Honda CR-V hybrid race car being built with 800 horsepower

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The Honda CR-V is wildly popular in Canada, and the sixth-generation CR-V was recently introduced as a hybrid — the hybrid has been in the U.S. since 2020 — for the 2023 model year (You can check out a full review of the hybrid here or the regular non-hybrid here). The hybrid has a modest 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque through a 2.0L four-banger. Honda also recently revealed it’s testing a CR-V-based unit that blends a battery-electric vehicle with those of a fuel-cell-powered unit.

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In addition to all of that, the company has announced the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer Project — though I think a much more suitable name would be the CR-Vroom. The Honda Performance Development engineers are working on an 800 horsepower performance CR-V hybrid machine.

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Details are thin on what exactly is brewing beneath the bonnet, but I think it’s safe to assume there are a few electric motors jammed in there along with the aforementioned stock engine that’s likely to be sharply tuned. It bears the familiar front and rear end of the original CR-V. However, instead of smooth, conservative design lines, there are aerodynamic modifications that make it look similar to a transformer. The massive wing could probably fit an entire WRX STI beneath it, and there’s also a wild looking bodykit and vents a plenty. So, it’s safe to say may the (down)force be with you.

Development is happening at the Auto Development Center by Honda Performance Development engineers and design is via the North American design division. If you’re aching for more info on the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer, Honda says the full reveal will be on February 28, 2023.

In the meantime, check out the latest Honda CR-V model.