this is possible Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer become the Renault Espace F1 of the TikTok era?
Developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the company’s North American racing division, the Hybrid Racer has the most bizarre CR-V-like appearance in the world.
From the belt up, the Hybrid Racer uses the CR-V’s standard steel doors, as well as display-ready versions of the windshield, sunroof and conservatory.
To get in and out, the front doors cut in half swing up, butterfly style. However, the rear and rear doors do not work because the rear half of the car is a one-piece clamshell that can be rotated up to allow access to the powertrain.
Below the waistline, the Hybrid Racer features a custom carbon composite bodywork with flared wheel arches and air vents. A massive front splitter and equally eye-catching rear spoiler generate enough downforce to keep the car moving on solid terrain.
There is also a ventilated bonnet and a large intake manifold on the roof.
Under the skin is a Chromoly tubular chassis with a 2.2-litre twin-turbo V6 from the Indycar racing program mounted mid-ship and is said to produce around 597 kW (800 hp).
It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox, powered by a driver-activated Empel electric motor connected to a Skeleton supercapacitor energy storage system.
The Hybrid Racer rides on 285/35-20 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Extreme Performance summer tires at the rear and large 305/35-20 units at the rear.
In terms of suspension and brakes, the CR-V Hybrid Racer has a bit of a Frankenstein vibe, with the front suspension and 380 mm Brembo brakes taken from the Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22 race car.
Meanwhile, the rear suspension package and Brembo 350 mm brakes are taken from the Dallara IR-18 Indycar.
With seats for the driver and front passenger, it is likely that the Hybrid Racer will offer some lucky passengers an experience similar to sitting in an Indycar racer.
The CR-V Hybrid Racer will make its public debut at the first Indycar race of the season in St Petersburg, Florida. In addition to appearing at select Indycar races, it will appear at “select events throughout 2023”.
Shame, the Gold Coast Indycar race is now a distant memory.
THAN: Honda CR-VA
