What does the HRC logo do on Sony’s Afeela?

Sony and Honda hint at an HRC version of the Afeela capable of competing with the most powerful electric sedans on the market.

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Sony and Honda officially presented the Afeela, their first electric car from the Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) joint venture. But it is not the standard version that caught our attention: a discreet HRC logo was displayed on one of the models, suggesting that a sporty HRC version may soon join the lineup.

HRC, standing for Honda Racing Corporation, is the competition branch of the Japanese manufacturer, known for its successes in MotoGP and rally competitions. An HRC version of the Afeela 1 could thus become a high-level electric sports sedan capable of competing with Tesla’s Plaid and Performance models. According to our projections, it could combine three or four motors, develop between 600 and 800 horsepower, and offer performance worthy of an electric supercar, all while maintaining the comfort and Sony technologies embedded in it.

The difference through performance?

The production of the standard Afeela 1 is already underway at Honda’s East Liberty plant in Ohio, with pre-series models intended to validate industrial processes and ensure quality. The standard version develops 400 hp, features a 91 kWh battery providing nearly 480 km of range, and offers rapid DC charging that is still modest at up to 150 kW, but is expected to quickly reach more reasonable levels.

The Afeela HRC is expected to stand out with its sporty driving experience. Incorporating Sony technologies, the cockpit could focus on the driver, with advanced driving aids and premium comfort. The 40 sensors – cameras, radars, ultrasound, and lidar – could also be utilized for an assisted sporty driving mode, promising unprecedented sensations.

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If this HRC version is confirmed, the Afeela HRC would enter the realm of major electric sports sedans, ready to challenge Tesla and other premium manufacturers as early as 2026. Reservations are open, allowing enthusiasts to dream of this fusion between Sony technology and prestigious HRC DNA.