Internavi is a car navigation system provided by Honda that designs driving experiences with the power of real-time driving data collected from vehicles. Its roots go back to the 1980s when Honda introduced the telemetry system to Formula One and stormed the world. Honda has been testing and perfecting this system in racing cars ever since and today it supports not only F1 drivers but also everyday drivers around the world. Despite this fact, the origin and core technology of Internavi’s navigation is still not widely known. Our mission was to tell the possibilities of this technology.
Driving data brings back Senna's fastest lap from 24 years ago.
Senna set the world's fastest lap while qualifying for the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix. On board his machine was Honda's telemetry system that recorded acceleration and engine data. Using this data and the latest technology, we re-enacted that lap with engine sounds and LEDs on 5,807-meter long Suzuka circuit. The engine sound of Senna's F1 machine was recreated by combining Senna's driving data from 1989 with engine tones recorded today. We invited motorsports engineers, journalists and photographers etc. who were there 24 years ago to the main stand. Hundreds of networked speakers placed along the race line brought back the dynamic F1 sound. LED lights synchronized with Senna’s location.
Right after its launch, this project became a sensation and was covered by media from Japan as well as Brazil, Europe, the US and other regions with zero PR or media budget, becoming the most watched YouTube video by an automobile company in Japan’s history as well as the most watched viral video two weeks in a row worldwide. We received countless comments filled with emotions from viewers all over the world for Honda and Senna.