Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
In a nod to automotive history and innovation, Honda is resurrecting one of its most groundbreaking concept cars, the HP-X, for its North American debut at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Originally unveiled at the 1984 Turin Motor Show, the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) concept is set to make waves at one of the world’s premier gatherings of automotive aficionados, after undergoing a meticulous restoration by Pininfarina.
A Bold Vision from the Past
Designed by the esteemed Italian design house Pininfarina, the HP-X concept car embodies a radical departure from conventional automotive aesthetics of the 1980s. Its dramatic wedge-shaped profile and fighter-jet inspired cockpit underscore its visionary approach to car design, anticipating the technological and stylistic shifts that would come in subsequent decades.
The HP-X was a harbinger of Honda’s ambition to dive into the realm of mid-engine supercars, a vision that would eventually culminate in the production of the first-generation NSX. With its futuristic design, the HP-X showcased Honda’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and design.
Revolutionary Design and Engineering
The HP-X’s design is characterized by its cutting-edge aerodynamics and lightweight construction. Featuring advanced "ground effects" technology and a mid-mounted 2.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine derived from Honda’s F2 racing engines, the HP-X was engineered for both performance and innovation. Its striking absence of conventional doors in favor of a single-piece Perspex canopy, which extends into a rear fairing functioning as an air brake, highlights its unconventional approach.
The use of advanced materials such as honeycomb panels, carbon fiber, and Kevlar was instrumental in reducing weight and enhancing performance, reflecting Honda’s forward-thinking approach to car manufacturing. The HP-X also foreshadowed the integration of electronic technologies in automotive design, featuring an “Electronic Drive Support System” that offered real-time telemetry, GPS navigation, and road condition warnings—features that have since become standard in modern vehicles.
A Historic Debut at Pebble Beach
The HP-X’s appearance at the 73rd Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance marks a historic milestone: it is the first Japanese vehicle to be entered in the Concours in over 50 years. This recognition underscores the enduring impact of the HP-X and its role in shaping the automotive landscape.
Dave Marek, Acura’s design executive and an honorary judge for the Concours, lauded the HP-X for its role in pushing the envelope of automotive design. “The HP-X was a standout at the 1984 Turin Auto Show and has continued to inspire generations of designers and engineers. Its influence on the automotive industry is profound, and it exemplifies Honda’s dedication to innovative thinking.”
Felix Kilbertus, chief creative officer at Pininfarina, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the HP-X as a testament to the collaborative spirit between Pininfarina and Honda. “The HP-X represents our shared vision of design excellence and innovation. While it did not go into production as originally conceived, its influence on future Honda models and the broader automotive industry is undeniable.”
Legacy and Influence
The HP-X served as a testing ground for many technologies and design philosophies that would later be incorporated into Honda’s production vehicles. The groundbreaking ideas explored in the HP-X, particularly its mid-engine layout and advanced materials, found a tangible expression in the first-generation NSX, which made its debut just a few years later.
Specifications at a Glance
- Overall Length: 4,160 mm (163.8 inches)
- Overall Width: 1,780 mm (70.1 inches)
- Overall Height: 1,110 mm (43.7 inches)
As the HP-X makes its dramatic return to the public eye, it stands as a powerful reminder of Honda’s innovative spirit and its enduring influence on automotive design. The 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will undoubtedly be a memorable event, showcasing a piece of automotive history that continues to inspire and captivate.
