Honda RC100
| Category | Formula One |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Honda |
| Designers | Ken Hashimoto (project leader, Honda R&D) Keinosuke Taki (development chief, Honda R&D) |
| Technical specifications | |
| Engine | Honda RA122E 3.5 L (213.583 cu in) V12 |
| Transmission | 6-speed Honda semi-auto |
| Power | 740–770 hp (552–574 kW; 750–781 PS) @ 14,500 rpm |
| Tyres | Bridgestone (for F3000) |
| Competition history | |
| Notable drivers | Keinosuke Taki Satoru Nakajima |
| Category | Formula One |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Honda |
| Designers | Ken Hashimoto (project leader, Honda R&D) Keinosuke Taki (development chief, Honda R&D) |
| Technical specifications | |
| Engine | Mugen-Honda 3.0 L (183.1 cu in) V10 |
| Transmission | 6-speed Honda semi-auto |
| Power | 670 hp (500 kW; 679 PS) @ 13,500 rpm |
| Tyres | Bridgestone (for F3000) |
| Competition history | |
| Notable drivers | Keinosuke Taki Ryo Michigami |
The Honda RC100 (also known as Honda RC-F1 1.0X, chassis number RC1-203/1) was a prototype Formula One car built by engineers from Honda R&D Center, Tochigi, although not as an official project of Honda.
| Category | Formula One |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Honda |
| Designers | Ken Hashimoto (project leader, Honda R&D) Keinosuke Taki (development chief, Honda R&D) |
| Technical specifications | |
| Engine | Honda RA121E 3.5 L (213.583 cu in) V12 |
| Power | 740–770 hp (552–574 kW; 750–781 PS) @ 14,500 rpm |
| Tyres | Bridgestone (for F3000) |
| Competition history | |
| Notable drivers | Keinosuke Taki Ken Hashimoto |
In 1991, Honda developed the RC100, powered by a Honda V12 and featuring a chassis inspired by the McLaren MP4/6. Wind tunnel tests proved unsatisfactory, leading the engineers to refine the prototype by adopting elements from the 1992 Footwork FA13 and equipping it with a more powerful engine. The updated RC101B was presented to the specialized press in February 1992 and tested by Honda president Nobuhiko Kawamoto before further modifications and track testing by Satoru Nakajima at the Suzuka Circuit.
An evolved RC101 was unveiled to the public in January 1994 alongside the RC101B, which complied with the 1994 technical regulations. The RC101B's front end drew from the Benetton B193 and used a Mugen-Honda V10. Regulatory changes following the fatal accidents of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix prompted ongoing updates to the RC101B through 1996.