FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Honda teases extreme Caterham rival

Honda has promised it will reveal something that will “create a more exciting user experience” at the Frankfurt motor show.

Releasing a single bird’s eye view image late last night the new concept, called ‘Project 2 & 4’, shows off an innovative single-seat sports car that sits the driver side-by-side with the engine.

Look closer and behind the filler cap there’s also what looks like a centrally-mounted air intake.

Both visible wheels, meanwhile, sport wheel fairings reminiscent of the Caterham roadster.

Said to boast a “cabinless design”, the new concept is the work of both the Japanese car-maker’s engineers teaming up with their opposite number at its motorcycle division.

Powered by what’s thought to be a powerful but lightweight motorcycle engine, Honda claims the Project 2 & 4 will provide “the freedom of a motorcycle and the manoeuvrability of a car”.

Reinforcing its extreme, single-seat nature is the concept's 1960s Honda Formula 1 race livery.

Of course, if Honda does go ahead with the unusual positioning of the motorcycle engine (thought to be a V4) for a production, it would mean the Japanese Caterham-rival could end up being left-hand drive-only. That could mean Honda's most exciting car in its recent history would be cruelly ruled out for sale in Australia.

More details, as well as a few more picture teases of the Honda Project 2 & 4 concept, are expected to be released ahead of the Frankfurt motor show next month.