The 2017 Acura NSX clinched first place in the Time Attack 2 class at the 2016 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
It’s quite an accomplishment for the team, considering it was the first time the all-new Acura NSX competed in any North American racing event. Starting with a standard production Acura NSX, the Japanese automaker added the requisite safety equipment for competition before claiming victory with a time of 10:28.820. The winning car was driven by Nick Robinson, who also serves as a North American R&D team member and engineer in charge of the NSX’s dynamic performance. Robinson is also the reigning PP250 winner from last year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
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Two additional Acura vehicles competed in the event, one of which is an NSX-based four-motor Acura EV concept. That car was driven by Tetsuya Yamano, who finished second in the Electric Modified class with a time of 9:06.015. He was also third fastest overall with a speed of 79.119 mph. The other was a modified 2017 Acura NSX, driven by Nick’s brother, James Robinson.
“For our new NSX to win one of the most historic and challenging races on the planet in its North American racing debut is a great achievement for everyone involved in creating the American-built supercar,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura Division. “The performance of NSX in this year’s race is a testament to Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA and will serve as a launching pad for future racing endeavors.”