Honda Unleashes “Electrified Laboratory” on the Racetrack

Honda Performance Development caused a buzz with its totally unique CR-V. The head-turning “rolling electrified laboratory” is a one-of-a-kind CR-V hybrid that pushes the boundaries of hybrid and electric performance. Its debut at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, FL was just the start of the INDYCAR’s nationwide tour as a sort of test vehicle to see what’s possible in the realm of hybrid and electric technology. So, what is the CR-V Hybrid Racer capable of? Keep reading to find out!

Releasing the Beast

If you’ve been shopping for new vehicles here at Honda of Sumner, you might have noticed more electrified vehicles lately. But this model is unlike anything you’d find riding the roads of Sumner. This CR-V is a beast. In fact, Honda engineers refer to it as the HPD Beast, and it’s fully outfitted to put hybrid and electric performance to the test. Starting with the 2.2L twin-turbo V6 engine, the CR-V Hybrid Racer is fed by 100% renewable race fuel developed by Shell. Mods like Skeleton super capacitors, an X-TRAC six-speed transmission, and Borg Warner turbochargers help speed things along.

Sitting on a Chromoly tube frame chassis, the CR-V is clad in custom bodywork that seamlessly blends with standard features and designs. If it doesn’t look exactly like a CR-V you’d buy yourself, that’s because it’s not; the body style is based on GT racing and rally cars of the 80s and 90s with butterfly half-cut doors and flared fenders. A clamshell-style rear shows off the CR-V Hybrid’s glory: its hybrid engine system with Empel electric motor generator unit.

It’s finished by a one-of-a-kind wrap inspired by the hybrid powertrain. A mashup of Honda Hybrid Blue and Honda Racing Red outfit the INDYCAR with a unique look that matches the spirit of the racecar. You can get a look for yourself when the HPD Beast makes its way around the United States at events like the Grand Prix of Portland on September 1-3. Check out the reveal below to get a preview of the CR-V Hybrid Racer in action!

2023 Honda CR-V Available Now at Rairdon’s Honda of Sumner

The HPD Beast may be one-of-a-kind, but you can own a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid of your own from Honda of Sumner! New models are available now, so view our online inventory and get financing pre-approval before paying us a visit. Customize your ride with genuine parts, accessories, and performance tires to feel like you’re hitting the raceway every day.