What's all this about?
Honda's Frankfurt show stand offerings won't just be about the current road-car line-up - including new models like the HR-V, Jazz and Civic Type R, alongside the refreshed CR-V and Civic Tourer - but will also feature a car-motorcycle crossover, er... thingy, as well as an omni-directional personal mobility device developed from humanoid robots.
I am afraid you've totally lost me. Start again, please.
The first of these two wild creations is the Honda Project 2 & 4. Developed from a collaboration between the bike design centre in Asaka and the car design house in Wako, Honda says the 2 & 4's 'cabin-less structure produces an immersive driving environment combining the experience Honda has in providing the freedom of a motorcycle and the manoeuvrability of a car'. Now, the only vehicle we can think of that lacks for a proper cabin is the Ariel Atom, conveniently enough being a machine powered by Honda engines. So is this Honda's riposte to the Somerset-based track car company?
Possibly. But what the hell is an omni-directional personal mobility device?
The UNI-CUB ? is its official name, a one-off showpiece (for now) that features balance control technology and the Honda Omni Traction Drive System - this is basically a wheel that can rotate in any direction. HOTDS was developed from Honda's work in building humanoid robots like the hugely appealing ASIMO. So if you want to see the offspring of a car and a bike, as well as a motorised unicycle, head over to Frankfurt from September 15-27.
Matt Robinson - 27 Aug 2015