Honda Performance Development reveals first images of LMP2 coupe

The HPD ARX-04b is being developed like its predecessors in partnership with Wirth Research in the UK and will be ready for delivery to customers in time for 2015.

The latest HPD, which follows on from the existing ARX-03b open-top P2, is again being designed exclusively using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Wirth Research boss Nick Wirth said: "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 grid".

The ARX-04b is powered by HPD's xisting production-based 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6 powerplant.

The plan is for the car to begin testing at the back end of the year so that deliveries can take place before the start of all the series for which the car will be eligible, the World Endurance Championship, European and Asian Le Mans Series and the United SportsCar Championship.

The car takes the ARX-04b nomenclature because 04a has been reserved for a new-rules P1 car should HPD build one.

The new HPD will join a raft of new LMP2 coupes already coming on stream this year.

The new Strakka Dome S103 is scheduled to make its race debut at this year's WEC opener at Silverstone on April 20.

OAK Racing sister company Onroak Automotive is already testing its new Ligier-badged JSP2 ahead of a planned debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

ORECA, meanwhile, has announced plans to replace its existing open-top 03 with a coupe for next season.