Acura To Tackle Pikes Peak With A 400 HP MDX Sport Hybrid

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb kicks off on June 30th and Acura is bringing five different vehicles to this year’s event.

One of the more interesting entries is a race-prepped MDX Sport Hybrid. Built specifically for the hill climb, the crossover features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that has been bored out to displace 3.7-liters. It is backed up by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a three-motor hybrid system.

Acura says this enables the crossover to have a combined maximum output of 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque. This makes the model significantly more powerful than the standard MDX Sport Hybrid which is rated at 321 hp (239 kW / 325 PS) and 289 lb-ft (392 Nm) of torque.

Besides the upgraded powertrain, the MDX has been equipped with a “race-tuned active-damper suspension” and a custom roll cage. The crossover is also lighter than the standard model as much of the interior has been gutted.

The MDX will compete in the Exhibition Class and it will be driven by Jordan Guitar who’s a member of Acura’s chassis development group.

Acura will also field a special RDX A-Spec. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that has been equipped with a larger turbocharger and an electric supercharger. This enables the model to produce 350 hp (261 kW / 355 PS) and 330 lb-ft (447 Nm) of torque.

Besides the modified engine, the crossover has a stripped out interior, a race-tuned suspension and a roll cage. Other highlights include a rear biased SH-AWD system and 19-inch HRE wheels that are wrapped in Pirelli racing tires.

Given this is a race, it’s not surprising that Acura is bringing along a couple of NSXs. The first is a Time Attack model which has a revised powertrain that produces approximately 625 hp (466 kW / 634 PS) thanks to the use of larger turbochargers.

The racer has also been equipped with HRE wheels and Pirelli R-compound tires. Last but not least, the car weighs more than 200 lbs (91 kg) less than the standard NSX thanks to various weight saving measures.

Also Read: First Drive – Updated 2019 Acura NSX Proves Itself At The Track

The second NSX is a near-production model which features a roll cage, a fire suppression system and a racing seat with a harness. While the modifications are minor, there’s a good reason for this as the model will serve as a pace car for the event.

Last but not least, there will be the RealTime Racing TLX GT. It features a twin-turbo V6 engine which has been specially tuned to cope with the “decreasing levels of oxygen on the way up to the 14,115 foot (4,302 meter) summit.” It also has a specially tuned transmission and suspension as well as a new diffuser.