Racing Improves the Breed: The Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer

Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Company, once said, ‘Racing improves the breed.’ Or, more specifically, the sport of motor racing improves motor vehicles everywhere. Introducing the latest example of how racing improves the breed: the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer. Originally unveiled earlier this year, the CR-V Hybrid Racer has caught the eyes of countless gearheads all around the world; and for good reason, too. Simply put, this is one of those special vehicles that could very well impact the future of the automotive industry. As always, our team at Rairdon’s Honda of Marysville has everything you need to know, so keep on reading below!

Read more: 2023 Civic Type R Set a New Nurburgring Lap Record

What is the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer?

Now, your first question is probably: what is the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer? According to David Salters, president and technical director for Honda Performance Development, “This project vehicle is an INDYCAR ‘beast’ in Honda CR-V ‘sheep’s clothing. The CR-V Hybrid Racer is our ‘rolling electrified laboratory’, to investigate where the talented men and women of HPD and Honda could go with electrification, hybrid technology and 100% renewable fuels. It epitomizes Honda’s fun-to-drive ethos, showcases electrification and it just rocks our car culture roots and racing heritage! We present the CR-V Hybrid Racer – aka ‘The HPD Beast’!”

The CR-V Hybrid Racer is brought to life by a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged, electrified Honda V6 INDYCAR power unit and transmission which have been placed under 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid bodywork. Thus creating the “rolling laboratory,” which will continue to be used for the development of electrified technology by Honda and HPD. In addition to featuring world-leading Skeleton Supercapacitors and Empel MGU hybrid motor technology, the CR-V Hybrid Racer is powered by Shell’s 100% renewable race fuel.

Additionally, the exterior of the CR-V Hybrid Racer is just as unique as its powertrain. As a matter of fact, it is dressed in a one-of-a-kind wrap, designed by Lili Melikian, senior exterior designer. Within the fine lines of this captivating exterior, one can catch glimpses of certain ‘easter eggs,’ including ghosted images of the powertrain and INDYCAR SERIES circuits.

Incredible Levels of Creativity and Expertise

When discussing his creation, Melikian remarked, “The graphics were inspired by the hybrid powertrain, radiating from Honda Hybrid Blue to Honda Racing Red to symbolize the duality of the drivetrain. While the ‘speed squirkles’ add a dynamic fun layer and showcase the playful side of Power of Dreams. Throughout the wrap, we have also sprinkled easter eggs like ghosted outlines of Honda-sponsored tracks and an overhead view of the engine that powers the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer.” Suffice it to say, incredible levels of creativity and expertise went into the design of this one-of-a-kind vehicle. From the outside to the inside, every square inch of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is proof that racing improves the breed.

Read more: Honda Dominated the 2023 Car and Driver ‘Editor’s Choice’ Awards

Contact Our Team at Rairdon’s Honda of Marysville

For more information about the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer, how racing improves the breed, or anything else, please feel free to contact our team at Rairdon’s Honda of Marysville. But, before you do, consider taking a look at our extensive new Honda inventory. We have hundreds of brand-new models available right now, and we would love to help you find your perfect fit. Or, if you just feel like going for a ride, that’s fine, too; we can always schedule a test drive. Either way, be sure to get in touch and let us know how we can help. To get the conversation started, simply fill out and submit our online form, give us a call at 360-363-8600, or visit the dealership in person at 15714 Smokey Point Blvd, Marysville, WA 98271. We hope to serve you soon.