Honda has announced that it will be the partnering sponsor for the 2013 running of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, known for challenging the durability of a vehicle’s technology as well its driver.

As both a sponsor and race participant, Honda plans to field products in nine classes, a first for any OEM in a single Pikes Peak event that this year will also mark the return of the first-generation NSX for the June 30, race in Colorado Springs.

American Honda Motor Co.’s participation in the 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb marks the first time the company has served as a Partnering Sponsor.

Honda is entering 10 vehicles in the 12.42 mile race, which features 156 turns, begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of “America’s mountain.“

In addition to the first generation Acura NSX, Honda’s car entries will also include a 2013 Honda HPD CR-Z. And while the company hasn’t released any specific technical details on the vehicle, a higher performance CR-Z shown at SEMA last year might provide some indication of what to expect.

Developed by the Honda Performance Division (HPD), the SEMA CR-Z features the addition of a supercharger, an intercooler, high-flow injectors and a recalibrated Engine Control Unity (ECU) giving the car 185 horsepower and 169 lb-ft. of torque, a boost of 55 hp and 29 lb-ft. of torque over the standard six-speed manual model.

The performance upgrades also included revised suspension, a new wheel/tire package and high-performance brakes.

Since the course is now fully paved from top to bottom, the performance capabilities of the potent CBR 1000RR and CBR600RR sportbikes will also be put to the test as entries in the race’s motorcycle class.

Along with Honda IndyCar team Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports pilot Simon Pagenaud, the vehicles for the Pikes Peak race will be developed and piloted by Honda’s North American associates, under the banners of the Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Team-Honda Research (THR).

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