Honda has announced its latest project vehicle, the HPD CR-V, a hybrid model good for as much as 800 horsepower. The car has been developed in collaboration with Honda’s Auto Development Center (ADC) and North America Auto Design Division, inspired by the brand’s IndyCar racing.

The HPD CR-V features custom carbon fiber lower bodywork with flared fenders, half-cut butterfly doors, and rear clamshell bodywork to expose the IndyCar power unit. The front suspension and front brakes are from the HPD-developed Acura NSX GT-3 Evo car, while the rear suspension, radiator, and rear brakes are adopted from the Dallara IR-18 Indy car.

This hot and bothered CR-V fits massive 305/35-20 rear wheels wearing Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra-High Performance summer tires, promising an exciting ride.

Honda promises it’s all standard sixth-generation CR-V from the beltline up, including the greenhouse and windshield. However, keep in mind, the recently-updated production Honda CR-V only boasts a 1.5-liter combustion engine good for 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. The updated CR-V Hybrid, the model represented here, upgrades to a new 2.0-liter engine paired with a torquey e-CVT as well as an additional electric motor for that aforementioned 204 hp, so HPD has a long way to go to get it up to 800 hp.

The HPD CR-V is described as a “project vehicle” meant for the track. The car will make its public debut on March 3rd at the NTT IndyCar Series season-opening Firestone Grand Prix in St. Petersburg, Florida.

For Executive Creative Director Dave Marek, the HPD CR-V became “a ‘what if?’ of keeping the CR-V as is but adding some serious attitude with parts indicative of an Indy car. Then it was back to my childhood of never building model cars right out of the box, by manipulating areas with DTM or Japanese Super GT cars in mind. I basically mocked up the idea in 3D, then our amazing Digital Modelers made it work.”

While the HPD CR-V is not meant for the streets, it’s exciting to see how Honda is pushing the boundaries of hybrid powertrain technology. The HPD CR-V serves as a showcase for the brand’s engineering prowess and innovative design.

In conclusion, the HPD CR-V is an exciting project that shows how far hybrid powertrain technology has come. While the vehicle is not meant for the streets, it’s a showcase for Honda’s engineering prowess and innovative design. The HPD CR-V promises to be a thrilling ride and will make its public debut on March 3rd at the NTT IndyCar Series season-opening Firestone Grand Prix in St. Petersburg, Florida.