In many ways, the 2016 ILX is following in the footsteps of its younger, bigger brother, the TLX. It starts with a reveal of the layman’s car, and is shortly followed by a version with a lot more decals and racing aspirations. Thus, Acura is showing the ILX endurance racer at the 2015 New York International Auto Show this week.
This car will represent Acura at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race, the longest race in the United States. Put on by the National Auto Sport Association (not to be confused with the other NASA), this race is held every December in Willows, California.
As you would expect, the ILX got more than a once-over from the Honda Performance Division, coming away outfitted with a number of improvements. The engine is running with forged rods and pistons, as well as high-flow intake and exhaust. There’s also a custom aero kit complete with a large front spoiler and a rear wing to match the TLX GT. A roll cage, racing suspension, and racing tires round out the transformation.
There’s no word yet on who will be piloting the ILX Racer, but December is a ways away. If we hear more news between now and then, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our test-drive review of the 2016 ILX. It’s a fun car, even without racing specifications. In fact, we have a feeling they really didn’t have to do that much work to get it track-ready.
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This story originally appeared on Car and Driver.