Project ILX - The Build Continues

The Team Honda Research West Acura ILX build is continuing, as the team prepares the cars for debut in the Acura display at SEMA, and to race in the E1 class at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill.

Project Leader Calvin Liu created the build plan and schedule early in the year and the team not-so-patiently waited for the cars to arrive. Once the new chassis and donor cars arrived in late summer, the bodies were prepped and painted. Next, the roll cages were installed. Once the team received the donor cars from Acura Public Relations, the work began in earnest. After the primal fun of tearing down the donor cars, the suspension, powertrain, interior and electronics needed to be applied to the two new white-body chassis. Team members from Honda R&D, American Honda Motor Company, Honda Access America and Honda Performance Development have been contributing many after-work hours to build these two cars. Members demonstrate their commitment to the team and passion for Honda by coming in every weekend to work on the build.

The team has completed two shakedown tests of the first ILX at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, and plans to test at least once more at Willow Springs International Raceway prior to delivering one of the cars for display at SEMA in Las Vegas, in early November.


The HPD tow strap is a safety device used for reliable race track towing if needed.

 The HPD upper engine mount reduces engine movement to improve the feel of the car and shift accuracy.

The HPD rear stabilizer bar reduces understeer and improves handling balance.

The HPD brake pads and lines improve brake performance and durability.

THRW team members install the front suspension and engine.

THRW Crew Chief David Kirsch works on installing the wiring harness and electrical components.

Mike Tsay cuts the outline for the front splitter.

Project Leader Calvin Liu (the hardest working man in motorsports) envisions enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Justin Chiodo adds Red Line Oil to the new engine.

Team sponsors include Honda R&D Americas, Inc., Honda Performance Development, Acura Motorsports, BF Goodrich, AEM, H&R, Baja Designs lighting, Enkei, Red Line Oil, APR, Bride, Schroth, NRG Innovations, OMP, TireRack.com, Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies, DGauge, Monster Energy Drinks, Design Engineering.