The NSX aiming to tame Pikes Peak

Technology and brash aero collide on newly unveiled Pikes Peak NSX

Honda's American cousin Acura have revealed the beast that they're aiming to tackle this weekend's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with — a rather frightening looking NSX.

"We've been tuning the car for several weeks at Pikes and have advanced its performance significantly," said driver Tetsuya Yamano, who piloted a bonkers CR-Z-based electric prototype at least year's race to the clouds.

"We're honored to be running at Pikes in this historical, anniversary year — an event respected by racing fans all over the world."

Unlike its hybrid-powered production car base, the Pikes Peak version is fully electric. It also features four-wheel torque vectoring through the use of twin-motor units (TMUs) on each axle. But there's also a few hallmarks from the road car present, including the Sport Hybrid SH AWD tech that allows the electrics to bite when requested by the driver's right foot, without drawbacks like a slow regeneration.

Topping all of that off, of course, is the brand of unique aero associated with hill-climb and time attack cars. Though it is a little more mature looking than some of the other cars lining up for this year's event.

Among those entered is expat New Zealander Rhys Millen, who will be gunning for the outright win in his Hankook-backed electric car. His father Rod will also be there with his hallowed Toyota Celica to do a series of demonstrations — helping mark the 100th anniversary of the historic meeting.

Click here to read Driven's interview with the five-time mountain king.