This unbelievably awesome Concept car is known as the 2001 Honda Dualnote (which later became the 2002 Acura DN-X), and it’s a four-seater hybrid sports car that showcased Honda’s vision towards the future of automobiles at the time. Firstly, it’s important to note that the concept shown here made it’s initial debut at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show where it was badged as the ‘Honda Dualnote’. Only a few months following this, the concept was rebadged to become the Acura DN-X, which makes total sense considering Acura is the luxury vehicle division of the Honda Motor Company, and each brand markets products to different areas of the world. With that being said, the technologies and ideas being demonstrated were essentially identical, which notably included plans for an advanced electric Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which delivers additional power to all four wheels. The powertrain demonstrated in the concept was extremely similar (perhaps even foreshadowed) the 3.5L V6 engine combined with three electric motors used in the second-generation of the Acura/Honda NSX. The Dualnote/DN-X offered a much more practical layout over the two-door two-seater NSX sports car, being that it was built with a cabin that could hold four passengers. Speaking of the interior, it just so happens to be one of the more exciting aspects of this concept, showcasing technology such as an infrared camera that could scan the road ahead, voice control, a touch-sensitive door opening mechanism, and side cameras in place of conventional mirrors, which was a big hit at the time. Both the Dualnote or the DN-X were never pursued further than the conceptual stage.
How many made? It’s believed the singular Dualnote was painted 2 different colors (white & red) and the DN-X was also the same car. 1 of 1.
Engine: 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC combined with 3 electric motors - 400hp (planned)
Debut: 2001 Tokyo Motor Show (Dualnote) 2002 New York Auto Show (DN-X)
Top Speed: N/A
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: automobiles-japonaises.com
Research: @rarecarsonly