Category Formula One Predecessor RA271 | Constructor Honda Successor RA273 | |
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Engine Honda 1.5 L (92 cu in) V12 (60°). RA272E 1.5 V12 Transmission 6 forward speeds + 1 reverse | ||
The Honda RA272 was a Formula One racing car used by the Honda team in the 1965 Formula One season.
A successor to the Honda RA271, the RA272 was noticeable mainly for its technically advanced (though rather wide and heavy) 48-valve 1,495.28 cc V12 engine (58.1 x 47.0 mm), a water-cooled, transversely mounted unit which reportedly gave 230 bhp (170 kW) at 13,000 rpm. The engine was safe to 14,000 rpm, which was unusually high for a 1960s engine design. The Honda V12 had staggering acceleration and often led the race into the opening lap after leaving the stationary starting grid. It led the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix from start to finish, driven by Richie Ginther, making it the first Japanese car to win a Formula One Grand Prix.
The RA272 can be seen in the Honda marketing film "The Impossible Dream".[1]
The RA272 serves as the design influence for the B Dasher kart in Mario Kart DS.
Formula One World Championship results
(key) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)