Skip to main content

Honda’s part-car, part-motorcycle Project 2&4 revealed ahead of Frankfurt

Honda sells a lot of cars, but it makes plenty of other motorized things as well. The Japanese company thought it was about time to build something that made use of this diverse experience, which is where its Project 2&4 comes in. Debuting at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, this concept blends elements of car and motorcycle design.

The result is a vehicle that looks like an oversized go-kart, and is powered by the 999-cc V4 from one of Honda’s MotoGP race motorcycles. The mid-mounted engine produces 215 horsepower and 81.5 pound-feet of torque, and is harnessed to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Recommended Videos

Honda did not discuss performance figures, but it’s not like there’s much vehicle to push around. The diminutive 2&4 is just 119 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 38 inches tall. It weighs just 900 pounds, and while the look may suggest a track car like the Ariel Atom or KTM X-Bow, the design is actually more inspired by Honda’s motorcycles than anything else.

There’s virtually no bodywork, leaving all of the concept’s mechanical components exposed. There’s no cockpit either; the driver is suspended above the road on a “floating seat,” meant to give the impression of being on a motorcycle saddle. The seating position is still offset, as in a regular, so the driver is basically hanging off the side of the 2&4. That must be an interesting experience.

These unusual design ideas were the result of an in-house design competition that was intended to foster increased cohesion between Honda’s wide variety of business units. The 2&4 was originally conceived by Honda’s motorcycle design studio in Alaska, but came together with assistance from automotive designers in Wako, Japan.

While it would be interesting to see Honda produce and market a frivolous track toy to go alongside its more mainstream models, the Project 2&4 is likely to remain just a concept, showing what the Japanese company’s designers can do when they’re allowed to let their hair down.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more