Honda builds a CR-V powered by an IndyCar race engine

IndyCar racers won't get hybrid power until 2024, but Honda has already fitted a hybrid twin-turbo V6 to this wild CR-V.

Honda has made a CR-V powered by an IndyCar hybrid engine

Honda has created a one-off, extreme version of its CR-V SUV, fitting the engine from an IndyCar racer. 

The CR-V Hybrid Racer was designed by Honda Performance Development (HPD) as a ‘rolling electrified laboratory’. 

It previews the hybrid twin-turbocharged V6 engine that will be used by Honda-powered IndyCars for the 2024 season.

Hybrid theory in practice

Honda has made a CR-V powered by an IndyCar hybrid engine

Compared with a regular Honda CR-V, the Hybrid Racer is somewhat more extreme. A Chromoly tube frame chassis has been used, with the electrified V6 mounted in the middle. 

The top half of the bodywork is taken from a standard production CR-V, but the lower half is made of carbon-composite. This includes the jutting front splitter, huge rear wing and numerous vents and flares. 

Butterfly doors allow the driver and passenger to climb inside the spartan cabin, which features the steering wheel from an IndyCar

Other special components include rear suspension from a Dallara IndyCar, with the front setup borrowed from an HPD-developed Acura NSX GT3.

A beast on the streets

Honda has made a CR-V powered by an IndyCar hybrid engine

A blue and red livery contains a number of ‘easter eggs’, such as ghosted images of Honda-sponsored race tracks and an overhead view of the engine beneath.

“This project vehicle is an IndyCar beast in Honda CR-V sheep’s clothing,” said David Salters, president and technical director at HPD.

According to Salters, the CR-V Hybrid Racer will be used to investigate “where HPD and Honda could go with electrification, hybrid technology and 100 percent renewable fuels. It epitomises Honda’s fun-to-drive ethos, showcases electrification and it just rocks our car culture roots and racing heritage.”

The CR-V Hybrid Racer will make its public debut at this weekend’s NTT IndyCar Series season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida. It will also appear at other IndyCar events throughout the year.

ALSO READ:

Award-winning classics at Hillsborough Concours show

Electric Skoda Enyaq iV vRS sets ice drifting world record

Renault Sport is officially no more

Related Articles

John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

One-off Honda Civic has the world’s most silver paint

The unique Honda Civic commemorates 25 years of hybrid engine technology, with special paint that contains real silver.

BTCC to ditch hybrid power for sustainable petrol in 2025

After successful tests of sustainable race fuel, the BTCC will end the use of electrified hybrid tech from the 2025 season onwards.

What to do if your car key fob stops working

Worried about keyless car theft? We explain what to do if you suspect the signal from your key fob has been compromised by a jamming device.

New 2025 Skoda Kodiaq vRS debuts with 265hp and 7 seats

The second Skoda Kodiaq vRS delivers more power and performance than its predecessor, but still boasts plenty of space