1984 Honda HP-X Concept Restored: A Look at the Futuristic Mid-Engined Concept

The Honda HP-X: A Mid-Engined Concept Ahead of Its Time

Honda will surprise car enthusiasts at the upcoming Monterey Car Week by showcasing the restored Honda HP-X, a
mid-engined concept from 1984 that served as inspiration for the original NSX. This iconic concept, designed by
Pininfarina, will be exhibited at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The Design of the Honda HP-X

The Honda HP-X featured a futuristic wedge-shaped exterior with deep creases on the bodywork. Its standout
feature was a removable single-piece Perspex canopy inspired by jet fighters. The transparent spoiler extension
not only added to its cool factor but also served as a driver-controlled air brake. The concept incorporated
ground-effect aerodynamics and weight-saving measures like honeycomb panels, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. Compared
to the first-generation NSX, the HP-X was more compact, measuring 4,160 mm long, 1,780 mm wide, and 1,110 mm
tall.

The Innovative Cabin of the HP-X

The HP-X’s two-seater cabin featured a forward-thinking design. It had two screens, one serving as an analog
cluster and a larger one mounted on the center console. These screens integrated Honda’s “Electronic Drive
Support System,” which can be considered a predecessor to modern navigation, telemetry, and driver assistance
systems. The press release from 1984 mentioned that the screen could display the vehicle’s position on the map
and use sonar to detect roadblocks for easier parking maneuvers.

The Powertrain of the HP-X

Although the HP-X remained a static prototype, it was envisioned with a mid-mounted naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter
24-valve V6 powertrain sourced from Honda’s Formula 2 program in the ’80s. While Honda didn’t provide specific
power figures, it is estimated that the F2 racecars of that era produced over 310 horsepower.

The Legacy of the HP-X

Felix Kilbertus, Pininfarina’s chief creative officer, acknowledged the significant influence of the HP-X on
subsequent Honda models and the automotive industry as a whole. He stated, “It stands as a testament to both
Honda’s and Pininfarina’s innovative spirit, inspiring future developments in the automotive industry.”

The Restored HP-X at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The restored Honda HP-X will be showcased at the Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes Class at the 73rd
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18. This marks the first Japanese vehicle entry at the event in over
50 years.

Archive Photos

Below, you can find the original press material from 1984, including early development sketches and live photos
from the show. The HP-X concept marked the beginning of development for the original Honda NSX, which debuted in
production form in 1990.