Honda’s Hybrid CR-V Racer: Pushing Boundaries and Redefining Fun
Introduction
In a bold display of engineering prowess and automotive innovation, Honda has taken a step beyond conventional expectations with their latest creation – the CR-V Hybrid Racer. This unique build, accomplished by Honda Performance Development and the Honda of America Racing Team, showcases the fusion of an IndyCar powertrain and hybrid technology in the popular CR-V model. Not only does this project demonstrate the fun side of hybrids, but it also serves as a rolling laboratory for Honda engineers to experiment and push the boundaries of automotive engineering.
Unleashing the Beast: The Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the CR-V Hybrid Racer lies a formidable powertrain, borrowed from an IndyCar race car. Boasting a 2.2-liter turbocharged V-6 engine and an Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission, this hybrid marvel claims an estimated power output of 800 horsepower. This power is not limited to traditional combustion engine capabilities; the CR-V Hybrid Racer incorporates a hybrid system that utilizes electric power, much like IndyCar’s push-to-pass system. This provides a quick burst of additional power and allows for all-electric launches, showcasing the advantages and versatility of hybrid technology.
Engineering Ingenuity: Combining the Best of Honda
Creating the CR-V Hybrid Racer was no small feat. The project required a careful integration of components from both the IndyCar and Acura NSX GT3 race cars. The rear suspension, transmission, and steering were borrowed from the IndyCar race car, while the front suspension and braking system were sourced from the Acura NSX GT3. To maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle, a custom frame was designed and combined with bodywork influenced by the forthcoming 2023 CR-V model, along with design cues inspired by the DTM and Group B. The result is a seamless fusion of Honda’s engineering prowess, showcasing the brand’s ability to push boundaries and innovate.
A Journey to Completion: Trials, Errors, and Triumphs
The creation of the CR-V Hybrid Racer spanned 14 months, with a dedicated team of Honda employees working tirelessly during their spare time. Integrating the original CR-V sheet metal presented unique challenges, particularly in designing the rear deck section that reveals the IndyCar engine. Multiple iterations and a fair share of trial and error were necessary to achieve the desired outcome. From reversing the hinge mechanism to ensuring a seamless fit, the team overcame obstacles with determination and a passion for innovation.
A Glimpse into the Future: Hybrid Powertrains in IndyCar
The CR-V Hybrid Racer not only aims to showcase the fun side of hybrids but also serves as a precursor to the future of IndyCar racing. As of the 2024 racing season, IndyCar plans to introduce hybrid powertrains into their races. This move represents a significant step towards sustainability and embraces technological advancements in the automotive industry. Honda’s project not only inspires excitement but also sets the stage for the future of motorsports.
Conclusion
The CR-V Hybrid Racer is a testament to Honda’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. With its unique blend of hybrid technology, IndyCar powertrain, and innovative design, this project redefines the perception of hybrids. Honda’s engineers have unleashed the Beast, a vehicle that embodies both performance and sustainability. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Honda’s CR-V Hybrid Racer paves the way for a future where fun and excitement coexist with technological advancements and environmental consciousness.
Summary
Honda’s CR-V Hybrid Racer is a remarkable example of automotive engineering and innovation. This project, undertaken by Honda Performance Development and the Honda of America Racing Team, pushes the boundaries of hybrid technology by integrating an IndyCar powertrain into the popular CR-V model. The CR-V Hybrid Racer not only showcases the fun side of hybrids but also serves as a rolling laboratory for Honda engineers to experiment and explore the possibilities of automotive engineering.
Featuring a 2.2-liter turbocharged V-6 engine, an Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission, and an estimated power output of 800 horsepower, the CR-V Hybrid Racer is a force to be reckoned with. Its hybrid system, inspired by IndyCar’s push-to-pass system, allows for all-electric launches and provides a quick burst of additional power. This project demonstrates the versatility and advantages of hybrid technology in the world of motorsports.
The creation of the CR-V Hybrid Racer was a journey that spanned 14 months, with dedicated Honda employees working nights and weekends to bring this project to life. Overcoming challenges in integrating the IndyCar and Acura NSX GT3 race car components, the team showcased Honda’s engineering ingenuity and determination to push boundaries.
Looking beyond the project itself, the CR-V Hybrid Racer also offers a glimpse into the future of IndyCar racing. With plans to introduce hybrid powertrains in the 2024 racing season, IndyCar is embracing sustainable technology and the advancements of the automotive industry. Honda’s project serves as an inspiration and sets the stage for a future where fun and performance go hand in hand with environmental consciousness.
In summary, the CR-V Hybrid Racer represents Honda’s relentless pursuit of innovation and its commitment to shaping the future of automotive engineering. This project redefines the perception of hybrids, showcasing their potential for both performance and sustainability. Honda’s engineers have created a masterpiece that combines the best of IndyCar powertrain technology with the versatility of a hybrid system, pushing boundaries and inspiring the automotive industry as a whole.
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honda has pushed an IndyCar powertrain into a hybrid CR-V, and the automaker has posted a video showing how it was done.
Called the CR-V Hybrid Racer, the unique build was undertaken by Honda Performance Development, the motorsports unit responsible for Honda’s IndyCar engine program, and built at Honda’s North American Development Center in Ohio by a team Volunteer enthusiastic Honda employees called the Honda of America Racing Team in his spare time.
The goal of the project was to show that hybrids can be fun and to show what Honda engineers can do when there’s no rule book, explains Hannah Westbrook, one of those engineers, in the video. The CR-V Hybrid Racer also serves as a rolling laboratory and test bed, said Honda’s head of performance development David Salters.
Nicknamed the Beast, the CR-V Hybrid Racer marries the 2.2-liter turbocharged V-6, as well as the Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission and rear suspension, from an IndyCar race car with the front suspension and steering of an Acura NSX GT3 race car. The front brakes are also parts from the NSX GT3, but the rear brakes are custom. All of that is attached to a custom frame with bodywork that is a mix of stock 2023 CR-V and elements inspired by the DTM and Group B.
The maximum power is estimated at around 800 hp. A hybrid system works like IndyCar’s current push-to-pass system, but relies on electric power rather than an additional turbo boost to provide a quick burst of additional power. This also allows for all-electric launches.
The project took 14 months to complete, with the volunteer construction crew working nights and weekends. Integrating the remaining CR-V’s sheet metal proved challenging, including some trial and error in designing the rear deck section that opens to reveal the IndyCar engine. Made from stock CR-V bodywork, it was originally hinged at the top, but was later reversed.
While the production CR-V Hybrid will not adopt a powertrain like the IndyCar setup, keeping Honda’s current efficiency-focused hybrid system, IndyCar plans to introduce hybrid powertrains for the 2024 racing season.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1140065_watch-how-honda-engineers-built-a-cr-v-with-an-indycar-motor
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