Vehicle model
Acura ARX-05
The Acura ARX-05 is a DPi (Daytona Prototype international) class race car developed for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, North America's premier endurance racing series. Unveiled in the summer of 2017 and officially entered from the 2018 season, the ARX-05 marked the return of Acura, Honda's premium division, to the top prototype category of North American racing. This ambitious project was part of the brand's motorsport strategy aimed at enhancing its performance image and showcasing its technical expertise on American soil. Technically, the ARX-05 was based on a chassis supplied by the Italian manufacturer ORECA, specifically derived from the ORECA 07 LMP2, one of the most competitive and reliable chassis of its generation. Acura clothed this structure in a specific bodywork featuring an aggressive, angular design that incorporated the brand's styling cues, notably the stylized grille and characteristic lighting signature. The whole package was powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine derived from Honda technology, a compact yet powerful unit producing the maximum output allowed by DPi regulations. A sequential paddle-shift gearbox completed this assembly built for endurance and speed. The racing program was entrusted to Team Penske, a legendary American motorsport organization synonymous with professionalism and efficiency. From its debut, the ARX-05 proved competitive, accumulating podiums and wins at the IMSA calendar's flagship events. It claimed notable successes and helped Acura secure championship titles, confirming the soundness of the investment and the quality of the technical package. After Team Penske's departure, the program was taken over by other customer teams, notably Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing, who continued the car's success. The ARX-05 distinguished itself particularly at the 24 Hours of Daytona, one of the world's most prestigious endurance races, where it scored resounding victories that strengthened the brand's record. In terms of reception, the ARX-05 was praised for its reliability, speed and ability to compete at the highest level against rivals such as Cadillac, Mazda and Nissan. It embodied Acura's renewed commitment to factory competition. The end of the DPi regulations, replaced by the GTP category and its LMDh hybrid prototypes from 2023, marked the retirement of the ARX-05 in favor of the ARX-06. The legacy of the ARX-05 is considerable: it restored major sporting credibility to Acura in endurance racing, enabled the accumulation of prestigious titles and wins, and paved the way for the brand's new generation of hybrid prototypes. It remains a benchmark in the DPi category and a key chapter in Acura's modern motorsport history, demonstrating how a customer-derived chassis combined with a bespoke engine and elite team management could deliver championship-winning performance on the demanding North American endurance stage.
History
History of the Acura ARX-05
The Acura ARX-05 is a DPi (Daytona Prototype international) class race car developed for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, North America's premier endurance racing series. Unveiled in the summer of 2017 and officially entered from the 2018 season, the ARX-05 marked the return of Acura, Honda's premium division, to the top prototype category of North American racing. This ambitious project was part of the brand's motorsport strategy aimed at enhancing its performance image and showcasing its technical expertise on American soil. Technically, the ARX-05 was based on a chassis supplied by the Italian manufacturer ORECA, specifically derived from the ORECA 07 LMP2, one of the most competitive and reliable chassis of its generation. Acura clothed this structure in a specific bodywork featuring an aggressive, angular design that incorporated the brand's styling cues, notably the stylized grille and characteristic lighting signature. The whole package was powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine derived from Honda technology, a compact yet powerful unit producing the maximum output allowed by DPi regulations. A sequential paddle-shift gearbox completed this assembly built for endurance and speed. The racing program was entrusted to Team Penske, a legendary American motorsport organization synonymous with professionalism and efficiency. From its debut, the ARX-05 proved competitive, accumulating podiums and wins at the IMSA calendar's flagship events. It claimed notable successes and helped Acura secure championship titles, confirming the soundness of the investment and the quality of the technical package. After Team Penske's departure, the program was taken over by other customer teams, notably Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing, who continued the car's success. The ARX-05 distinguished itself particularly at the 24 Hours of Daytona, one of the world's most prestigious endurance races, where it scored resounding victories that strengthened the brand's record. In terms of reception, the ARX-05 was praised for its reliability, speed and ability to compete at the highest level against rivals such as Cadillac, Mazda and Nissan. It embodied Acura's renewed commitment to factory competition. The end of the DPi regulations, replaced by the GTP category and its LMDh hybrid prototypes from 2023, marked the retirement of the ARX-05 in favor of the ARX-06. The legacy of the ARX-05 is considerable: it restored major sporting credibility to Acura in endurance racing, enabled the accumulation of prestigious titles and wins, and paved the way for the brand's new generation of hybrid prototypes. It remains a benchmark in the DPi category and a key chapter in Acura's modern motorsport history, demonstrating how a customer-derived chassis combined with a bespoke engine and elite team management could deliver championship-winning performance on the demanding North American endurance stage.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The ARX-05 combines a carbon chassis derived from the ORECA 07 LMP2, renowned for its rigidity and optimized aerodynamics. At its heart, a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine based on Honda technology delivers high power and generous torque, managed by a sequential paddle-shift gearbox specifically calibrated for endurance. The double-wishbone suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes and active aerodynamics reflect the sophistication of DPi prototypes. The onboard electronics handle traction control, engine strategy and real-time telemetry, allowing engineers to optimize performance and reliability over long races. This technical package, run by elite teams, placed the ARX-05 among the most competitive prototypes in its category in North America.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
As a race prototype, the ARX-05 uses specific competition racing slicks homologated for IMSA; always verify the exact dimension according to the configuration and applicable regulations.
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