Honda Gears Up for Pikes Peak

The 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is coming up in June, and in preparation automakers and racing teams have been revealing their new challengers. Suzuki and Peugeot will be fighting for top honors, among others, but no one carmaker will be as present at the legendary race as Honda. American Honda Motor Co. has signed on as a partnering sponsor of the event this year, and will field ten vehicles in nine different categories, including cars, motorbikes and ATVs.

Among Honda's challengers at Pikes Peak this year will be this specially-preparedCR-Z hybrid hatchback. Developed by Honda Performance Development, equipped with a turbocharger and upgraded hybrid boost for a 200-horsepower output. The HPD CR-Z will be piloted by Sage Marie in the Exhibition class, joined by an Acura TL SH-AWD, a first-gen NSX in the Open category, a Fit EV in the electric class and a whole mess of two- and four-wheel motorbikes.