Here comes a bike in the shape of a car

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.

The 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 project 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 999cc 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 158kW@13 000r/min, while peak torque of over 118Nm is delivered at 10 500r/min. 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. 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. A resulting weight of just 405kg 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 000r/min red line and unique engineering.