The Acura ZDX will become the first electric pace car at Pikes Peak

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is just over a month away, and we’ve learned that the pace car will be all-electric for the first time ever. The Acura ZDX Type S will lead the annual 12.42-mile climb up Pikes Peak as the automaker continues its tradition in the pace position but with an all-electric spin this year.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is an annual race entering its 102nd year. It has become a prominent race for automakers to showcase their best performance vehicles. In recent years, EVs have begun to shine during the “Race to the Clouds.”

During the 2023 Hill Climb, Ford Performance brought a modded-up E-Transit called the “Supervan” and will look to turn some more heads this year with a customized version of the F-150 Lightning.

Hyundai is also participating with BEVs this year and is targeting some records with its IONIQ 5 N – a track-centric version of the original passenger vehicle we got the chance to take out at Laguna Seca Raceway and had an absolute blast with.

While there will be more EVs than ever competing at Pikes Peak 2024, this year will mark the first time an all-electric vehicle will lead the climb as the pace car. The recently released Acura ZDX Type S will hold this year’s honor.

Acura ZDX hits Pikes Peak as the first BEV pace car

2024 marks Acura’s 10th year as the official pace car provider at the Pike Peak International Hill Climb, but its first time using a BEV… its only BEV. The top-tier ZDX Type S will lead the pack up the 14,115-foot summit at Pikes Peak, where competitors will encounter 156 turns up the 12.42-mile climb.

The EV will be driven by pro BMX athlete, car tuner, and amateur drifter Coco Zurita – a Chilean native who has been collaborating with Acura since 2022 when he helped build a custom Integra that went on display at the annual SEMA show.

Acura and Honda Racing Corporation USA will have two vehicles competing during this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb, but they’re not electric, so we will remain focused on the ZDX pace car. This year’s climb will take place on June 23, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.