Honda has shoved an IndyCar powertrain right into a CR-V Hybrid, and the automaker has launched a video displaying the way it was finished.
Referred to as the CR-V Hybrid Racer, the one-off construct was finished by Honda Efficiency Growth, the motorsports unit liable for Honda’s IndyCar engine program, and constructed at Honda’s North American Growth Middle in Ohio by a volunteer group of fanatic Honda workers known as the Honda of America Racing Staff of their spare time.
The purpose of the challenge was to point out that hybrids may be enjoyable, and present what Honda’s engineers can do when there isn’t any rulebook, Hannah Westbrook, a type of engineers, explains within the video. The CR-V Hybrid Racer additionally serves as a rolling laboratory and testbed, Honda Efficiency Growth boss David Salters mentioned.
Nicknamed the Beast, the CR-V Hybrid Racer marries the turbocharged 2.2-liter V-6, in addition to the Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission and rear suspension, from an IndyCar race automotive with the entrance suspension and steering from an Acura NSX GT3 race automotive. Entrance brakes are additionally NSX GT3 elements, however the rear brakes are customized. All of that’s hooked up to a customized body with bodywork that is a mixture of inventory 2023 CR-V and DTM and Group B-inspired parts.
Peak output is estimated at round 800 hp. A hybrid system features like the present IndyCar push-to-pass system, however counting on electrical energy fairly than extra turbo increase to supply a fast burst of added energy. This additionally permits for all-electric launches.
The challenge took 14 months to finish, with the volunteer construct group working nights and weekends. Integrating the carryover CR-V sheetmetal proved difficult, together with some trial and error in designing the rear clamshell part that opens to disclose the IndyCar engine. Created from inventory CR-V bodywork, it was initially hinged on the prime, however that was later reversed.
Whereas the manufacturing CR-V Hybrid will not undertake a powertrain just like the IndyCar setup, sticking with Honda’s present efficiency-focused hybrid system, IndyCar does plan to introduce hybrid powertrains for the 2024 racing season.
