HPD ARX-04b Revealed

Honda Performance Development has confirmed that it will offer an all-new LMP2 car beginning next year.

The first renderings of the HPD ARX-04b were released by the California-based manufacturer Wednesday.

It marks the first closed-top prototype to go into production from Wirth Research and the first all-new design from the U.K.-based manufacturer in five years.

“We are very excited for our new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe to see the light of day, combining all of our successes in international sports car racing with the very latest regulations for closed-cockpit prototypes,” said Steve Eriksen, HPD vice president and COO.

The ARX-04b will be coupled with Honda’s exiting 2.8-liter twin-turbo V6 powerplant, which will also make its way into Onroak Automotive’s new Ligier JS P2 that’s set to debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

HPD’s new creation, meanwhile, is expected to begin on-track testing later this year, ahead of a planned debut at the 2015 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“Wirth Research is proud of its history of consistently creating championship-winning prototype sports cars with and on behalf of Honda Performance Development,” said Wirth Research President Nick Wirth. “Using our pioneering CFD design techniques, we have created the all-new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe.

“Not only is it a stunning-looking race car, we are confident that our revolutionary all-digital design approach will ensure that HPD’s 2015 LMP2 Coupe customers will benefit from fielding the most aero-efficient, balanced and competitive LMP2 car on the 2015 grid.”

It’s understood HPD is currently in negotiations with at least one U.S.-based team for a likely multi-car effort in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, with additional interest from teams in both the FIA WEC and ELMS.

By 2015, all three major LMP2 constructors: HPD, OnRoak and ORECA are expected to have new closed-top prototype offerings.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John