Is Honda’s Most Futuristic Car from 1984?

The Honda 1984 HP-X, 40 years after its inception, burnishes its headlights and once again gains the spotlight in the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

It's 1984, and Honda, known for its boxy, reliable and practical cars, shocks the automotive world by unveiling the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) concept car at the Turin Auto Show. This marked Honda's first foray into the realm of mid-engine supercars—a clear signal of its ambition to compete with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, and possibly a stepping stone toward the creation of Acura.

At a time where reliability and steadfastness was their brand, Honda sought to design a car that was more spaceship than car in hopes of dipping their toes into the luxury car market.

The HP-X featured an imposing wedge shape and was one of the first vehicles to utilize advanced materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar, joining the ranks of manufacturers like BMW and Lamborghini in this innovative approach.

What’s Under the Hood

The HP-X was designed to slice through the wind like a bullet train. Its sleek lines, sharp angles, and carefully sculpted body were created for aerodynamic efficiency, promising both blistering speed and rock-solid stability.

And by using carbon fiber and kevlar in the body panels and chassis, Honda’s engineers not only shaved precious pounds, but also added structural rigidity.

Under the hood, the HP-X is powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-liter V6 engine. No doubt this car is pretty — an absolute visual treat. But this 1984 car truly makes its mark on the pavement. This combination of design and engineering makes the HP-X a true icon of its time, laying the groundwork for Honda’s later success with the NSX.

In the era of Back to the Future, where science fiction and reality began to blur, automakers were in a race to design the car of tomorrow. It’s amazing how well the design of the Honda HP-X has aged. That 40 years later, it’s still one of the most futuristic looking cars designed.

FAQ about the Honda HPX

• Was the HPX ever put into production?

  • No, the HP-X remained a concept car, showcasing Honda's design and technological ambitions but never reaching the production line.

• What engine was in the HPX?

  • The HP-X was powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine from Honda's F2 racing engine.

• Where can I see the restored Honda HPX?

  • You can see the restored Honda HP-X at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This event marks its North American debut after 40 years, showcasing the HP-X’s timeless design and innovative features among other prestigious car brands.