Honda Concept Cars

1. 2013 Honda NSX Concept

Pivotal not just for the Honda brand but also for the supercar segment, as it marked a shift towards hybridization in performance vehicles.

The 2013 Honda NSX Concept was unveiled as a reimagining of the original NSX, promising a bold leap into the future of hybrid supercars. First revealed at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the concept embodied Honda's ambition to blend cutting-edge performance with efficiency, staying true to the NSX’s ethos of being a driver-focused machine. While maintaining a low-slung, aerodynamic shape reminiscent of the first-generation NSX, the 2013 concept incorporated futuristic design cues, hinting at Honda’s forward-thinking approach.

Underneath its sleek exterior, the 2013 NSX Concept featured advanced hybrid technology, blending a mid-mounted V6 engine with Honda’s Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Design-wise, the 2013 concept displayed an aggressive stance, with sharp lines, a wide front grille, and signature LED headlights that would later become characteristic of the production model. The interior, though only teased during the concept's reveal, hinted at a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist design and a focus on ergonomics and connectivity. Honda aimed to create a supercar that provided both exhilarating performance and real-world usability, balancing the excitement of the track with the comfort required for daily driving.

The 2013 NSX Concept was pivotal not just for the Honda brand but also for the supercar segment, as it marked a shift towards hybridization in performance vehicles. It signaled Honda's intent to innovate through electrification without compromising on speed, agility, and the thrilling driving experience. While it would take until 2016 for the production NSX to hit the market, the concept was a clear statement of Honda's philosophy: that driving pleasure and environmental responsibility could coexist in a new era of automotive engineering.

2. 1984 Honda HP-X

Marked Honda’s first serious exploration into the high-performance sports car segment, setting the stage for the company to build the NSX.

The 1984 Honda HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) concept was a pivotal moment in Honda’s history, laying the foundation for what would eventually become the iconic NSX. Developed in collaboration with the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina, the HP-X was envisioned as a high-performance mid-engine sports car that could challenge the dominance of European exotics like Ferrari. Honda's aim was to create a car that not only offered exceptional performance but also delivered superior reliability, user-friendliness, and refinement — a revolutionary idea at the time.

The HP-X concept featured a mid-mounted 2.0-liter V6 engine, showcasing Honda’s engineering prowess in compact, high-revving powerplants. This placement ensured an ideal weight distribution, enhancing the car’s handling dynamics and offering a glimpse into Honda’s growing expertise in balancing power and precision. Although the engine in the HP-X was smaller than what was later used in the production NSX, the concept’s layout and philosophy established the performance blueprint that would inspire the development of Honda’s first supercar.

The design of the HP-X reflected Pininfarina’s Italian flair, with smooth, flowing lines that exuded elegance and aerodynamics. While it didn’t have the aggressive stance of later Honda sports cars, the concept’s sleek profile hinted at the brand’s ambition to break away from conventional designs and offer something distinct.

Though the HP-X never made it to production, it played a crucial role in the development of the NSX, which debuted in 1990. It marked Honda’s first serious exploration into the high-performance sports car segment, setting the stage for the company to build a car that could rival the best in the world. T

3. 2024 Honda Saloon Concept

Features high-density batteries that are designed to minimize degradation. With the Saloon, Honda will reinvent how it builds cars.

The Saloon is the flagship concept model of the Honda 0 Series. Sitting on a dedicated EV platform, the Saloon delivers on the Honda 'M/M*1' man maximum/machine minimum packaging concept with its low and wide exterior coupled with a surprisingly spacious interior. Sustainable materials are used throughout the exterior and interior.

Inside, the instrument panel features a human-machine interface (HMI) that enables simple and intuitive operations. With excellent visibility and a sporty driving position, the Saloon promises to deliver an unparalleled experience that truly connects the driver with the vehicle.

In addition to the new exterior and interior design, the Saloon also debuts advancements of new steer-by-wire and motion control management systems. Leveraging the company's decades of expertise in robotics, the Saloon features posture control that will assist the driver in a variety of driving situations to realize the 'joy of driving' in the EV era.

A production vehicle based on the Saloon concept is expected to come to the North American market in 2026.

4. 2019 Honda e Prototype

Honda’s unique approach to electrification, emphasizing character and driving pleasure rather than focusing solely on range and performance.

The 2019 Honda e Prototype marked the brand’s bold entrance into the electric vehicle (EV) market, bringing a refreshing blend of retro-inspired design and modern technology. First revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Honda e Prototype was positioned as a compact urban EV, aimed at delivering sustainability without compromising on style or driving pleasure.

The design of the Honda e Prototype drew inspiration from Honda’s original Civic of the 1970s, with its minimalist, rounded exterior featuring circular LED headlights and a smooth grille-less front end. The clean lines, flush door handles, and black accents around the hood and rear emphasized simplicity and aerodynamics. This combination of retro aesthetics with modern touches created a unique visual identity that stood out in the increasingly crowded EV market. Its small footprint made it ideal for urban environments, where agility, parking ease, and maneuverability are essential.

Inside, the cabin was equally innovative, with a focus on comfort, technology, and connectivity. The Honda e Prototype introduced a wide digital dashboard consisting of multiple screens that stretched across the interior, housing both driver information and infotainment systems.

Beneath its charming exterior, the Honda e Prototype featured rear-wheel drive and a low center of gravity, promising nimble handling and a dynamic driving experience uncommon in small EVs. Honda also prioritized fast charging, ensuring the car could reach 80% battery capacity in just 30 minutes, making it practical for daily use. Though designed primarily for urban commutes, the Honda e Prototype showcased Honda’s ambition to balance eco-conscious engineering with enjoyable driving dynamics — staying true to its roots as a brand known for fun, accessible cars.

5. 2015 Honda Project 2and4 Concept

Powered by Honda's MotoGP RC213V engine and cabin-less structure features a floating seat design for immersive driving experience.

The 2015 Honda Project 2&4 Concept was an experimental vehicle that showcased Honda’s ability to blur the lines between motorcycle and car engineering. Unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, this radical concept was the result of an internal design competition between Honda’s motorcycle and automotive divisions. The aim of the 2&4 Concept was to capture the freedom of a motorcycle with the dynamics and control of a car, delivering an exhilarating driving experience unlike any other.

The Honda Project 2&4 was powered by a 999cc, four-cylinder engine taken directly from Honda’s RC213V MotoGP bike. Tuned for road use, the engine produced approximately 212 horsepower at 13,000 RPM, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Weighing only 405 kilograms (892 pounds), the concept was exceptionally lightweight, enabling blistering acceleration and agility. Its open-wheeled design and low center of gravity emphasized Honda’s focus on performance, making it a pure driver’s machine that bridged the gap between two-wheel and four-wheel worlds.

Visually, the 2&4 Concept embraced minimalism and function, with its open-cockpit design eliminating the need for doors, windows, or a roof. The driver’s seat was suspended just above the chassis, evoking the feel of a racing motorcycle. This innovative seating arrangement exposed the driver to the elements, heightening the sense of speed and engagement with the environment. The asymmetric design, with the seat placed to the left of the engine and transmission, emphasized the concept’s unconventional spirit while reflecting the joy and freedom typically associated with motorcycles.