Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer: a completely deranged CR-V

Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer 2023

The Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer was built at the Honda Automotive Development Center (ADC) in Ohio by the Honda of America Racing Team (HART). Comparing the car to a normal CR-V is not really possible. Still, some components are interchangeable with an ordinary one.

Partly a standard Honda CR-V

Starting at the belt line, the Hybrid Racer used standard steel bodywork from the sixth-generation CR-V, including the glass windshield, windows and even the sunroof. The lower half is made of carbon composite, with a huge front splitter and flared wings. An equally large rear wing and half-cut butterfly doors on either side for the driver and passenger complete the bodywork.

Honda V6 IndyCar powerplant

In the rear lurks a 2.2-liter twin-turbo Honda V6 IndyCar powerplant with electro-support. The power? Count on about 800 horsepower. The powertrain runs on eco-fuel and features Skeleton Supercapacitors and Empel MGU hybrid technology for best performance.

The Beast

While the car was in development, the project aptly codenamed “The Beast,” with looks reminiscent of the silhouette of GT race cars and Group B rally cars from the 1980s and 1990s. But the technology underneath is strictly 21st century.

Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer – Specifications (USA)

Drivetrain

• 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% 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