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
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
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.
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