Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer, Code Named "THE BEAST" - A Pikes Peak Hopeful

Honda Performance Development (HPD) is set to showcase their latest technology with the debut of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The vehicle is a "rolling electrified laboratory" designed to investigate the potential of electrification, hybrid technology, and renewable fuels.

The CR-V Hybrid Racer would be equipped with a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged, electrified Honda V6 INDYCAR power unit and transmission under a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid body. The vehicle runs on Shell's 100% renewable race fuel and features Skeleton Supercapacitors and Empel MGU hybrid motor technology.

Furthermore, the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer was designed by the engineers at Honda Performance Development (HPD) in California and built at Honda Automotive Development Center (ADC) in Ohio by the Honda of America Racing Team (HART). The vehicle features a Chromoly steel tube chassis with hybrid bodywork designed by the North America Auto Design Division (NAAD) of American Honda. The upper half of the vehicle is made of standard production sixth-generation CR-V steel body, while the lower half is made of carbon-composite construction.

The finished Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is clothed in a one-of-a-kind wrap designed by Lili Melikian, senior exterior designer, which features graphics inspired by the hybrid powertrain, showcasing the duality of the drivetrain. The wrap also includes ghost images of Honda-sponsored tracks and an overhead view of the engine and transmission that powers the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer.

While in development, The Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer was code-named "The Beast", and it looks reminiscent of the silhouette GT racing and Group B rally cars of the 1980s and '90s. However, the technology under the skin is strictly 21st century.

This performance concept is meant to strengthen the connections between HPD, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and Honda passenger vehicles. It was also meant to create additional awareness around the new INDYCAR hybrid powertrain that is coming in 2024 which would showcase the fun and power available from Honda electrified powertrains thanks to the innovation, creativity, and capabilities of both HPD and Honda Automotive Development Center.