘I want this part on it and that on it,’” he explained, referencing the a la carte performance seen with brands like Porsche.

Both Watanabe and Ikeda stressed that these plans are still in the early stages, with no official timeline for production or specific details on what an HRC trim might include—but it is clear Honda is seriously evaluating a factory-built Civic or Integra that bridges the gap between street and track.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.