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.
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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.”