Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is a 'beast in sheep's clothing'
Japanese marque Honda has taken the wraps off the CR-V Hybrid Racer. The race car is essentially a preview of the technology that will be used by the carmaker at the upcoming NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2024. David Salters, president and technical director for Honda Performance Development said, "This project vehicle is an INDYCAR 'beast' in Honda CR-V 'sheep's clothing."
Why does this story matter?
Honda has been a force to reckon with in various North American motorsport events since 1993. The brand is starting a new chapter in INDYCAR racing with its hybrid power unit technology in the upcoming 2024 season. The company is also planning a quick 'sneak peak' of the power unit at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with the CR-V Hybrid Racer.
A brief look at Honda Performance Development (HPD)
Since 1993, Honda Performance Development (HPD) has a rich heritage of creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers. The offerings from the performance division compete in events such as INDYCAR, IMSA Sports Cars championship, and various commercial racing programs in the North American region. The division specializes in the design and development of competition powertrains, chassis, and performance parts.
The car flaunts a large rear wing and butterfly-style doors
On the design front, the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer retains the silhouette of the standard CR-V model. It sits on a Chromoly tube frame chassis and flaunts custom carbon fiber lower bodywork, butterfly-style half-cut doors, clamshell rear bodywork, an aggressive front air splitter, and a large rear wing. The car rolls on two-piece alloy wheels by 2Elle Engineering with Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires.
It features a yoke-style steering wheel and racing-style bucket seats
On the inside, the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is custom designed to suit the needs of the racing team. It features an FIA-approved roll cage, two racing-style bucket seats, a center console with multiple toggle switches, and a yoke-style steering wheel with an in-built display that showcases various racing-related telemetry. The safety of the passengers is ensured by two multi-point racing harnesses.
It is backed by a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine
Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is powered by a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine (codename: HI23TT) that is paired with Tag 400i Engine Control Unit from McLaren Applied Technologies. A driver-activated Empel electric motor-generator unit with a supercapacitor energy storage system for hybrid assistance is also available.
