Honda HP-X: The 1980s Concept That Inspired the NSX
💪Forgotten ONES⚒️ - In the world of automobiles, Honda Motor Co. stands out as a Japanese manufacturer known for its diverse range of products, from motorcycles to cars and even airplanes. Among Honda's many impressive creations, the Honda HP-X often escapes the spotlight. This innovative and futuristic concept car made its debut at the 1984 Turin Motor Show, captivating those who saw it.
The Honda HP-X was an innovative and futuristic concept car that debuted at the 1984 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)
The HP-X immediately grabs attention with its unique design, resembling a sleek wedge or a piece of prop wood. Its side profile showcases a flat front that thickens towards the rear. A striking feature of the HP-X is its extensive use of seamless glass, which covers nearly a third of the car's body. This glass design merges the front, side, and rear panels into one continuous piece, without any intervening pillars.
The Honda HP-X boasts a unique design, reminiscent of a wedge or a sleek piece of prop wood, with side profile reveals a flatter front that gradually thickens towards the back. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)
This seamless glass design serves multiple purposes, acting as both the canopy of the car and the entrance to its cabin. The subtle extension at the rear, similar to a spoiler, adds a touch of elegance to the vehicle. The innovative entry mechanism involves sections of the glass lifting up, much like a jet plane's cockpit canopy, allowing easy access for the driver.
The concept car earned the name HP-X, where "HP" stands for Honda Pininfarina, emphasizing this fruitful collaboration between the two entities. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)
The Honda HP-X earned its name from the collaboration between Honda and Pininfarina, with "HP" standing for Honda Pininfarina. This partnership was instrumental in creating the car's distinctive design and advanced features. Despite its compact dimensions, the HP-X boasts impressive aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of only 0.25. Measuring 426.5 cm in length, 177 cm in width, and 112.5 cm in height, with a wheelbase of 225 cm, the HP-X is slightly larger than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The Honda HP-X measures 426.5 cm in length, 177 cm in width, 112.5 cm in height, with a wheelbase of 225 cm. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)
The mid-engine configuration of the HP-X, situated just behind the cabin, houses a 2,000 cc V6 engine, originally developed for Formula 2 racing. This powerful engine highlights Honda's commitment to performance and innovation. Over time, the concepts and design elements of the HP-X contributed to the development of the iconic Honda NSX, which inherited many of the HP-X's groundbreaking features.
The Honda HP-X cabin, adorned with a red, white, and black interior and featuring a futuristic steering wheel, had screens displaying real-time telemetry, GPS, and road condition warnings using sonar. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
Although the HP-X concept never entered production, it significantly influenced the design and technology of future Honda models. The first-generation NSX, sold globally as a Honda and with an Acura badge in the United States, is a testament to the lasting impact of the HP-X. Honda enthusiasts and automotive history buffs eagerly anticipate seeing the HP-X concept in person once again at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 18, 2024.
The Honda HP-X powered by a mid-mounted a 2,000 cc V6 engine configuration situated just behind the cabin. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)
The Honda HP-X remains a fascinating piece of automotive history, showcasing the visionary collaboration between Honda and Pininfarina. Despite not achieving widespread recognition, the HP-X played a crucial role in shaping the future of automotive design and innovation. Its legacy lives on through the NSX and continues to inspire car enthusiasts and designers alike.
The Honda HP-X is a reminder of the endless possibilities in automotive design and engineering. Its unique features and innovative design make it a standout in Honda's history, illustrating the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As we look to the future, the spirit of the HP-X continues to drive innovation and creativity in the automotive world. *** [EKA [02082023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CARANDDRIVER ]
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The HP-X immediately grabs attention with its unique design, resembling a sleek wedge or a piece of prop wood. Its side profile showcases a flat front that thickens towards the rear. A striking feature of the HP-X is its extensive use of seamless glass, which covers nearly a third of the car's body. This glass design merges the front, side, and rear panels into one continuous piece, without any intervening pillars.
The Honda HP-X is a reminder of the endless possibilities in automotive design and engineering. Its unique features and innovative design make it a standout in Honda's history, illustrating the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As we look to the future, the spirit of the HP-X continues to drive innovation and creativity in the automotive world. *** [EKA [02082023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CARANDDRIVER ]
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