Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen got behind the wheel of the ultra-powerful Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer at Homestead-Miami Speedway ahead of the recent F1 Grand Prix in Miami. This video gives you a brief chance to see him behind the wheel.
Indycar racer James Hinchcliffe is there to show off Verstappen’s custom-built CR-V. The F1 driver seems to have a lot of fun behind the wheel, including making some smoky burnouts. He mentions that he has quite a bit of grip.
CR-V hybrid racer is a one-of-a-kind creation by Honda Performance Development. It features an electrified twin-turbocharged 2.2-litre Honda Indycar V6 engine and Xtrac six-speed transmission. The setup is good for around 800 horsepower. Instead of batteries to store electricity, the vehicle uses supercapacitors.
This unique machine features carbon fiber components with a massive hatch covering the rear. The doors have butterfly holes. The windshield, windows and sunroof are from the production specification CR-V. The chassis underneath is a custom tubular frame. The front suspension and 15″ Brembo brakes come from the NSX GT3 car. It rides on 20-inch wheels that are 10.5 inches wide at the front and 11 inches wide at the rear.
Honda describes the CR-V Hybrid Racer as a mobile laboratory. The company is working on how electrification, energy management and performance can come together in racing.
Honda will showcase the CR-V Hybrid Racer at several races during IndyCar 2023. It will be doing demonstrations at some events.
Verstappen is currently the points leader in the 2023 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. At the time of publishing this story, he has 119 points. His teammate Sergio Perez is second with 105 points.
Nothing like the Hybrid Racer goes into production, but The 2023 CR-V introduces a new generation of crossover. It features an updated interior with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7.0- or 9.0-inch infotainment screen, depending on trim level. Safety features include a wide-angle camera and radar system that provides a 120-degree view. Depending on the model. buyers can get a turbocharged 1.5-liter 190 hp four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter 204 hp four-cylinder with hybrid assistance.
