Honda HP-X Makes 40-Year Comeback at Monterey Car Week

TORRANCE, Calif., July 31, 2024 — Honda is reviving a piece of automotive history with the North American debut of its pioneering concept car, the Honda HP-X, at the prestigious Monterey Car Week next month. Designed and built by the acclaimed Italian design firm Pininfarina, the avant-garde HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) will make its first public appearance in decades at the 73rd annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

The HP-X, which last captivated audiences at the 1984 Turin Auto Show, was instrumental in shaping the future of Honda’s performance vehicles. Following a thorough restoration at Pininfarina’s workshops in Cambiano, Italy, this radical wedge-shaped concept car will be featured in the Concours’ wedge-shaped concept and prototype class.

“The Honda HP-X was a groundbreaking model in 1984, showcasing revolutionary engineering and design with its extreme wedge shape,” said Dave Marek, Acura design executive and honorary judge at the Concours. “Its visionary approach had a significant impact on the industry, underscoring our dedication to pushing the limits of automotive design.”

The HP-X boasted advanced aerodynamics, including ground effects and innovative cooling solutions for its centrally mounted 2.0-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 engine, derived from a Honda F2 racing engine. The concept car featured a unique one-piece removable Perspex canopy, styled after jet fighters, and a rear fairing that functioned as both an aerodynamic enhancer and a driver-controlled air brake. Additionally, the HP-X utilized cutting-edge materials such as honeycomb panels, carbon fiber, and Kevlar to optimize weight and performance.

Inside, the HP-X pushed the boundaries of comfort and technology. It was equipped with an “electronic driver support system” featuring real-time telemetry, GPS, and road condition alerts via “special sonar”—advanced technologies that are now standard.

“The HP-X exemplifies Pininfarina’s talent for presenting innovative ideas through trendsetting concept cars,” said Felix Kilbertus, Chief Creative Officer of Pininfarina. “At Pininfarina, we aim to infuse every project with our design excellence while preserving the essence of the collaborating brand. Although the HP-X didn’t go into production, its influence on future Honda models and the broader automotive landscape is undeniable, reflecting the innovative spirit of both Honda and Pininfarina.”

As a testbed for new ideas and technologies, the HP-X paved the way for advancements seen in subsequent Honda and Acura models, particularly the mid-engine NSX, which debuted a few years later. The first-generation NSX embodied many of the innovations first explored in the HP-X, cementing its legacy in automotive history.