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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