Along with the new TLX Prototype, Acura also revealed at the Detroit Auto Show a racing version of the car, poised to compete in the GT category of the Pirelli World Challenge Championship. So even before it goes on sale the new Acura TLX has a motorsport career to boast about. Not that Acura drivers are bothered about this stuff, but hey.

Acura TLX GT is developed from the ground up based on the road-going car by HPD, Honda’s racing arm in America, who gave it bespoke HPD chassis and aerodynamic performance parts approved for Pirelli World Challenge competition, as well as a direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and Super-Handling All Wheel Drive.

The TLX GT needs all this high-performance goodies, as it will be facing cars like Audi R8 LMS, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes SLS, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 and Ferrari 458 in the series.

Acura TLX GT race car will be campaigned by long time Acura Motorsports partner RealTime Racing. “In our 27 years of racing Hondas and Acuras, we have developed a clear understanding of what it takes to win races and championships,” RTR team principal Cunningham said. “In 2014, the Pirelli World Challenge GT class looks to be more competitive and diverse than at any time in the 25-year history of the series. RealTime has competed successfully in this category before, and we look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. With the onslaught of these world-class GT-3 competitors joining the fray, we will be working hard to develop the new TLX GT into a winning package. But that’s what we love to do.”