Honda Performance Development (HPD) has unveiled CR-V hybrid racer featuring INDYCAR drivetrain, racing suspension, Firestone high-performance tires and Honda CR-V Hybrid bodywork.
The car is designed by the engineers at HPD in California and designers from the North America Auto Design Division (NAAD) of American Honda. The car is built at Honda Automotive Development Center (ADC) in Ohio by the Honda of America Racing Team (HART).
Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is powered by 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged, 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 per cent renewable race fuel; and features world-leading Skeleton Supercapacitors and Empel MGU hybrid motor technology.
Honda issued a press release describing the designs and performance of the car. The Chromoly steel tube chassis of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is clothed in suitably “hybrid” bodywork designed by NAAD.
From the beltline up, the Hybrid Racer utilized a standard production sixth-generation CR-V steel body, including the glass windshield, windows and even the 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.
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.
Following are the specification of Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer
Powertrain
Honda HI23TT 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine
Borg Warner EFR7163 turbochargers
McLaren Applied Technologies Tag 400i Engine Control Unit
Drive-by-wire controlled port throttle
Shell 100 per cent renewable race fuel
Driver-activated Empel electric motor generator unit
Skeleton super capacitor energy storage system
XTRAC six-speed transmission; Mega-Line Assisted paddle-shift
Chassis and Bodywork
Chromoly tube frame chassis
New, 6th generation Honda CR-V Hybrid bodywork from beltline up
Standard Honda CR-V Hybrid windshield and greenhouse
Custom carbon fiber lower bodywork incorporating flared fenders
Butterfly half-cut doors provide access for driver and passenger
Radiator adapted by HPD from the Dallara IR-18 Indy car
Clamshell rear bodywork to display power unit and drivetrain
Custom downforce-producing front splitter and rear wing
Suspension
Front suspension from HPD-developed Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22
Rear suspension adapted from Dallara IR-18 Indy car
Brembo 380mm front brakes from Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22
Brembo 355mm custom rear brakes adapted to Dallara IR-18 suspension
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra-High Performance Summer Tires
Front tires 285/35-20; Rear tires a massive 305/35-20
2Elle Engineering 20×10.5 Front and 20×11 Rear two-piece alloy wheels.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer will make its public debut at the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida. The unique vehicle will be on display and making on-track demonstrations at multiple INDYCAR events.
READ MORE: Honda prepares to unveil CR-V Hybrid Racer on Feb 28