The 102nd running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by Gran Turismo made history this summer with a groundbreaking addition to its roster. The all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX Type S served as the event’s first-ever all-electric pace car. It’s a milestone that highlights the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology along with Acura’s commitment to automotive performance and innovation.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, known as the ‘Race to the Clouds’, is one of the most aggressive motorsport events in the world. Spanning 12.42 miles with 156 turns, the course ascends to an elevation of 14,115 feet at Colorado’s Pikes Peak mountain, testing the limits of both driver and machine. Traditionally dominated by internal combustion engines, this year’s race marked a significant shift to more sustainable modes of transportation with the introduction of the all-electric Acura ZDX Type S as the pace car.

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The ZDX Type S was up for the challenge. With 500 horsepower and 544 lb-ft of torque, height adjustable air suspension, performance-tuned adaptive dampers and 15.6-inch Brembo™ front brakes with 6-piston calipers, Acura’s first-ever EV couldn’t have been more ready for this unforgiving terrain. The 447 km of range helped, too.

Coco Zurita, X Games medalist and amateur drifter, was tasked with driving the ZDX Type S pace car along the winding course, experience the thrill of the EV in a race setting for the first time.

At its core, the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is a high-performance SUV that combines cutting-edge electric drivetrain technology with Acura’s renowned handling and performance. Powered by a state-of-the-art electric motor, the ZDX Type S is the ideal candidate to lead the pack at Pikes Peak thanks to its impressive range and power.

This is Acura’s 10th year as the official Pikes Peak International Hill Climb pace car and often acts as a stage for showing off impressive machines. Previously, we’ve brought a second-generation NSX in 2015 and a TLX Type S prototype in 2020. Still, the EV might be the biggest statement-maker yet. As the first all-electric pace car in the history of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Acura ZDX Type S is redefining new standards for motorsport. Its presence at the event underscores the growing importance of electric vehicles in high-performance settings and showcases Acura’s leadership in electrification.

One thing is clear: the landscape of the automotive industry is shifting. With manufacturers increasingly focusing on electric and hybrid technologies, events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb provide a platform to show off the capabilities and potential of these advanced battery-powered vehicles, and Acura is right there leading the charge.