Acura: The Luxury Division of Honda

Acura Logo

Acura is the luxury division of Honda, a Japanese multinational corporation that is well-known for its high-quality cars, motorcycles, and power equipment. Founded in 1986, Acura has a relatively short history, but it has achieved many milestones over the years and has become a leader in the luxury car market.

History

Acura was founded in 1986 as the luxury division of Honda, with the goal of offering high-quality, performance-oriented vehicles to compete with other luxury brands such as Lexus and Infiniti. The company’s first model, the Acura Legend, was introduced in 1986, followed by the Acura Integra in 1987.

In the 1990s, Acura continued to expand its product lineup, introducing models such as the Acura NSX, a high-performance sports car, and the Acura CL, a luxury coupe. The company also introduced new technologies, such as VTEC engines and all-wheel drive systems.

In the 2000s, Acura continued to innovate and introduced new models such as the Acura TSX, a compact luxury car, and the Acura RL, a luxury sedan. The company also focused on developing hybrid and electric vehicles, introducing the Acura ILX hybrid and the Acura NSX hybrid sports car.

Milestones

Acura has achieved many milestones over the years, including:

  1. Introduction of the NSX: The Acura NSX, introduced in 1990, was a groundbreaking sports car that was praised for its high performance and innovative design.
  2. Development of all-wheel drive systems: Acura was one of the first automakers to develop all-wheel drive systems for passenger cars, which helped improve handling and traction in all weather conditions.
  3. Commitment to safety: Acura has a strong commitment to safety and has received numerous awards for its advanced safety technologies and high safety ratings.
  4. Racing success: Acura has had significant success in motorsports, particularly in sports car racing and endurance racing.

Racing Success

Acura has a strong history of success in motorsports, particularly in sports car racing and endurance racing. The company’s racing success can be traced back to the 1990s, when it introduced the Acura NSX, a high-performance sports car that was praised for its handling and agility.

In the 2000s, Acura began to focus on endurance racing, and the company’s first major success came in 2007, when the Acura ARX-01 won the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Acura continued to compete in endurance racing throughout the 2000s and 2010s, with multiple wins in the American Le Mans Series and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

In recent years, Acura has continued to compete in motorsports, with a focus on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the IndyCar Series. The company’s racing program is operated by Team Penske, one of the most successful teams in motorsports, and has achieved multiple wins and championships.

Acura is a luxury car brand that has achieved significant success in the automotive industry, particularly in the luxury car market and in motorsports. From its early days as a division of Honda to its current status as a leader in the luxury car market, Acura has achieved many milestones and has had a significant impact on the automotive industry.

Through its commitment to quality, performance, and innovation, Acura has become a symbol of excellence and achievement in the luxury car market, and its racing success has further cemented its reputation as a high-performance brand. With a focus on developing advanced technologies and high-performance vehicles, Acura is poised to continue building it’s legacy.