RC213V powered Honda sports car revealed in Frankfurt
‘Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V’, the winning entry from Honda’s ‘Global Design Project’, has made its global debut at the 66th Frankfurt Motor Show
Embodying the concept of ‘creative craftsmanship’, Honda Project 2&4 celebrates Honda’s position as the world’s leading engine manufacturer, providing engines to 28 million people per year across two and four-wheel automotive, power equipment, marine and aerospace applications.
An example of the continuous effort to create an ever-more immersive driving experience, Honda Project 2&4 brings together the brand’s unique capabilities in two- and four-wheel mobility.
Featuring the RC213V competition motorcycle engine, which has been modified to run on public roads, the Honda Project 2&4 provides the freedom of a motorcycle and the manoeuvrability of a car.
Its exceptional engine, a 999 cc V-4 four-stroke unit, was originally developed for the world-class MotoGP motorcycle racing series and has been specially tuned for the public road. The engine conforms to Honda’s ‘The Power of Dreams’ guiding philosophy that inspires innovation and originality. With a 14,000 rpm red line, the unit is mated to a six-speed DCT gearbox and delivers peak power of 215 PS at 13,000 rpm, and peak torque of 118 Nm at 10,500 rpm.
Drawing on Honda’s racing heritage, the body design and engine position have been inspired by the legendary Honda RA272 of 1965. The structure reveals the core frame and functional components of the car, much as would be more customary for a motorcycle, and is similarly compact. Overall length is 3,040 mm, it is 1,820mm wide and stis only 995mm tall. A weight of just 405kg maximises the power of the mid-mounted engine which, together with the low centre of gravity, ensures an exceptionally high level of responsiveness.
The exhilarating feeling created from the open cockpit is significantly enhanced by the driver’s seat, uniquely suspended just above the road. The ‘floating seat’ design places the driver as close to the action as possible, evoking the freedom of a bike and completing the immersion provided by Honda Project 2&4’s extreme performance and unique engineering.
We assume that this is primarily a design exercise for Honda and can’t see much possibility of the machine entering any form of mainstream production. But I guess, never say never…
