By alley - Sep 16, 2015, 2:50 PM ET

Honda explores open-wheel fancies with "Project 2&4" concept

The Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V, the winning entry from Honda's "Global Design Project," made its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Embodying the concept of "creative craftsmanship," the car "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." No, sorry, there are no plans to offer it for sale, but if only...

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 power unit, developed for Honda's MotoGP motorcycle and specially tuned for the public road, is a 999 cc V-4 four-stroke unit. Peak power output is over 215hp 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.

More than 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.

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.

Conceived for immersive driving thrills

Drawing on Honda's racing heritage, the body design and engine position has been inspired by the Honda RA272 Formula 1 car 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 1,820mm and height 995 mm. A resulting weight of just 405 kg (893 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.