Honda’s journey through concept car design reads like a sci-fi novel come to life. From the wedge-shaped HP-X of 1984 that previewed the legendary NSX, to the retro-futuristic Sports EV that captured hearts in 2017, each concept tells a unique story of innovation.
The Japanese automaker has consistently pushed boundaries with designs that range from practical to purely experimental, including everything from hybrid sports cars to lounge-like electric vehicles. Most recently, Honda wowed audiences with its 0 Series concepts at CES 2024, featuring the production-bound Saloon that channels the spirit of vintage wedge designs with a distinctly cyberpunk aesthetic. These concept vehicles not only showcase Honda’s creative vision but often serve as precursors to groundbreaking production models that reshape the automotive landscape.
Honda 0 Series
The Honda 0 Series concept, led by the sleek Saloon model, showcases Honda’s future EV direction with around 500 horsepower and innovative “Thin, Light, and Wise” engineering principles. The production version will launch in North America in 2026, promising impressive 15-minute fast charging and less than 10% battery degradation over 10 years.
The car features advanced tech like steer-by-wire and ASIMO robot-derived stability systems, marking Honda’s bold entry into the premium EV market. They also have another 0 series concept called the Space-Hub which is equally amazing.
Honda HP-X
The Honda HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) concept from 1984 was Honda’s first-ever concept car, designed in collaboration with legendary Italian design house Pininfarina. The radical wedge-shaped prototype featured a mid-mounted 2.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine based on Honda’s F2 racing unit, along with innovative features like a jet fighter-style removable Perspex canopy instead of conventional doors and a driver-controlled air brake.
The concept showcased groundbreaking technology for its time, including an Electronic Drive Support System with real-time telemetry, GPS, and advanced road condition warnings, while its construction utilized lightweight materials like honeycomb panels, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. Though never reaching production, the HP-X directly influenced the development of the iconic first-generation NSX supercar and was recently restored by Pininfarina for display at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the first Japanese vehicle entry at the prestigious event in over 50 years.
Honda Argento Vivo
The Honda Argento Vivo is a sleek, sporty two-seater concept that merges high performance with elegant design. Created to feel like a luxury sports car while keeping Honda’s reliability, this vehicle sports a lightweight aluminum frame and carefully sculpted curves to maximize both speed and fuel efficiency.
The Argento Vivo also boasts a convertible top, adding an extra layer of excitement to its futuristic look. Although this concept didn’t make it to production, it remains a bold testament to Honda’s commitment to balancing performance with an elevated, stylish experience.
Honda Dualnote
The Honda Dualnote concept, unveiled in 2001, was a groundbreaking hybrid sports sedan that combined performance with remarkable efficiency. The car featured a powerful hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined output of approximately 400 horsepower and delivering power to all four wheels.
Despite its impressive performance credentials that rivaled the Ferrari 360 Modena of its time, the Dualnote claimed exceptional fuel efficiency of over 50 mpg. The concept showcased advanced technology for its era, including a night vision system for pedestrian detection and a web-enabled infotainment system, though it never made it to production. While the concept’s styling may not have stood the test of time, particularly its headlight design, it became playable in video games and demonstrated Honda’s early vision for high-performance hybrid vehicles.
Honda EV-N Concept
Retro-inspired and unmistakably unique, the Honda EV-N Concept is an electric vehicle designed for the city. With a look reminiscent of Honda’s classic N360, the EV-N is compact and charming. Solar panels on its roof help power the vehicle, underscoring Honda’s dedication to clean energy solutions.
Inside, the EV-N Concept is minimalistic, focusing on function while keeping a playful personality. Although it never entered production, the EV-N hinted at Honda’s vision for eco-friendly, stylish urban transportation.
Honda FC Sport
The Honda FC Sport was developed to show that sustainability could coexist with sports car excitement. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, this low-emission vehicle was created for those who want speed without environmental impact. Its bold, futuristic lines signal that it’s ready for the racetrack.
Lightweight materials and a streamlined silhouette make the FC Sport both fast and eco-friendly. This concept exemplifies Honda’s commitment to developing exciting alternatives to traditional, gas-guzzling sports cars.
Honda FCX
The Honda FCX was a pioneering concept in the field of hydrogen-powered vehicles. With a spacious interior and sleek design, the FCX highlighted Honda’s commitment to clean technology well before it became mainstream. As one of the first fuel cell cars, it made a mark on the industry by showing the potential of hydrogen as an alternative to gasoline.
The FCX’s legacy lives on in the Honda Clarity, which brought hydrogen-powered technology to the market. Honda’s journey from concept to production with the FCX underscores its dedication to sustainability.
Honda Spocket
The Honda Spocket, unveiled in 1999, was an innovative hybrid concept that blended sports car and pickup truck elements in a unique two-seater package. The vehicle featured a distinctive hybrid all-wheel-drive system, with a four-cylinder engine and hybrid assistance powering the front wheels while electric motors drove the rear axle.
The concept showcased dramatic Lamborghini-style doors and a versatile design that included a retractable roof that could slide back to cover the bed area, plus a clever rear section that could either function as a cargo bed large enough to transport a go-kart or transform to accommodate two additional passenger seats. While this creative sports-utility hybrid never made it to production, it demonstrated Honda’s willingness to experiment with unconventional vehicle formats and advanced powertrain configurations.
Honda SUV RS Concept
The Honda SUV RS Concept, revealed at the 2021 GIIAS Auto Show, was designed as a mid-size SUV positioned below the BR-V to compete with popular models like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The concept featured striking design elements including sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, a distinctive stud-pattern grille extending to the bumper, and sporty split LED taillamps connected by a thin light stripe.
The exterior design showcased a dynamic profile with a dwindling roofline, chunky plastic cladding around wheel arches, and a stylish two-tone paint scheme with silver roof rails and black alloy wheels.
Honda HSC
The Honda HSC (Honda Sports Concept) was developed with one goal in mind: speed. Featuring a mid-engine layout and an aerodynamic design, the HSC was a high-performance vehicle built to hug the road with every turn.
Although it was never mass-produced, the HSC had a lasting impact on Honda’s design for future sports cars. Its lightweight frame and powerful engine showcased Honda’s passion for thrilling, high-performance vehicles.
Honda J-VX
The Honda J-VX concept was a groundbreaking hybrid sports car unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, demonstrating Honda’s early vision for performance-oriented hybrid technology. The sleek, aerodynamic coupe featured a lightweight aluminum body and innovative IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.0-liter three-cylinder VTEC engine with an electric motor.
The concept’s distinctive design elements included butterfly doors, a wraparound windshield, and a low drag coefficient that would later influence the first-generation Honda Insight. While never reaching production in its original form, the J-VX served as a crucial development platform for Honda’s hybrid technology and design language, essentially becoming the spiritual predecessor to both the Insight and CR-Z hybrid models.
Honda New Small Concept
The Honda New Small Concept was unveiled at the 2010 New Delhi Auto Expo, specifically designed for emerging markets like India and Thailand. The five-door hatchback featured a distinctive design with high ground clearance, short overhangs, and a spacious interior despite its compact dimensions under 4 meters in length.
The concept successfully transitioned into production as the Honda Brio in 2011, demonstrating Honda’s ability to create market-specific vehicles that balance affordability with quality. While performance specifications for the concept weren’t disclosed, the production Brio that followed featured a 1.2-liter i-VTEC engine producing 87 horsepower, proving that the concept’s mission of creating an efficient, practical urban car for developing markets was successfully realized.
Honda OSM
The Honda OSM (Open Study Model) was a striking lightweight roadster concept unveiled at the 2008 London Motor Show, designed by Andreas Sittel at Honda’s R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. The concept demonstrated Honda’s ability to create an environmentally conscious sports car without sacrificing driving enjoyment, featuring a low-emission powertrain in an exciting open-top package.
While enthusiasts speculated it might preview a successor to the Honda S2000 or hint at a convertible CR-Z, Honda confirmed they had no plans for production.
Honda Project 2&4
The Honda Project 2&4 is a radical open-wheel concept car unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show that brilliantly merges motorcycle and automotive engineering. The ultralight vehicle weighs just 893 pounds and is powered by a modified 999cc V4 engine from Honda’s RC213V MotoGP bike, producing an impressive 213 horsepower at 13,000 rpm and 87 pound-feet of torque at 10,500 rpm.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1965 Honda RA272 Formula One car, this concept features a unique “floating seat” design and a minimalist body that emphasizes the raw driving experience. The power is delivered through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, and while top speed wasn’t officially stated, its incredible power-to-weight ratio suggests a 0-60 mph time of under three seconds.
Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept
The Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept, unveiled in 2007, showcased a distinctive design featuring a low solar-race-car-inspired nose and beetle-back greenhouse reminiscent of the Honda Insight. The concept demonstrated Honda’s early vision for sporty hybrid vehicles, combining performance with efficiency in a compact package.
The two-door sports car featured a front-wheel-drive layout powered by a small gasoline engine paired with Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, though specific performance figures were never released.
Honda WOW
The Honda WOW (Wonderfully Open-hearted Wagon) was a unique concept car unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show that specifically catered to dog owners and their pets. The vehicle featured innovative dog-friendly elements including a low wooden floor for easy cleaning, flexible seating configurations that could accommodate up to six people or four people plus a dog, and a specially designed mesh-lined compartment in the front with dedicated air conditioning for canine comfort.
The exterior design incorporated subtle canine-inspired elements, such as recessed headlights meant to resemble a dog’s face and a raised center roof section inspired by a dog’s spine. While Honda never specified exact performance details, they suggested it would be powered by a four-cylinder engine, though the mechanical aspects were less emphasized than its pet-friendly features. The WOW concept never made it to production, possibly due to limited market potential.
Honda Ye GT
The Honda Ye GT is a sleek, low-slung electric concept car designed specifically for the Chinese market as part of Honda’s ambitious Ye Series lineup. The GT concept showcases a driver-centric interior with a unique “far-focus” display for the front passenger that creates a private theater-like experience.
While Honda hasn’t revealed performance specifications, the concept features a race car-inspired driver’s seat and promises sharp driving dynamics through its new China-developed EV platform. The production version of this model is scheduled to launch by the end of 2025 as part of Honda’s strategy to introduce 10 EVs in China by 2027. The name “Ye” (烨) means “shine brilliantly” in Chinese, reflecting Honda’s commitment to delivering engaging driving experiences while pursuing their goal of becoming an EV-only brand in China by 2035.
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