Design and Construction
The S2000 features a front-mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout with power being delivered via a Torsen limited slip differential mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
The car is constructed using an X-bone monocoque frame which is extremely rigid, improving passenger safety and handling. Other features include independent double wishbone suspension, electrically-assisted steering and integrated roll hoops.
The S2000 comes with an electrically powered canvas top, and an OEM hardtop is also available.
Models
The car was originally launched in 1999 as a 2000 model, given the chassis designation AP1. The 2000 model featured 16" wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S-02 tires.
For the 2002 model year, suspension settings were revised and a smaller glass rear windscreen introduced. Plastic rear window was replaced with glass; an electric defroster was added. Other updates included slightly revised taillamps, an upgraded stereo, and a revised engine control unit (ECU).
From its inception in 1999 to 2003, S2000s were manufactured at Honda's Tochigi Takanezawa plant, alongside the Honda NSX supercar and Honda Insight hybrid. In 2004 production moved to the Suzuka plant.
The 2004 model introduced newly designed 17" wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tires along with a retuned suspension that reduced the car's tendency to oversteer. The spring rates and shock absorber damping were altered and the suspension geometry modified to improve stability by reducing toe-in changes under cornering loads. 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. At the same time, Honda introduced a 2.2 L variant to the North American market. The revised car was given the chassis designation AP2.
The 2006 model introduced a drive by wire throttle, Vehicle Stability Assist system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. 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 2.2 L engine was also introduced to the Japanese market during this time.
In 2007 two exterior colors (Suzuka Blue and Sebring Silver) were dropped, while the Grand Prix White color was re-introduced with a black/red/gray interior.
The 2008 model year will mark the first time the S2000 will be offered in more than one trim level. In addition to the base model, Honda will offer a new "club racer" 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 2007 New York International Auto Show on 4 April 2007. Changes for the CR include a quicker (lower-ratio) steering rack, stiffer suspension and all-new Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires. Rear tires are widened from 245/40R-17 to 255/40R-17 on the CR. A revised body kit, comprised of a redesigned front clip, rear bumper, and a large spoiler, have been wind-tunnel tested and are claimed to produce positive downforce at speed. The folding soft top is replaced with an aluminum hard top to appease race tracks with strict rules on convertibles, while the area where the top used to fit is filled with bracing to increase the S2000's chassis rigidity and covered with cowl fairing to improve aerodynamics. Finally, in an effort to reduce weight and lower the center or gravity, the spare tire is omitted, and air conditioning and a stereo are offered only as options. Net weight savings is 90 pounds relative to the standard model (and before the addition of the hardtop). The engine in the S2000 CR is unchanged from the standard trim.
Honda S2000 CR will be available in the fall of 2007. It is estimated to cost between $35,000 and $40,000 in United States; production volume of less than 2000 units is expected (neither the price nor the production volume are officially confirmed by Honda as of April 2007). The redesigned five-spoke wheels shown on the S2000 CR concept will be available on both the standard and CR model S2000 for 2008.
Powertrain
The S2000 (2000 to 2003 models) initially came equipped with a 2.0 L (1997 cc) F20C inline 4 cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine producing 243 PS (179 kW, 240 hp) at 8,300 rpm and 153 ft·lbf (208 Nm) of torque at 7,500 rpm, though European versions were rated slightly lower at 240 PS (177 kW, 237 hp) and the Japanese models were quoted with 250 PS (184 kW, 247 hp) at 8,600 rpm due to a small difference in engine compression ratio.
Honda introduced a variant of the F20C engine to the North American market in 2004. Designated F22C1, the engine's stroke was lengthened, increasing its displacement to 2.2 L. At the same time, the redline was reduced from 9,000 to 8,000 rpm with a cutout at 8,200 rpm, mandated by the longer travel distance of the pistons. Peak torque was increased by 6% to 162 ft·lbf (220 N·m) at 6,200 rpm, and the F22C1 was quoted by Honda as having more torque at lower rpm than the F20C, although power output was the same. Initially, the F22C1 was intended only for the North American market, but it was also introduced in Japan in 2006 with specified power of 242 PS (178 kW, 239 hp). Other markets continued with the 2.0 L version.
In part because of its high-revving nature for a car engine (9,000 rpm rev limit for the 2.0 L and 8,200 rpm for the 2.2 L engines), the S2000 achieves the highest specific power per unit volume of any mass-produced naturally-aspirated automobile piston engine, producing over 123 hp (92 kW)/L in the Japanese F20C. The compact and lightweight engine, mounted entirely behind the front axle, allows the S2000 to obtain a 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and lower rotational inertia that would not have been possible otherwise.
In conjunction with its introduction of the F22C1, Honda also changed the transmission gear ratios by shortening the first four gears and lengthening the last two. Another change was the inclusion of a clutch release delay valve to improve drivetrain longevity by reducing shock loads.
Fuel Economy
United States versions of Honda S2000 require premium unleaded gasoline to operate (91 AKI octane rating, corresponding roughly to 95 RON).
The official fuel economy figures for the Honda S2000 produced by the United States EPA are as follows:
* Original ratings (city/combined/highway): 20 mpg (U.S.) (12 L/100 km)/22 mpg (U.S.) (11 L/100 km)/26 mpg (U.S.) (9 L/100 km)
* Revised ratings: 18 mpg (U.S.) (13 L/100 km)/20 mpg (U.S.) (12 L/100 km)/24 mpg (U.S.) (10 L/100 km)
The European and Japanese versions are also tuned to run on a minimum of 95 octane unleaded, but 98 is recommended. Fuel economy figures published by Honda UK are 20.6/28.2/35.3 miles per Imperial Gallon (urban/combined/suburban). Note that the Imperial gallon is approximately 20% larger than the US gallon.
Awards
* The S2000 was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004.
* The S2000 was the highest-ranked model in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study "Premium Sports Car" class for 2004 and 2006, and has consistently held one of the top three positions.
* The F20C engine won the International Engine of the Year award in the "1.8 to 2 litre" size category for five years from 2000 through 2004.
* The F20C was featured on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2000 and 2001.
* The S2000 ranked number #1 in the BBC Top Gear survey in 2004, 2005, and 2006
Reviews
The S2000 has received much praise from critics and motoring journalists and has received favourable reviews from publications like Car and Driver, Car magazine, the Los Angeles Times and Road & Track magazine. Among the features highlighted include the high output of the engine, the unusually high redline, the balanced handling, and the smooth gearbox.
Pricing and Sales
In the United States, the MSRP of the 2008 Honda S2000 is $34,300 USD (not including the destination charge). The CR trim's base price is $36,300 USD with a $1000 USD option to add air-condition and stereo.
In the United Kingdom, the 2007 model is offered in two trims, Roadster and GT. The GT trim features a removable hard-top and an outside temperature gauge. On-the-road prices of these trims are £27,300 and £27,850, respectively. The S2000 is the second most expensive Honda in the UK, after the Honda Legend.
The largest market for the S2000 worldwide is North America. In addition, considerable numbers are sold in Europe (primarily in the UK) and Japan.
In 2006, 6,271 new Honda S2000s were sold in the United States. 2006 sales of comparable cars were 4,503 units for the Porsche Boxster, 11,520 units for the BMW Z4 roadster, 16,897 units for the Mazda MX-5, and 28,381 units for the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky (combined). 2,402 units were sold during the first six months of 2007 (34% decline compared with the same period of 2006).
Successor
Winding Road reported that Honda is working on a possible successor to the S2000. If approved, the car would have four seats and would be moved upmarket to compete with the SLK-Class and Z4. If produced, the successor would not come to the market any time before the 2009 model year and it may be branded under the Acura badge for the North American market.
Another Japanese automotive publisher, Best Car magazine, claims Honda has also been considering various ideas ranging from a 4-door sports cars to a front-wheel drive sport compact. Instead of moving upscale to compete with the SLK and Z4, though, it would downscale to compete directly with the Mazda Miata and be powered by a 2.0 L engine producing around 200 hp (150 kW).
Honda has not officially commented on the future of the S2000 after the 2008 model year.
