Honda has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is a testament to this. The brainchild of the engineers at Honda Performance Development (HPD) in California and the North America Auto Design Division (NAAD) of American Honda, this hybrid racer is a "rolling laboratory" for the continued development of electrified technology by Honda and HPD.
This unique racer is built using the chassis of the Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV and houses a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged, electrified Honda V6 INDYCAR power unit and transmission under the hood. This powerful engine delivers impressive performance with the help of the Empel MGU hybrid motor technology and Skeleton Supercapacitors. And to make it more eco-friendly, the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer runs on Shell's 100% renewable race fuel.
The unique bodywork of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is designed to strike a balance between the standard production sixth-generation CR-V steel body and the carbon-composite construction of the lower half, which incorporates a massive front splitter and louvered, flared fenders. The car is an eye-catching sight, with an equally large rear wing and butterfly half-cut doors on either side for the driver and passenger.
The design of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer results from a collaboration between HPD and NAAD. Dave Marek, executive creative director, said, "When the Design Studio learned about this project, we had already established a great relationship with HPD through other projects, including the ACURA ARX-06. So this was - pardon the pun - 'Right in our wheelhouse.' It became a 'what if?' of keeping the CRV as is but add some serious attitude with parts indicative of an Indy car."
The graphics of the car were designed by Lili Melikian, senior exterior designer, and they contain a variety of "easter eggs," including ghosted images of the powertrain and INDYCAR SERIES circuits. Melikian explained, "The graphics were inspired by the hybrid powertrain, radiating from Honda Hybrid Blue to Honda Racing Red to symbolize the duality of the drivetrain. At the same time, the 'speed squirkles' add a dynamic fun layer and showcase the playful side of Power of Dreams. Throughout the wrap, we have also sprinkled easter eggs like ghosted outlines of Honda-sponsored tracks and an overhead view of the engine that powers the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer."
The suspension of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is just as impressive as the engine. The front suspension is from the HPD-developed Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22, and the rear suspension is adapted from the Dallara IR-18 Indy car. The Brembo 380mm front brakes from Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22 and Brembo 355mm custom rear brakes adapted to Dallara IR-18 suspension add to the car's impressive performance.
