If the Honda Project 2&4 doesn't make you do a double-take, chances are nothing will.
As part of its annual Global Design Project, Honda put upwards of 80 of its best engineers in competition against each other with each asked to deliver their best rendition of a motorcycle combined with a car.
The January/February2016 issue of Popular Science reported that the rules of Honda's internal competition were for engineers to take a V-4 motorcycle engine and essentially prop it on four wheels to build a mashup that's undeniably cutting-edge. Ideally, the automaker wanted engineers to hit hard with a vehicle that delivered the handling of a racecar, but driving experience of a motorcycle.
The winning submission? A motorcyle/car hybrid called the Honda Project 2&4 by engineer Martin Petersson from the automaker's motorcycle research and development center in Asaka, Japan. One look at the vehicle screams a supercharged go-cart on steroids.
Popular Science reports that the Project 2&4 has a floating seat, signaling that its driver would feel the wind on his or her body, more than covering the motorcycle feel. In addition, the motorcycle-grade suspension, but on four wheels, really stands out as being unique — just in case the overall mission of Honda's Global Design Project didn't do enough justice for you.
The magazine also reports that the vehicle registers at just 890 pounds, able to whip around while turning with speed. In addition, the steering wheel and pedals can be flipped from one side of the 2&4 to the other. Pretty cool.
There isn't much to not appreciate about this contest and especially the winning submission.
