Misunderstood throughout its 10-year history, the Honda S2000 remains a purist's sports car to its core. If you have always wanted one, now is the time to buy one as its production run is about to end.
 With the Indianapolis 500--in which all the cars were powered by Honda--completed, I thought it was appropriate to review the history of Honda's affordable sports car. It will no longer be offered after this year, and there is no replacement in sight. Will this help Honda's image, or tarnish it?
Honda could arguably be called one of the world's most successful, if not the most successful automobile and motorcycle producer. This is a company so admired around the globe that it rarely makes what could be called a bad product. From light power generators to aircraft jet engines, the products always seem to work better than any other competing product. However, it is time to take a look at one of Honda's unique vehicles, a car that has been in production for the past 10 years, updated only when necessary. Let's take one last look at Honda's quick and probably last true sports car, the S2000 Roadster.
 The car was first shown as the Honda Sports Study Model (SSM) concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, and due to overwhelming interest, it was launched in world markets in 1999. Carrying on the tradition of naming Honda Roadsters of the 1960s based on their displacement, the S2000 is named for its engine displacement of 2-liters. Officially two model designations exist: the initial launch model was called the AP1, while the AP2 designation was given to the models produced from 2004 onwards. The AP1 features a front-mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout with power being delivered by a 1,997 cc (122-cubic-inch) F20C inline 4-cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine producing 240 hp at 8,300 rpm and 153 ft·lb of torque at 7,500 rpm in U.S. models. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and Torsen limited slip differential. It has been written that the S2000 was the most powerful, naturally aspirated, 2-litre engine in the world with the usual Honda reliability.
 The 2001 model was largely unchanged, but Honda upgraded the radio and added a digital clock to the dashboard display. For the 2002 model year, suspension settings were revised, the plastic rear window was replaced with glass, and an electric defroster added. Other updates included slightly revised tail lamps, an upgraded radio, and a revised engine control unit. The AP1 was manufactured up to 2003 at Honda's Takanezawa, Tochigi plant, alongside the Honda NSX and Honda Insight hybrid. In 2004 production moved to the Suzuka plant.
 The 2004 model year incorporated several revisions to the S2000 and was given the chassis designation of AP2. The AP2 included substantial changes to the drivetrain and suspension. The 2004 model introduced newly designed 17-inch wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tires along with a re-tuned suspension that reduced the car's tendency to oversteer. The spring rates and shock absorber damping were altered to help the one complaint with the Roadster, its jarring ride. In addition, cosmetic changes were made to the exterior with new front and rear bumpers, revised headlight assemblies, new LED tail-lights, and oval-tipped exhausts.
 The AP2 also included the introduction of a larger version of the F20C to the North American market. Designated F22C1, the engine's stroke was lengthened, increasing its displacement to 2,157 cc (132 cu in). At the same time, the redline was reduced from 8,800 rpm to 8,000 rpm with a cutout at 8,200 rpm, mandated by the longer travel distance of the pistons. Peak torque increased 6% to 162 ft-lb at 6,500 rpm while power output was the same 240-horsepower at a lower 7,800 rpm. The F22C1 was used exclusively in the North American market for 2004-2009 models, with the F20C being used in all other markets. In conjunction with its introduction of the F22C1, Honda also changed the transmission gear ratios, replaced the brass synchronizers with carbon, and included a clutch release delay valve. For 2006 a drive by wire throttle, Vehicle Stability Assist system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl, were added. Interior changes included revised seats, additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests, and additional headrest padding where previous seats had helmet depressions and screens.
 The 2008 model year marked the first time the S2000 was offered in more than one trim level. In addition to the base model, Honda offered a new race-inspired version of the S2000 distinguished by reduced weight, fewer amenities, and a claimed increase in performance. The S2000 CR made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show on 4 April 2007. Changes for the CR included a lower-ratio steering rack, stiffer suspension and all-new Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires. Rear tires were widened from 245/40R-17 to 255/40R-17 on the CR. A revised body kit, composed of a redesigned front lip, rear bumper, and a large spoiler were wind-tunnel tested and claimed to reduce the overall coefficient of lift by 70-80%. The power folding soft top was removed and replaced with additional chassis bracing topped off with a tonneau cover, while the optional removable non-structural hard top became a standard feature on the CR. Finally, in an effort to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity, the spare tire was omitted and air-conditioning and stereo were offered only as options. Net weight savings without the additional hardtop was 90 pounds.
 Fans of Honda's S 2000 will want to snap one up soon, as Honda has announced that the S2000's 10-year production run will end at the close of the 2009 model year. The high-revving roadster has always had more in common with the company's high performance motorcycles thanks to its 9,000 rpm redline and minimal low-end torque than it does with the other cars in Honda's lineup. It's a pure sports car in the mold of the British classics that so obviously inspired it. The S2000's abilities to tackle the twists and turns of the most demanding back roads as well as assault the track have made it one of the go-to choices for enthusiasts. With its well-laid-out cockpit, it's a machine that rewards its driver at every turn. With plenty of aftermarket support, it has become a prime platform for tuners.
US sales of the S2000 dipped to a mere 72 units in December bringing the 12-month total to 2,538, down from 4,302 the year before. Over its ten-year run Honda has sold 110,000 S2000s world wide with about 65,000 making their way to the US.
 Honda has produced some world class sports cars, including the awesome NSX. The S2000 along with Mazdas MX-5 are the last of the "proper" 2-seat sports cars available today. They have two seats, a folding top, a manual transmission, a stonking 4-cylinder engine, rear-wheel-drive, and are great fun to drive. I don't understand why Honda is discontinuing this car unless it needs the manufacturing space to make more of the fuel-efficient sedans that are all the rage now. During my research for this write-up, I found that there are about 300 S2000's still on dealer lots around the country. If you crave a real driver's car and would rather not have an MX-5 (Miata) or one of the European boutique brands (BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster), snap one up now or you'll regret it in the future. Fun-to-drive with legendary Honda reliability and dealers eager to deal, the S2000 is now a very viable alternative to Mazda's MX-5!
For more images of the S2000, visit the Automotive Traveler image gallery.
|
JIMBO