A couple of weeks back, we dissected Honda’s teaser image and text of their Frankfurt concept, the 2&4. Now, on the eve of Europe’s biggest auto show of the year, they’ve released full images and a bit more information. Claiming influence from their pivotal RA272 F1 car from 1965—the machine that gave them their first Grand Prix win—the 2&4 is a little more sedate than the V-12–powered monster of 50 years ago.
-
After all, the 2&4 only features one-third the cylinder count, yet revs to the same 14 grand. The 2&4 is, however, incredibly light, tipping the scales at just 892 pounds. Which, we might note, is less than a modern GL1800 Gold Wing. Like the ‘Wing, however, the 2&4 features a motorcycle engine, in this case, plucked from the all-the-tech RC213V-S. Based on Marc Márquez’ MotoGP bike, the hyper-limited, $185,000 motorcycle makes close to 160 horsepower in stock trim for non-U.S. markets. A power kit raises that to “over 212” horsepower. Given that Honda makes the same claim for the 2&4, we’re assuming that it’s fundamentally the same engine. Peak horsepower comes at a lofty 13,000 rpm, while the full 87 lb-ft of torque arrives at 10,500.
-
It’s just 119.7 inches long—which is six inches shorter than a standard-length S-class’ wheelbase—39.2 inches high, and 71.6 inches wide, making the 2&4 smaller in every dimension than an Ariel Atom. More bonkers than that, though, is the seating position, which seems to have been cribbed from Smokey Yunick’s madcap Sidecar Indy racer from 1964. But at least Yunick’s machine had something between the driver’s outside hip and the wall. Honda claims that the arrangement evokes “the freedom of a bike.”
--
- -
- Formula Márquez: Honda’s 2&4 Frankfurt Concept is a MotoGP-Powered Open-Wheeled Street Car
- -
- Mazda Koeru Concept: Looks Like the CX-9 Is Finally Getting Its Makeover
- -
- 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show: News, Photos, Concepts, New Cars, and More
- -
-
We’re not entirely sure what the 2&4 evokes in us, other than a rather staggering desire to get behind the wheel of the thing. Sub-Gold Wing weight, near-MotoGP power, and a revival of one of Indianapolis’ glorious follies? Sign us up yesterday, posthaste.
-
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/1Mb74UJ
via Agya
