When you think of something exotic from Honda your immediate go-to is usually the Acura NSX. However, long before the iconic NSX graced our roads, Honda unveiled a stunning, wedge-shaped marvel known as the HP-X. This groundbreaking concept car marked Honda’s first foray into modern concept vehicles and was designed by the renowned infarina. The HP-X made its debut at the 1984 Turin Motor Show, setting the stage for an ultra-aerodynamic sports car that was far ahead of its time.
The HP-X boasted a 2.0-liter V-6 engine derived from Honda’s Formula 2 race car, highlighting the brand’s racing pedigree. It featured advanced materials like kevlar and carbon fiber to keep its weight down and employed “ground effects” for the first time, enhancing its aerodynamic prowess. One of its most futuristic features was a driver-controlled air brake, a testament to its innovative spirit. Despite its impressive design and technology, the HP-X never transitioned into production. The NSX emerged about five years later, cementing Honda’s place in the sports car world.
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Fast forward to this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where Honda is bringing the HP-X back to the spotlight. The fully restored HP-X will compete on the main stage, making it the first Japanese car to do so in over 50 years. It will be featured in the unique “Wedge-Shaped Concept and Prototypes Class,” showcasing its timeless design and engineering excellence.
Honda’s restoration team has meticulously preserved the HP-X’s original charm. The car retains its distinctive two-tone white-and-navy-blue paint job with red accents, as well as its red-and-white suede interior. The button-heavy center stack and the fighter-jet-inspired single-piece Perspex acrylic canopy, which reveals a two-seat layout, remain intact—ensuring the car’s authentic 1984 aesthetic is faithfully maintained.
“The Honda HP-X Concept was the star of the 1984 Turin Auto Show, showcasing elements of engineering excellence and cutting-edge design, with extreme wedge-shape styling that continues to inspire future generations of car designers and engineers,” said Acura Design Executive Dave Marek. “The forward-thinking HP-X had an undeniable impact on the industry, highlighting our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design.”
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, set for Sunday, August 18, 2024, promises to be an event to remember, as the Honda HP-X makes its long-awaited return to the limelight. Car enthusiasts and history buffs alike will revel in the revival of this forgotten gem, celebrating its legacy and influence on modern automotive design.
