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The twin-engine Honda CRX in this story is Car and Driver’s one-off CR-X² project, not a factory Honda model or a documented recipe for a street conversion. Reported in 1985 as Synchronicity and later upgraded as Super Synchronicity, it added a rear powertrain to make the small Honda four-wheel drive. Car and Driver’s period tests recorded 6.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph for the upgraded version.
What was the twin-engine CRX?
Car and Driver reported on the CR-X² project in May 1985 under the name Synchronicity, then covered its upgraded form, Super Synchronicity, in October. The project placed a second engine and automatic transaxle behind the passenger compartment, along with a second front-style suspension assembly. The builders reinforced and altered the rear body structure, added cooling connections and enclosed the rear powertrain bay.
This was a heavily modified experimental car developed with Honda-related partners, not a production CRX trim or a simple bolt-in conversion. The DFW Car & Toy Museum described the car as a one-off collaboration involving Car and Driver, American Honda, Racing Beat and Mugen.
How the two powertrains worked
Each engine drove its own axle, creating four-wheel drive without a driveshaft connecting the front and rear powertrains. Car and Driver’s 1985 explanation did not describe a dedicated electronic or mechanical synchronizer: it said the road linked the powertrains, with both engines turning at the same rpm when there was no tire slip. That period account is a description of this project, not a general guide to building or safely operating a twin-engine car.
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Synchronicity and Super Synchronicity compared
Car and Driver reported the following specifications and test results for the two configurations. These are historical figures from the magazine’s 1985 coverage, not current measurements.
| Configuration | Engine and transmission | Reported curb weight | 0–60 mph | Quarter-mile | Observed fuel economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronicity | Car and Driver’s May 1985 report describes the original twin-engine configuration; its specification table does not identify the engines and transmissions with the same detail as the later update. | 2,450 lb | 8.0 seconds | 16.0 seconds at 85 mph | 29 mpg on the front engine alone; 23 mpg with both engines |
| Super Synchronicity | Two 1,830 cc, 101-hp Honda Accord SE-i engines with four-speed automatic transmissions | 2,700 lb | 6.2 seconds | 14.5 seconds at 95 mph | Not stated in the cited comparison figures |
Source for the specifications and figures: Car and Driver’s May and October 1985 reports.
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What changed in the upgrade?
Car and Driver’s October 1985 update identified two fuel-injected, 1,830 cc Honda Accord SE-i engines, each rated at 101 hp, and four-speed automatic transmissions. The report also described changes to the chassis, wheels and tires, anti-roll bars, shock absorbers, exhaust, wiring and brake pressure. The magazine’s test figures show Super Synchronicity was quicker than the original configuration, while also weighing more.
Why it qualifies as a sleeper
The sleeper appeal comes from the contrast between a compact CRX body and an unusual, hidden second powertrain. The period test numbers give that story substance, but they belong to this particular experimental project; they should not be treated as typical results for other CRXs or as proof that a twin-engine layout is lighter, simpler or more reliable than other approaches.
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Where is the CR-X² now?
In an announcement dated August 6, 2025, the DFW Car & Toy Museum said the 1984 CR-X² was in Fort Worth as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. That announcement supports the reported collection location; it does not establish the car’s current running condition or whether visitors can see it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Was the twin-engine CRX a factory Honda model?
No. Car and Driver reported it as the CR-X² project, a one-off experimental build, not a production Honda model.
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How fast was Super Synchronicity?
Car and Driver’s 1985 test table reported 0–60 mph in 6.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds at 95 mph. These are period test results.
How did the CR-X² drive both axles?
It used a separate engine and automatic transaxle at each end, with each powertrain driving its own axle. Car and Driver’s account did not describe a dedicated synchronizer between the engines.
Where is the CR-X² reported to be?
The DFW Car & Toy Museum said in August 2025 that the car was in the Ron Sturgeon Collection in Fort Worth. The announcement does not confirm visitor access or current running condition.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Car and Driver: “Twin-Engine 1985 Honda CRX: Synchronicity” and “Project Car Update: Super Synchronicity”
- DFW Car & Toy Museum: CR-X² collection announcement, August 6, 2025
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