Honda's R&D is not only about mechanics, but also making innovations in the "brain" of the vehicle, or, electronics. Internavi is a two-way communication car navigation system that uses a vehicle telematics system and designs driving experiences with the power of real-time driving data collected from vehicles. The roots of this navigation system go back to the 1980's when Honda introduced Telemetry system to Formula 1 and stormed the world. Honda has been testing and perfecting this system ever since. Today, this system supports everyday drivers via navigation based on driving data. The origin and core technology of Internavi’s navigation are still not widely known. Our mission was to tell the true possibilities of this technology.
Telemetry is not an easy or interesting topic to communicate. We needed to find a way to grasp the attention of the audience and make them feel excitement for this technology. To do so, we focused on a single sheet of paper.
IDEA: We re-enacted the world’s fastest lap set by Ayrton Senna while qualifying for 1989 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix from a single sheet of paper.
Every aspect of Senna’s driving data recorded in 1989 was digitally restored and analyzed. Engine sound of Senna’s McLaren Honda MP4/5 was re-created by combining driving data collected in 1989 with engine tones recorded today.
Hundreds of networked speakers and LEDs were placed along the 5,807-meter long Suzuka circuit bringing back the unique yet dynamic sound of the Formula 1 machine, which could be felt with the whole body. We invited motorsports engineers, journalists and photographers who were there in 1989 along with Senna’s fans to the main stand. Then re-created engine sound was played according to driving data bringing back Senna’s fastest lap from 24 years ago. LED lights also set around the circuit synchronized with Senna’s location at that moment down to the millisecond. People could feel Ayrton Senna race through Suzuka just as he did that day.
Right after its launch, this project was covered by media from Japan, Brazil, Europe, US and other regions despite zero PR/Media budget. Becoming most watched YouTube video by an automobile company in Japan’s history and 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.