Honda has a deep bench where track-capable machines based on roadgoing models are concerned, drawing from the Civic, Accord, and NSX. This time, the automaker’s latest circuit weapon will be inspired by an unlikely entry: the CR-V in hybrid guise, with a claimed 800 horsepower.
It’s Coming! Honda Prepares to Unleash the CR-V Hybrid Racer Project Car
A teaser video showed glimpses of the upcoming CR-V Hybrid Racer in various stages of preparation. Engineers at the Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Auto Development Center (ADC) were responsible for the mechanical bits, while American Honda’s North America Auto Design Division handled the aesthetics.
This isn't your typical compact crossover
Details are scarce for now, but it’s evident that the high-riding hotrod was designed and built with speed in mind. Save for the headlamps, grille, tail lamps, and rear hatch, the rest of the vehicle shows off multiple scoops, vents, and dive planes on a custom carbon fiber bodywork. If the large front splitter and rear diffuser weren’t intimidating enough, there’s also a massive rear wing hovering over the rear glass.
The front doors open up and away from the wide body in butterfly-style fashion, while the car’s entire rear half opens similar to a clamshell, splitting the rear doors horizontally and rendering them somewhat vestigial.
That face rendered in carbon fiber looks menacing
Judging by the lone shot of the interior, it appears that Honda has done away with nearly everything on the standard CR-V to make its latest racer as lightweight as possible. The F1-style racing yoke’s array of buttons and switches is accompanied by a color screen for telemetry purposes, while a roll cage has been fitted to protect the cabin.
There's no denying this CR-V's performance intentions
Other than the claimed output, Honda hasn’t said much about the particular powertrain beyond calling it a hybrid, which could either be the standard CR-V’s stock electrified power unit or a version of the V6 hybrid power unit used on the NSX.
Honda will fully unveil the CR-V Hybrid Racer on February 28, with presumably plenty of shots of the track terror in action.
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Know more about Honda CR-V 2024
The 2024 Honda CR-V is a midsize crossover SUV. For the Philippine market, it has three variants: the V Turbo CVT, VX Turbo CVT, and the RS e:HEV (hybrid) e-CVT.
The latest version of this Honda model has two different engine options. For the top-spec hybrid trim, it uses a 2.0-liter gasoline four-banger paired with a dual motor and lithium-ion battery. The combustion component alone produces up to 145 horsepower and 183 Nm of torque. The electric-powered component meanwhile, can churn out 181 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque.
Aboard the V and VX trims meanwhile is a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine that can churn out 187 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque.
Only the VX gets all-wheel-drive, while the rest are front-wheel-drive. All trims then use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but the one on the hybrid trim is an electronic CVT (e-CVT).
In terms of dimensions, the all-new CR-V is 4,691mm long, 1,866mm wide, and 1,681mm (1,691mm for VX) in height. Both the hybrid and the V’s wheelbase then spans 2,701mm (2,700mm for VX).
Locally, the Honda CR-V competes against the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Cherry Tiggo 8 Pro, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Peugeot 5008, etc.
₱ 2,100,000 - ₱ 2,590,000
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