Honda has a redesigned CR-V on sale for 2023, however the model featured right here will not seem in showrooms.

It is a one-off construct developed by Honda Efficiency Growth, each as a promotional instrument and a rolling laboratory.

Known as the CR-V Hybrid Racer, it is constructed round a customized body and packs the brand new hybrid powertrain Honda is growing for IndyCar. The open-wheel collection is ready to introduce hybrid powertrains in 2024.

The powertrain combines Honda’s present twin-turbo 2.2-liter V-6 IndyCar engine with a driver-activated Empel electrical motor-generator. As an alternative of storing {the electrical} power in a battery, the setup depends on a Skeleton tremendous capacitor. Additionally borrowed from IndyCar is the Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission.

Peak energy is estimated at round 800 hp. That compares with the inventory CR-V Hybrid that includes a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with Honda’s two-motor hybrid system for a mixed 204 hp.

On the surface, the CR-V Hybrid Racer appears to be like very like an everyday CR-V that is been slammed. Every thing from the waistline up is definitely inventory CR-V, together with the metal physique, home windows, and even a sunroof. Under this, although, is a customized carbon-composite shell with flared fenders and butterfly half-cut doorways.

The CR-V Hybrid Racer is ready to make its debut on the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg operating March 3-5 in Florida. The race serves because the opening spherical of the 2023 IndyCar season. The idea automobile will present up at a variety of further IndyCar rounds and in some circumstances will make monitor appearances.

Whereas the manufacturing CR-V will not undertake a powertrain just like the IndyCar setup, a brand new powertrain is coming to the favored compact crossover. Honda final fall confirmed plans for a CR-V outfitted with a hydrogen gas cell powertrain.