Honda, known for both its sports models and its hybrid cars, wanted to combine the best of both worlds with an impressive model. Her name ? THE Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer. And as you can see, this model has little in common with the CR-V as we know it.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is a unique model that was formed and assembled by several divisions of the Japanese manufacturer under the guidance of Honda Performance Development (HPD) engineers. Obviously, this model is not for sale, but you may see it if you follow the IndyCar Championship.

Hybrid SUV with a capacity of 800 hp

This family SUV is actually a racing car hiding under the CR-V body. The lower section is made entirely of carbon fiber, distinguished by massive fenders and front butterfly doors that open into a race-oriented interior. The car rests on a tubular frame to provide rigidity.

The back door doesn’t open, at least not in the way you’d expect. These are attached via a hinged cover that provides access to the Xtrac six-speed gearbox connected to the twin-turbo 2.2-litre V6 hybrid engine, located where the second-row seats would normally be. The entire power unit develops a trifle 800 hp.

The technology used in the upcoming Honda Civic Type R

Instead of batteries, the CR-V Hybrid Racer uses a supercapacitor storage system that’s not exactly like what’s in a Lamborghini.

“The particular reason supercapacitors exist is for power”– explained David Salters, the boss of the HPD unit. “Supercapacitors perform very well at high power and are inherently reliable in this application. We are going to learn a lot in this technology.”

And that’s the very essence of this crazy CR-V’s raison d’être: to learn. Honda is quick to call the whole experience a “rental laboratory”created to study various aspects of productivity and how electrification can fit into this equation. Lessons learned from the CR-V Hybrid Racer can be applied to future racing projects, although Honda has no plans to take the model to the track just yet.

The tubular chassis features front suspension and 15-inch Brembo brakes taken from the NSX GT-3. Out back we find Dallara IR-18 Indy suspension with 14-inch Brembo brakes. Fender flares 305/35 rear and 285/35 front tires.

“Right now the focus is on electrification, energy management, all those things for the purpose of racing, as well as potential road use.” Obviously, we can’t help but think about the upcoming Honda Civic Type R, which will have to go through the electrification box if it wants to survive. And this technology could make sense if it could do without heavy batteries while reducing consumption and CO2 emissions.₂.