Double-X
02/03/2025
Citroën 2 CV Sahara, VW Golf Pikes Peak, Lancia Trevi Bimotore, Mercedes-Benz A 38 AMG, ... the list of test vehicles and small-series cars with a second power unit in the rear is surprisingly long. The Honda CR-X² is probably one of the lesser known in this country - which is probably due to the fact that the manufacturer was only indirectly involved in the project.
Instead of Honda, the idea germinated in the editorial department of Car and Driver. The only thing the Japanese compact wedge lacked for perfection was more engine power. The simple implantation of a larger Honda engine and the US all-purpose weapon "Chevy Small Block" were quickly dismissed - as too ordinary.
Surprisingly, Honda of America answered the question of a second engine including transmission, subframe and wheel suspension with an entire CRX parts carrier - for the subsequent fusion with the test car, a Mazda specialist of all people was commissioned.
Six months and 20,000 dollars later, the work was completed, christened the CR-X² and presented to readers in the May 1985 issue . A further 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 76 hp and three-speed automatic transmission was added to the standard engine in the front. But it didn't stay that way for long.
As early as October 1985, the white dwarf was presented with two engines from the Honda Accord: each 1.8-liter, 101 hp and coupled to its four-speed automatic transmission. The CR-X² raged to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds - at a time when a Porsche 911 needed 6.1 seconds and a Ferrari Testarossa 5.7 seconds.
Fortunately, the double-equipped one-off has survived to this day. If you want to see it in motion, you can do so in the corresponding episode of Jay Leno's Garage.
