The RA272E was the engine that Honda developed for the 1965 season, its second year of F1 Grand Prix racing.

The RA272E was an improved version based on the 1964 RA271E, and retained the basic configuration of the transversely-mounted, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-12, DOHC, 4-valve engine. The displacement of 1495 cc and the bore x stroke of 58.1 x 47 mm also remained the same. However, due to sbutle design changes, the announced maximum output was increased by 10 hp to over 230 hp at 12,000 rpm, and its weight, including the 6-speed gearbox, was 215 kg, up by 6 kg.

The 1965 season was the last year of the 1.5-liter engine era, and 1966 would mark the beginning of the 3-liter engine era that would last for the next 21 years. In that final year, the RA272E had a higher rpm and power output than the engines of rival teams such as Ferrari and BRM. Its acceleration and top speed on tracks with long straights were at the top level, and it showed potential to instantly take the lead.

Honda’s proprietary fuel injector used in the RA272E, however, had a major weakness in terms of control stability. Engine revs would not change smoothly, and would suddenly rise unexpectedly after seeming to lag, causing extreme changes in the car’s behavior, frequently becoming uncontrollable even with the skills of an F1 driver. In the absence of electronic control, injector development was extremely difficult.

Honda engineers, however, did not choose to solve this problem by adopting the proven injectors of a specialized manufacturer that were being used by rival teams. The hard work paid off in the form of the evolution of a high level of technological capability, and a competitive edge over rivals. This firm belief in themselves was the core value of Honda.

Nevertheless, the challenges posed by the unique injectors and the inability to reduce engine and chassis weight became a fatal problem that plagued all five years of Honda’s first F1 era. The engineers continued research and development of the RA272E to overcome these issues, and made design and tuning changes preparing for the races. In the middle of the season, the engineers decided to take the risk of missing one race to gain more time, and made major improvements to the engine and chassis. In addition, through experience and refinement gained through many races, the team mastered the art of setting up the injectors.

As a result of these efforts, the Honda RA272 achieved its first F1 victory in the 10th and final round of 1965, the Mexican Grand Prix. The Honda engine demonstrated overwhelming speed at the high altitudes of Mexico, and the RA272E driven by Richie Ginther, who dominated the race, crossed the line first along with the V12 sound known as “Honda music.” This was Honda’s first win, in its 11th F1 race, second year of its F1 challenge, and the last race of the 1.5-liter era.