Along with the new TLX executive sedan, which will make its debut in production trim at the New York Auto Show next month, Acura also launched a GT racing version of the car Pirelli World Challenge, which is kind of like an American GT3 series. The TLX racer has now been confirmed for track debut at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on May 30.

In this series the 2015 Acura TLX GT will face rivals such as Audi R8 LMS, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes SLS, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 and Ferrari 458. Needless to say, if the car manages to hold its own against this mighty adversary, it will give the road-going version a lot of street cred, which will translate to more sales.

Developed by HPD, the racing arm of American Honda Motor, the Acura TLX GT features a bespoke chassis and aerodynamic performance parts approved for Pirelli World Challenge competition. Power comes from a direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine based on the production unit. What sets the GT apart, and frankly gives it a fighting chance, is Acura’s SH-AWD system.

The Acura TLX GT race car will be campaigned in the 2014 PWC by Acura Motorsports partner RealTime Racing. They will start off with one car, and add another one later in the year.

“The competition in the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge is incredible, but Acura has never shied away from strong competition, in the marketplace or on the race track,” said Art St. Cyr, President of Honda Performance Development and Vice President, Product Planning and Logistics, American Honda. “The 2015 Acura TLX is a true luxury sport sedan, so it is fitting that the car be raced against several of its natural competitors, and even some up-market brands, in the Pirelli World Challenge.”