Just one day after clinching the final world championship of the 990cc
MotoGP era, with
Nicky Hayden, Honda has officially unveiled its new 800cc 'RC212V' - which it will race from 2007 onwards.
As well as confirming that the RC211V's successor will be called the 'RC212V', Honda also spoke of the design principals behind the new V4 powered machine, which appeared in Repsol colours for the first time - and with Hayden's #1 plate already in place.
"When we started development of the 800cc machine, effectively the 'second generation' of Honda MotoGP bike, we gave top priority to the pursuit of excellent handling and drivability," explained Takanori Okuma, the Honda R&D RC212V project leader. "For the newly-reduced engine capacity of 800cc, we decided a V4 was the most efficient layout. Rather than focusing solely on top end power, we also concentrated on producing good power delivery characteristics, which can have a significant effect on lap times. Using enhanced control systems, the result is an engine with good drivability in the low and mid ranges, and excellent power under acceleration when the engine is at the top of its range.
"On the chassis side, we further enhanced the 'mass concentration' package developed for the RC211V to improve the agility and quick handling characteristics of the bike," he continued. "The outward appearance is aggressive and appropriately innovative for a new generation of bike, affording both drivability and aerodynamic efficiency. We will continue to evolve the bike before the season opener and throughout next season."
The RC212V was first seen in public at Motegi, shortly after September's Japanese Grand Prix, when Repsol Honda rider
Dani Pedrosa rode 30 laps on the prototype machine, setting a highly respectable lap time of 1min 48.210secs.
