It's easy to forget that Honda makes more than reliable family sedans. Once in a while, however, the Japanese car- and motorcycle-maker likes to remind us that it still has a wild side with things like the 2&4, which was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show this week.
Riding the line somewhere between go-kart and motorcycle, the 2&4 combines the stability of a car with the stripped-down simplicity of a two-wheeler -- with a motorcycle motor bolted in for good measure. Powered by a 212-horsepower 999-cc V4 engine modified for street use, which is mated to a DCT (dual-clutch transmission) gearbox, the low-slung wedge of steel, inspired by the 1965 Honda RA272 Formula 1 race car, is a real head-turner ... in every conceivable way.
The standout feature, save the visible suspension and bronze alloy wheels, is the driver's "floating seat" that sits just inches above the pavement below, bringing him or her close to the action ... and stray pebbles.
The driver can monitor engine RPM and ground speed by way of a translucent digital screen mounted just behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel, while he or she holds on for dear life. Though Honda doesn't specify, it appears the side cover can be unbolted, revealing space for a soon-to-be-frightened passenger.
In the rear, onlookers will find a race car-like diffuser which is topped by two exhaust pipes centered by a chromed Honda logo.
We asked Martin Petersson, the Honda motorcycle designer behind Project 2&4, if the brand would ever send something like the 2&4 into production. He said, "We produce everything from a 25cc leaf blower to a $4m business jet - so this would be a fantastic addition to our awesome product line up."
That said, it's unlikely the brand would ever sell such a machine, as sales would be limited and safety is dubious, but it's fun to see it's capable of having a laugh once in a while.