--- title: "The Acura ZDX Is Pikes Peak’s First-Ever Electric Pace Car" description: "The 2024 ZDX Type S isn't just Acura's first electric car; it'll also be the first EV to serve pace car duty at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb." date: "2024-05-17" modified: "2024-05-17" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-acura-zdx-is-pikes-peaks-first-ever-electric-pace-car" categories: - "Acura News" - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Racing" tags: - "acura" - "Electric Vehicle" - "suv/crossover" - "ZDX" --- # The Acura ZDX Is Pikes Peak’s First-Ever Electric Pace Car ![]() *Acura* When the pace car for this year's 102nd [Pikes Peak]() International Hill Climb breaks through the clouds to kick off the event, you'll see it, but you won't be able to hear it. That's because Acura has called upon its new [ZDX Type S]() for the role, the brand's first all-electric car and the first electric pace car the hill climb's ever had. [Acura]() is no stranger to Pikes Peak pace car duty, having supplied its vehicles for the job for the past 10 years. Last year, the TLX Type S pace car was driven by IndyCar driver David Malukas, and the NSX has done the deed more than once. This year, however, the ZDX Type S is being driven by BMX athlete and amateur drifter Coco Zuritas. ![]() **Acura** The ZDX won't be participating in the actual race, though. Instead, Acura has enlisted two purpose-built Integras for that purpose. An HRC-developed Acura [Integra Type S]() will be driven by Katherine Legge in the Time Attack 1 division, while a team HART (Honda of America Racing Team) Integra A-Spec will be driven by Paul Hubers in the Pikes Peak Open division. Built on GM's Ultium platform as part of a deal between Honda and GM, the ZDX Type S has a 102-kWh battery pack and dual motors, combining for 499 horsepower and 544 lb-ft of torque, so it should get up the mountain quickly. Adjustable air suspension, adaptive dampers, and 15.6-inch front Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers should help it handle the 156 turns throughout the nearly 5,000-foot hill climb. ![]() **Acura** While the ZDX is the first electric Pikes Peak pace car, many EVs have contested the hill climb over the years. In 2018, the electric Volkswagen ID.R even broke the overall Pikes Peak record, when Romain Dumas set a blistering time of 7:57.148. No electric SUV is approaching that kind of performance anytime soon (or probably ever), but the ZDX's Pikes Peak duty speaks to the direction of the Acura brand as well as the future of the iconic event. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()