Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer previews the next era of IndyCar racing

KUALA LUMPUR: While Honda is certainly a prominent name in the passenger car industry, we cannot forget that it’s an engineering company at heart with a long history in motorsports. The automaker has recently unveiled a new hybrid racer SUV that does not cater to the masses but to track enthusiasts.

Dubbed as the CR-V Hybrid Racer, the model is a souped-up version of the sixth-gen CR-V. It is a one-off model which is described as a "rolling laboratory," previewing the future of Honda Performance Development and the next era of the NTT IndyCar series that is set to introduce hybrid power units in 2024. Honda will supply engines to five teams in the series. 

So, what makes the Honda CR-V track-ready?

• The new bodywork boasts huge rear wings and exaggerated wide flares with half of the front doors open upward like a butterfly
• The​​ interior of the SUV has been completely stripped out and is cocooned by a chrome steel-tube frame chassis
• There is no availability of rear seats
• The beast is powered by a 2.2-litre twin-turbo V6 racing engine paired with an electric motor from EMPEL Systems; it uses renewable race fuel from Shell

• The total system output is rated at 800 hp, which is four times higher than the regular US-spec model
• The front suspension and brakes are lifted from the Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 race car while the rear setup comes from the Dallara IR-18 IndyCar 
• It runs on 20-inch two-piece alloy wheels from 2Elle Engineering shod with Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 ultra-high performance summer tyres 

While commenting on the exterior graphics, Honda R&D’s senior exterior designer Lili Melikian said. “The graphics were inspired by the hybrid powertrain, radiating from Honda Hybrid Blue to Honda Racing Red to symbolize the duality of the drivetrain.”

“While 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,” she added.

The CR-V Hybrid Racer will be making an appearance at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which will be held next month.

Also read: Singapore gets the all-new 2023 Honda Jazz e:HEV