Honda Gone Wild, with the introduction of Hybrid technology in Indycar racing next year, Honda decided to make this a beast of a CR-V.
“This project vehicle is an INDYCAR wolf in CR-V clothing” said David Salters, president and technical director for Honda Performance Development.
“The CR-V Hybrid Racer is our ‘rolling electrified laboratory’, to investigate where the talented staff of HPD and Honda could go with electrification, hybrid technology and 100% renewable fuels. It epitomizes Honda’s fun to drive ethos, showcases electrification and it just rocks our car culture roots and racing heritage! We present the CR-V Hybrid Racer – aka ‘The HPD Beast’!”
Honda Performance Development (HPD)
Conceived and designed by the engineers at Honda Performance Development (HPD) in California and designers from the North America Auto Design Division (NAAD) of American Honda. built at Honda Automotive Development Center (ADC) by Honda of America Racing Team (HART).
The CR-V Hybrid Racer places a 2.2 liter twin turbo, electrified Honda V6 INDYCAR power unit and transmission under 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid bodywork to create the “rolling laboratory” for the continued development of electrified technology by Honda and HPD.
The CR-V Hybrid Racer runs on Shell’s 100% renewable race fuel. Also features world leading Skeleton Supercapacitors and Empel MGU hybrid motor technology.
The chromoly steel tube chassis of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is clothed in suitably “hybrid” bodywork designed by NAAD. From the bottom up, the Hybrid Racer uses a standard production CR-V steel body, including the windshield, windows and sunroof. The lower half is of carbon-composite construction, incorporating a massive front splitter and louvered, flared fenders. An equally large rear wing and butterfly half-cut doors on either side for the driver and passenger complete the bodywork.
‘Right in our wheelhouse’
“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,” said Dave Marek, executive creative director. “So this was – pardon the pun – ‘Right in our wheelhouse’. It became a ‘what if?’ of keep the CR-V as is, but add some serious attitude with parts indicative of an Indy car. Then it was back to my childhood of never building model cars right out of the box, by manipulating areas with DTM or Japanese Super GT cars in mind. I basically mocked up the idea in 3D then our amazing Digital Modelers made it work.”
The finished Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is clothed in a one of a kind wrap, designed by Lili Melikian, senior exterior designer. The eye catching design contains a variety of “easter eggs” including ghosted images of the powertrain and INDYCAR SERIES circuits.
“The graphics were inspired by the hybrid powertrain, radiating from Honda Hybrid Blue to Honda Racing Red to symbolize the duality of the drivetrain,” Melikian explained. “While the ‘speed squirkles’ add a dynamic fun layer and showcase the playful side of Power of Dreams. Throughout the wrap, we sprinkled ghosted outlines of Honda sponsored tracks and an overhead view of the engine.”
During development, the project carried the appropriate code name “The Beast”.
With looks similar to the silhouette of GT racing and Group B rally cars of the 1980s and ‘90s. But the technology under the skin is strictly 21st century.
Strengthening Corporate Connections
The Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer strengthens the connections between HPD, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Honda passenger vehicles. Creating additional awareness around the new INDYCAR hybrid powertrain coming in 2024.
Showcases the fun and power available from Honda electrified powertrains. Spotlights the innovation, creativity and capabilities of both HPD and Honda Automotive Development Center.
Finally, the Beast is making a tour, but we doubt Honda Phnom Penh can bring this amazing car to Cambodia.
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