NSX Sets Production Hybrid Record at Pikes Peak
The historic "Race to the Clouds" wowed competitors and fans alike late this summer, as it has every year since 1916.
Living Easy, Living free
"The Race to the Clouds," also known by its official name, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) has been held on the last Sunday of August in Pikes Peak, Colorado since 1916. The self-sanctioned race is touted as the most diverse single day motorsports racing event in the world, which is why all of the automotive's top performance brands are always on hand.
Photos Courtesy of AutoEvolution
Season Ticket on a One-Way Ride
What separates The Race to the Clouds from other motorsports competitions? The 156-turn track climbs 4,720-ft in the air from start to finish, not only sapping the strength of drivers but reducing the power of competing vehicles' by 30% from the start line to the finish line. Simply put —the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is a feat of endurance for both man and machine, one that remains unmatched in the world of competitive racing.
Asking Nothin', Leave Me Be
The hearts and minds behind Honda's luxury division, Acura, entered the 2020 PPIHC with two distinct goals in mind. The first, of course, was to showcase their vehicle, the 2019 Acura NSX Hybrid piloted by James Robinson, competitively across a variety of different races throughout the day. The second was to boost Acura's growing reputation as a staid luxury brand to one that can truly stand the heat of competitive fires. Fortunately, Robinson and the Acura NSX team were able to achieve both these goals and then some.
Taking Everything in My Stride
Robinson’s 10:01.913 finishing time in the days “Time Attack 1” race wasn’t only good enough to capture bronze in the event, but also to capture a new course record for a hybrid vehicle. They were particularly impressive feats for Acura’s Pikes Peak race team, one composed entirely of volunteers who manage everything from car development, race prep, and driver support.
Ain't Nothin' I Would Rather Do
The 2019 Acura NSX Hybrid’s strong showing, in addition to strong showing by two 2021 Acura TLXs in the day's event, will likely play prominently in the brand’s promotion of the second generation Acura TLX sports sedan, which is scheduled to be appearing in the showroom floors across the United States before the holiday season. Both TLXs ran in this year’s Pikes Peak competition was powered by the same 2.0 VTEC 272-horsepower turbo engine that will be available to the public in the car’s commercial release.
My Friends Are Gonna Be There Too
Similarly, the record-setting 2019 Acura NSX Hybrid helmed by James Robinson at this year's event also featured nearly identical specs to the production model, aside from some minor weight-saving and safety modifications and its high-flow racing exhaust. Acura's feats "above the clouds" will no doubt stand to solidify the brand's reputation for performance as the 2021 model year approaches.