Embodying the concept of creative craftsmanship, Honda Project 2&4 puts a big old stamp on Honda’s position as the world’s leading engine manufacturer. According to automaker, it provides engines to 28 million people per year across two- and four-wheel automotive, power equipment, marine and aerospace applications.
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, Honda Project 2&4 provides the freedom of a motorcycle and the maneuverability of a car.
The power comes from Honda’s MotoGP bike and has been tuned for the street – a 999 cc V-4 four-stroke unit – and the entire concept conforms to the company’s ‘Power of Dreams’ guiding philosophy that it says inspires innovation and originality. Peak power output is over 212 hp at 13,000 rpm, while peak torque of over 87 ft.lbs. is delivered at 10,500 rpm. Transmission is provided by a six-speed DCT gearbox.
Over 80 designers and creators participated in the in-house ‘Global Design Project’ competition, which is part of Honda’s initiative to inspire creativity as one ‘Team Honda’. The objective of the annual contest between Honda design studios is to challenge team and project members to share one goal and achieve them.
Honda Project 2&4 is an example of what this stimulating challenge can generate with an open book concept. Conceived by Honda’s motorcycle design studio in Asaka and designed in collaboration with the automobile design studio in Wako, the goal of Honda Project 2&4 seeks was to create an intense driving experience by combining the most thrilling elements of riding a motorcycle with the most engaging characteristics of driving a car. The result not only showcases the creativity flowing through Honda’s design studios, but also challenges expectations of the future of mobility.
Drawing on Honda’s racing heritage, the body design and engine position has been inspired by the legendary Honda RA272 of 1965. The structure reveals the core frame and functional parts of the car, much as would be more customary for a bike, and is similarly compact. Overall length is 3,040 mm, width 1,820 mm and height 995 mm. A resulting weight of just just under 1,000 lbs. maximizes the impact of the power of the mid-mounted engine which, together with the low center 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, 14,000 rpm red line and unique engineering.
Source: Honda
