The Honda Project 2&4 Concept tries to draw the line between a car and a motorcycle

Ever wondered what’d be the ideal vehicle for those who’re torn between two and four wheels? Honda’s new experimental concept combines the brand’s learnings in both two- and four-wheel mobility and provides “the freedom of a motorcycle and the manoeuvrability of a car”. Called the ‘Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V’, it is the winning entry from Honda’s ‘Global Design Project’, and will make its global debut at the 66th Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Honda Project 2&4 is powered by the RC213V’s competition motorcycle engine. Developed for the MotoGP motorcycle racing series and specially tuned for the public road, the 999 cc V-4 four-stroke unit’s 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.

Honda Project 2&4 (1)

Though there’s no word on the official acceleration figures, a weight of just 405 kg, coupled with a mid-mounted, race derived engine that screams to a 14,000 rpm red line should account for some face warping spur, along with instant responsiveness round the corners due to the low centre of gravity.

Conceived by Honda’s motorcycle design studio in Asaka and designed in collaboration with the automobile design studio in Wako, the Honda Project 2&4 seeks to create a distinctive driving experience by combining the thrill of riding a motorcycle with the most engaging characteristics of driving a car.

Honda Project 2&4 (2)

The Project 2&4’s body design and engine position has been inspired by the 1965 Grand Prix winning Honda RA272 Formula One racing car. The open cockpit features a single driver’s seat, uniquely suspended just above the road – Honda calls it the ‘floating seat’ design, evoking the freedom of a bike on four wheels. Overall vehicle length is 3,040 mm, width 1,820 mm and height 995 mm, while instrumentation is via means of projection onto a glass surface.