honda’s radical wedge-shaped HP-X concept car resurrected for concours d’elegance

japanese design meets italian craft

Forty years after its stunning 1984 debut, Honda‘s radical HP-X concept car is set to return to the spotlight with its first North American appearance. During Monterey Car Week in August 2024, the wedge-shaped masterpiece will be spotlighted at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Styled and crafted by the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, the HP-X represents a pivotal moment in automotive history. Following a restoration process at Pininfarina’s Italian workshop, the HP-X will be showcased in the Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes Class at the concours on August 18th, 2024. This marks the first time a Japanese vehicle has graced the Pebble Beach stage in over half a century, further underscoring the HP-X’s significance in automotive design.

the wedge concept with fighter-jet inspired cockpit

Originally unveiled at the 1984 Turin Motor Show, HP-X concept signaled Honda’s ambitious foray into the world of mid-engine supercars. Its dramatic wedge profile and fighter-jet inspired cockpit were a bold statement of intent. The car’s design, a collaboration between Honda and Pininfarina, pushed the boundaries of automotive aesthetics and engineering.

The HP-X is at once a radical concept and a technological marvel. Equipped with a mid-mounted 2.0-liter V6 engine based on a Honda F2 racing unit, the car showcased advanced aerodynamics and innovative cooling solutions. Its futuristic canopy replaced conventional doors, while the use of cutting-edge materials like honeycomb panels, carbon fiber, and Kevlar demonstrated Honda’s commitment to performance and weight reduction.

Beyond its exterior, the HP-X interior is a continuation of the company’s forward-thinking vision, which was ahead of its time. A Honda-developed Electronic Drive Support System previewed technologies that are now commonplace, like real-time telemetry, GPS, and advanced driver assistance systems.

1984 honda hp-x: a legacy revived

While the HP-X never entered production, its influence on the automotive industry is undeniable. The concept car served as a testbed for groundbreaking ideas that would later find their way into production models, most notably the iconic Honda NSX. The NSX, with its mid-engine layout and focus on performance and handling, was a direct descendant of the HP-X’s visionary design. The return of the Honda HP-X to the public eye is a rare opportunity to witness a rare automotive masterpiece. As it takes its place among the world’s most celebrated cars at Pebble Beach, the HP-X will continue to inspire designers and enthusiasts together, solidifying its status as a timeless icon of automotive design.

‘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 Dave Marek, Acura design executive and honorary Concours judge. ‘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.’

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project info:

project title: 1984 Honda HP-X Concept Car

company: Honda, Pininfarina

event: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

date: August 18th, 2024