ARX-05

The Acura ARX-05 is a purpose-built prototype race car that represents the pinnacle of Honda Performance Development’s (HPD) expertise in endurance racing. Unveiled in 2017, the ARX-05 was designed specifically to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s DPi (Daytona Prototype international) class, marking Acura’s ambitious return to top-level North American sports car racing. Building on the heritage of the successful ARX (Acura Racing eXperimental) lineage, the ARX-05 carries forward a tradition of innovation, engineering excellence, and fierce competition on the world’s greatest circuits.

Underneath its dramatic carbon fiber bodywork lies a robust 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, derived from Acura’s production J35 family but extensively reworked for competition. This powerplant churns out an estimated 600 horsepower, channeled exclusively to the rear wheels via a state-of-the-art Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox. The combination of low weight—just 2,050 lbs (930 kg)—and immense power delivers electrifying acceleration and top-tier performance across endurance stints, making the ARX-05 a formidable rival on both sprint and long-distance races.

The ARX-05’s chassis is based on the proven ORECA 07 LMP2 platform, extensively modified by HPD to optimize aerodynamics, cooling, and compatibility with the bespoke Acura powertrain. The suspension employs double wishbones with pushrod-actuated dampers at all four corners, ensuring razor-sharp handling, precise feedback, and the ability to cope with the rigors of high-speed cornering and relentless braking. Advanced electronics, including sophisticated traction control and telemetry systems, allow teams to fine-tune performance and reliability throughout the race.

What truly sets the Acura ARX-05 apart is its motorsport pedigree. Since its debut, the car has been piloted by renowned teams like Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing, earning multiple wins at marquee events including the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Its consistent success in the fiercely competitive IMSA DPi class is a testament to the engineering prowess and relentless development behind the project. The ARX-05 helped cement Acura as a dominant force in prototype racing, culminating in manufacturers’ and drivers’ championships—a clear signal of its significance in modern endurance racing history.

In the pantheon of contemporary prototypes, the Acura ARX-05 stands out for its blend of cutting-edge technology, relentless pace, and reliability. It embodies the spirit of endurance racing, marrying Acura’s road car engineering DNA with the demands of the world’s toughest tracks. For enthusiasts and competitors alike, the ARX-05 is not just a race car—it’s a symbol of precision, performance, and the relentless pursuit of victory.