Conceived and produced by the famous Italian design house Pininfarina, and publicly unveiled in 1984, the revolutionary Honda HP-X concept will be presented again at the 73rd edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which takes place during the Monterey Car Week in California, USA.
The concept, which underwent an intense restoration work carried out by Pininfarina in Italy, will be presented on the 18th, marking the first participation of a Japanese vehicle in the Pebble Beach Concours in over 50 years.
The legendary Honda HP-X, the concept that served as the basis for the development of the first generation of the NSX supercar, was the star of the 1984 Turin Motor Show, with its wedge-shaped design that contributed to advanced aerodynamics, including “ground effects” and innovative cooling solutions for its center-mounted 2.0-liter, 24-valve V6 DOHC engine, based on the Honda F2 racing engine.
The concept does not have doors and instead features a removable one-piece Perspex hood, similar to a jet aircraft. The back of the hood extends into a structure with two main functions: improving the car’s aerodynamic appearance and serving as a pneumatic brake controlled by the driver.
In addition, with the HP-X, Honda explored the advanced use of alternative materials, including honeycomb panels, carbon fiber, and Kevlar to reduce weight and improve performance.
“The Honda HP-X is an ideal example of Pininfarina’s unique ability to present innovative ideas through concept cars that define future trends,” said Felix Kilbertus, creative director at Pininfarina. “The HP-X did not go into production, but its influence on subsequent Honda models and the automotive industry as a whole is undeniable. It is a testament to the innovative spirit of Honda and Pininfarina, inspiring future developments in the automotive industry.”
