The Dome project, pronounced "do-mu" or "child's dream" in Japanese,[1] was started by Minoru Hayashi in 1975, with the goal of producing sports cars using knowledge gained from auto racing.

The creation of the car was motivated by Hayashi's desire to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a prospect that had full support from his employees, most of whom had professional backgrounds in auto racing.

With this engine and a curb weight of 920 kg (2,028 lb), the Dome Zero offered a power-to-weight ratio that matched contemporary Porsche models.

The prototype also incorporated a ZF 5-speed transmission, independent double-wishbone suspension and four-wheel disk brakes, mounted inboard at the rear.

[1] The Dome Zero prototype was completed in time for the 48th Geneva Motor Show in 1978 where its design received attention from various investors and interested buyers.

The P2 had large front and rear bumpers added (for the US market) and various other structural modifications which altered the appearance of the car.

The car was shown at the Chicago and Los Angeles motor shows in 1979 and was positively reviewed by Road & Track magazine.

This was intended to help publicize road cars and to realize Hayashi and his employees' ambitions of racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The dimensions of the car were unusual for a Le Mans prototype, with a very narrow track (52.7 in (1,340 mm)) and long body (16.4 ft (5.0 m)).