Few expected a potential Frankfurt show stealer to come from Honda. This was before the radical, motorcycle engine-powered Project 2&4 was unveiled, however.
[Not a valid template]A tribute to the company’s engines manufactured across both the two and four-wheel automotive worlds – hence the distinctive name – Project 2&4 was the winning entry of Honda’s annual ‘Global Design Project’. Conceived by the company’s motorcycle design studio in Asaka, the concept was designed in collaboration with the automobile design studio in Wako.
Under the, er, bonnet lies a road-tuned version of the 999cc V4 four-stroke engine found in Honda’s current RC213V MotoGP contender. Power and torque are limited to ‘over’ 212bhp and 87lb ft, though those comparatively moderate performance figures are offset by an astonishing 405kg kerb weight. Mated to a six-speed DCT gearbox, peak power and torque are delivered at a dizzying 13,000rpm and 10,500rpm respectively, a nod to the ‘intense driving experience’ Honda aims to create with the Project 2&4.
Measuring 3040mm long and 1820mm wide, and standing 995mm high, the distinctive styling reveals both the core frame and the suspension mechanics. The colour scheme meanwhile is inspired by the RA272 single seater used by Honda to win the 1965 Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix.
All sounds very tempting. Shame Honda hasn’t revealed any plans for production…
