Embodying the concept of
‘creative craftsmanship', Honda Project 2&4 is celebrating Honda's position
as the world's leading engine manufacturer. The company provides 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 by Honda to design 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, Honda Project 2&4 provides the
freedom of a motorcycle and the manoeuvrability of a car.
Its exceptional power unit,
developed for the world-class MotoGP motorcycle racing series and specially
tuned for the public road, is a 999 cc
V-4 four-stroke unit and conforms to Honda's ‘The Power of Dreams' guiding
philosophy that inspires innovation and originality. Peak power output is over
215 PS at 13,000 rpm, while peak torque of over 118 Nm 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 high targets.
Honda Project 2&4 is an
example of what this stimulating challenge can generate thanks to the differing
qualities of each participant. Conceived by Honda's motorcycle design studio in
Asaka and designed in collaboration with the automobile design studio in Wako,
Honda Project 2&4 seeks 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 405 kg maximises the impact of 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, 14,000 rpm red line and unique engineering.
Source: Honda