TOV: Honda S1000 and Honda S2000 get speculatively brought to life

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Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1272425

Honda S2000 sports car to return as Mazda MX-5 rival

Prospective Rendering

Not the Official Car

Iconic S2000 badge to return on a new rear-drive roadster, which will be powered by turbocharged 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines; Type R version possible

by John McIlroy of www.autocar.co.uk

Honda is taking aim at the Mazda MX-5 and Fiat’s forthcoming 124 Spider by developing a successor to its popular S2000 roadster, company insiders have revealed.

Introduced in 1999, the original version of the Japanese manufacturer’s two-seat roadster garnered a reputation for its strong powertrain and lively handling, but the second edition of the car was axed in 2009.

Now a third generation is said to be under development as Honda tries to reconnect with the S2000’s dedicated fan base. Representatives from Honda’s advanced engineering department are said to have attended a recent S2000 owners’ club event in the British Isles - a sign that the firm wants to listen to enthusiasts in order to help it to position the next version of the car accurately.

The new S2000 will stay true to the original’s principles of a front-mounted engine, sited behind the axle line, and rear-wheel drive. It will be pitched as a faster alternative to the MX-5, although its performance should be more of a match for that car’s stablemate, the forthcoming Fiat 124 Spider, which uses a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine instead of the Mazda’s naturally aspirated 1.5 and 2.0-litre units.

Honda has a number of powerplants under consideration for its roadster. More basic editions of the car could be powered by a retuned version of the firm’s forthcoming 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The four-cylinder unit has VTEC variable valve timing and produces around 150bhp in the Japanese-market vehicles it powers. This is likely to be ramped up to around 180bhp for the most modest S2000, giving the car around 25bhp more than the most powerful MX-5 and beating the US-market 124’s 158bhp.

This would leave scope for a hotter variant that could use a detuned version of the Civic Type R’s 306bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. It would also feature more extreme suspension and chassis settings, including a rear limited-slip differential, and could give Honda a useful extension to its Type R sub-brand, as well as a rival for the more potent, Abarth-badged 124. All versions of the car would feature a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox.

The biggest obstacle in the way of the S2000 replacement is the absence of a suitable platform. Honda is committing to a new global architecture for front-wheel-drive cars, including the next generation of Civic, which is due on sale in the UK in 2017, but its opportunities to spread the costs of a rear-wheel drive chassis are more limited.

It is therefore likely to pitch the car as a more expensive rival to the MX-5 in a bid to maintain workable margins, with pricing starting north of £20,000. It could slot the model into the line-up of its premium Acura brand in the United States, where it would be a rival to BMW’s next Z4 and the Audi TT Roadster.

Honda has been working on a number of sports car projects as it looks to rebuild its reputation as a manufacturer of enthusiasts’ models as well as more mainstream products and capitalise on its struggling F1 programme with McLaren.

It is understood that a mid-engined, turbocharged ‘baby NSX’ is also under consideration, but company officials have prioritised a return to the open-top two-seater market.

Honda’s global boss, Takahiro Hachigo, recently revealed that despite the NSX’s trick hybrid set-up, future sports cars from the company would not all need to have electric motors in their powertrains. “Whether or not we develop a hybrid depends on the type of car,” he said. “It is not the case that we have a fixed notion that a sports car always has to be a hybrid.”

Honda has decided that the diminutive S660 roadster that’s sold in Japan would not have a broad enough appeal to justify homologation in other markets. Hachigo said: “If there is strong demand from a region then we will always consider possibilities, but the S660 is a car that was developed for the Japanese market and we’d have to do a lot of work on it to make it comply with European regulations. I also wonder: would a car like this, sold in Asia, succeed in Europe?”

He did admit that Honda was considering sports cars beyond the NSX, however. “We are receiving requests from our regions who are saying they would like more sports cars, so we are considering ways to do that,” he added.

Engineers have also been working on a four-motor, all-electric sports car, as demonstrated by the SH-AWD CR-Z that finished 11th in this year’s Pikes Peak hillclimb in Colorado, but the commercialisation of that project faces a number of challenges, not least the cost of the lithium ion battery technology required to deliver the targeted range of 300 miles per full charge.Hachigo admitted that Honda had damaged its image by “abandoning” products such as the S2000 that had a strong reputation and hardcore fan base. The firm did have plans for a successor to the second generation of the car, but these were scrapped in the midst of the global automotive and financial crises in 2009.

It is believed that the firm’s European boss, Toshiaki Mikoshiba, has been given specific targets to improve continuity and nurture customer retention, as well as reducing the gap between product launches in Japan and the US and the arrival of those cars in Europe. The new HR-V and Jazz — plus the newly launched US-market Civic — are seen as prime examples of cars taking too long to reach European customers.

“We need consistency to build the brand,” said Hachigo. “We want to enhance the cars that we’ve already introduced. We are also working so we can introduce models more quickly to Europe. It’s a very important market for us.”

Honda is the latest Japanese brand to publicly state its goal to produce more cars that are fun to drive, although if the firm does get a new, rear-wheel-drive S2000 to market on its own, it will be bucking the recent trend for joint developments. Mazda and Fiat collaborated on the MX-5 and 124, while Toyota joined forces with Subaru to get access to the boxer engines that give the GT86 the handling agility that was the focus for the project.

Toyota is also working with BMW on a sports car platform that’s expected to underpin different sizes of car. BMW will place it under the next Z4 and its Japanese partner will use it to underpin a larger coupé that could carry the Supra badge.

However, some Japanese manufacturers are developing standalone sports car projects. Mazda is working on a rotary-engined successor to the RX-7 and RX-8 and Nissan is considering an expansion of its Z sub-brand.

Honda's S2000 is also seen as an investment car - read more in our used car buying guide.

The cars the new S2000 must beat
Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider - Sister car to the MX-5, the 124 Spider has more power and torque thanks to Fiat’s 1.4 turbo Multiair engine. UK-spec 124s will have a 138bhp engine at launch, but sources are speaking about an Abarth version with at least 168bhp, a more focused chassis and the option of a fixed roof.

BMW Z4 - BMW had been considering a baby front-drive roadster, but that project is on hold, so the next Z4 will remain the firm’s smallest drop-top for now. It’ll be spun off a platform developed with Toyota, although the Japanese brand is expected to use the architecture to build a larger model.

Nissan Z-Car - While Nissan’s Gripz concept shows how it plans to extend the Z line-up to include crossovers, that car is seen as an extension to the sub-brand, not a replacement for the rear-drive sports car. Expect the next Z to use a turbo four-cylinder engine and cost less than the outgoing 370Z.

Mazda MX-5 - No-frills roadster has received widespread acclaim in its latest generation, which makes do with modest 1.5 and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engines but sheds weight to ensure decent performance and fantastic handling agility. Its pricing could make the Honda look expensive, too.

Alpine A120 - Reborn French brand’s two-seater is due next year. It will use a 250bhp 1.8-litre turbo engine, but a 300bhp version is also planned. Hardcore dynamics will appeal to the enthusiasts Honda hopes to snare with the S2000, but the A120 will cost more, with prices starting at about £30,000.

Comment - would the S660 work in Europe? 
Honda does have a drop-top sports car in its line-up, but only in Japan - and it should really stay there. The S660 is a kei car, designed to beat Japanese vehicle tax rules, and as such it is (a) tiny and (b) modestly powered by a 660cc engine.

We had a chance to try the car on the eve of this year’s Tokyo motor show, and while it has some fine characteristics, including a particularly sweet short-throw gearshift, it would also be outgunned pretty much anywhere outside of town.

Even if you did have the patience to get it up to motorway speeds, the extreme wind buffeting would probably persuade you to back off.

The cabin is minuscule, too, and anyone more than 6ft tall would struggle to find a comfortable seating position. Honda’s bosses say the costs of homologating the car for sales outside Japan couldn’t be justified by the potential sales, and for all the S660’s charm, we’re inclined to agree. If the firm wants a genuine rival for roadsters such as the MX-5 and 124 Spider -the car that it freely admits its regions are asking for - it’ll need to try harder.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/honda-s2000-sports-car-return-mazda-mx-5-rival

AutoExpress: Next Generation Honda S2000 taking shape

Honda's hybrid replacement for the S2000 roadster to feature a 1.5-litre turbo with a total power output of 300bhp and F1 tech

Honda will kick up another gear with plans to introduce a successor to the Honda S2000 roadster in 2018 – and our exclusive main image is the best hint yet at what it will look like.  

Earlier this year, we reported that an S2000 replacement, dubbed the ‘Baby NSX’, would feature a mid-mounted version of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Now, according to a source close to Honda, pressure to adhere to stringent emissions regulations has forced the company to downsize the engine to a 1.5-litre turbo which, with electric motor assistance, is expected to generate around 300bhp.

Honda is acutely aware of the popularity of – and the profits to be made from – mid-sized sports cars, especially in the US. Rivals such as the Porsche Cayman, Audi TT, BMW Z4 and even Alfa Romeo 4C will be the targets when the S2000 successor appears in around three years. 

Design inspiration will mainly come from Honda’s flagship NSX, seen in the angular LED headlamps, wide air intakes and sculpted rear end of our image. And while the original S2000 was only available as a roadster, Honda is set to change direction and offer the successor as a coupe only.  

A price of around £50,000 is being targeted, and the S2000 replacement will go some way towards boosting the brand’s image in the US, Europe and other markets like Australia. “The Civic Type R is a good start, but the NSX will be out of reach for many. So Honda really needs a signature mid-engine sports car that does not break the bank and appeals to fans at the same time,” revealed our source. 

Another critical factor for the new coupe is the company’s relationship to Formula One. The new S2000 will incorporate F1 technology and be developed in conjunction with McLaren and Honda’s F1 programme. Our source explained: “When Honda made its last F1 comeback in 1999, it basically coincided with the development of the original S2000. That’s where you got the first-generation’s screaming 9,000rpm engine.”

Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/s2000/92985/new-hybrid-honda-s2000-is-taking-shape

CarScoops!: Mazda RX-7 And Honda S2000 Resurrected In The Digital Realm

by John Halas of www.carscoops.com

What are the chances of seeing two of the hottest Japanese names in the sports car segment, the Mazda RX-7 coupe and the Honda S2000 roadster, coming back to life?

We'll get back to you on the rotary-powered coupe right after Mazda fully-discloses its upcoming "Sports Car Concept" at next month's Tokyo Motor Show, as there's a possibility it could be RX-7-related, but as far as Honda is concerned, and beyond the occasional rumors, there's nothing official on a direct replacement for the S2000 at this time.

The only thing we've seen in regards to Honda, are some patent images of what could be a 'baby NSX' with a mid-engine setup, and which we recently rendered to give you an idea of what it could look like in the flesh.

Speaking of renders brings us to these two digital creations from Japanese photoshop-er Patty who tried to revive the spirit of the Mazda RX-7 and the Honda S2000 in our times.

It's not immediately obvious, thanks to Patty's rendering skills, but the RX-7 study is actually based on a picture of Mazda's four-door Shinari sports sedan, while the S2000, on a photo of a Jaguar F-Type Roadster with the face of the Japanese firm's 2013 Urban Concept that previewed the HR-V.

The S2000 is kind of meh, to be frank, but the RX-7 does look enticing, don't you think?

Photo renderings by Patty, Thanks to TU-S for the alert! 

Source;
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/09/mazda-rx-7-and-honda-s2000-resurrected.html

'Baby NSX' could emerge as a cheaper, less powerful Honda coupe to slot below Acura NSX

New information from inside Honda indicates its all-new 'baby NSX', which was approved for production in mid-2014, will be based on the same platform as the new NSX but fitted with a less expensive and less expensive powertrain.

As we reported in April, Honda's plans for a three-model mid-engined sports car family, include a more powerful 'S1000' export version of the mid-engined S660 mini-roadstercar at the bottom and the new NSX hybrid supercar flagship at the top.

In between, apart from a successor for the CR-Z hybrid due by 2018, Honda is also plotting a radical replacement for the S2000 roadster, to slot neatly into the middle of its mid-engined two-door line-up.

In the last month however, baby NSX news has heated up significantly following the appearance of a patent drawing of the car, which according to a source close to Honda has “some merit.”

As you can see from our artist’s rendering, which is based on the patent drawing of the futuristic mid-size, mid-engined coupe, the proportions are very similar to that of the NSX.

In fact, when a similar image of the NSX is laid over that of the baby NSX, their proportions, wheelbases and powerplant positioning appear to be almost identical.

Another lesson from the apparently official rendering is that the baby NSX is a lot further along its development pathway than previously understood.

Indeed, our source has confirmed the car's exterior is “for all intents and purposes, completed" and that – given its main market will be the US -- the all-new coupe could make its global debut as early as Los Angeles motor show or the Detroit show in January.

The design and timing news backs our previous report that the baby NSX project has been driven largely by North American Honda dealers, who will not have access to the NSX because it will be sold in the US as an Acura.

While Honda's US luxury brand will have an all-new halo model in the NSX, US Honda dealers want some of the sports car action too.

We understand Honda has obliged by employing an almost identical platform to the NSX, dropping in a turbocharged 2.0-litre hybrid unit and fitting an electronic SH-AWD (Super Handling – AWD) system with all-wheel steer, thus fast-tracking the development of a cheaper sports car that was also lighter and therefore not much slower.

As for where Honda will build the baby NSX, our source says the company has two choices – alongside the NSX in the US or on the world’s only dedicated mid-engined vehicle production line in Yokkaichi near Suzuka, where the S660, Vamos and Acty mini-cars are made.

“It’s not impossible to build a baby NSX in Yokkaichi, but we are close to capacity here now and would need to extensively retool to assemble such a coupe," said one engineer.

Therefore it's almost certain the born-again S2000 will be produced in North America, where it should emerge within six months.

Whether it comes to Australia — where the NSX itself, badged as a Honda, is due on sale by the end of next year — is anyone's guess.

Source;
http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2015/honda/honda-planning-cut-price-nsx-52754

Autoguide: Honda Boss Says There’s ‘Absolutely’ Room For a New Sports Car

“I can’t tell you anything about the ‘baby NSX’ … I could, but I’d probably get fired.”


by Craig Cole of www.autoguide.com

Those are the words of John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda and a man who is, most likely, intimately familiar with a new mystery sports car the brand appears to be planning.

Recently uncovered patent illustrations seem to indicate that Honda is developing something that looks like a shrunken version of its new NSX supercar. Or not. We really don’t know.

But we’re pretty certain Mendel does and the fact that he even acknowledged this car speaks volumes.
When queried about upcoming vehicles, executives inevitably respond with a carefully rehearsed line about “not commenting on future products.” Read into all of this what you want, but it sounds promising.

Today there’s definitely whitespace in Honda’s lineup for some enthusiast-focused models. Right now the only performance car they offer is the Civic Si and it’s about as hot as a bowl of vichyssoise. When asked if there’s room for a dedicated driver’s machine Mendel said, “Absolutely there is.”

Could the firm be working on a successor to the much-loved S2000 sports car that was discontinued several years ago? We certainly hope so, though the vehicle shown in those patent drawings seems to be something more, perhaps even a budget version of the NSX. Wouldn’t that be awesome?

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/07/honda-boss-says-there-s-absolutely-room-for-a-new-sports-car.html

MotorAuthority.com: New Patents May Be For Honda’s Mid-Engine S2000 Replacement

Looks an awful lot like this vehicle above.

by  Viknesh Vijayenthiran of www.motorauthority.com

There's little evidence to support reincarnation when it comes to humans, but what about cars? Fans have eagerly awaited a new Honda S2000 since the original iteration of this sprightly roadster left the physical plane in 2009. However, like a spirit entering a new body, it could come back as something very different.

Since the original’s demise, there have been rumors that Honda is working on a trio of new mid-engine sports cars, one of which is to be a successor to the S2000. In the past six months we’ve seen Honda launch two new mid-engine models in the form of the 2016 NSX supercar (badged an Acura for the U.S.) and the tiny S660 roadster, and now we may have our first look at the S2000 successor.

Dutch website Autovisie has managed to get its hands on patent drawings for a new mid-engine sports car. The drawings were registered by Honda with the European Patent Organization in May and are likely for a concept rather than a production  model, as evidenced by the extremely narrow headlight openings and rear-facing cameras instead of conventional side mirrors.

Nevertheless, as we’ve seen with the transition from concept to production for the aforementioned NSX and S660, most of the concept’s lines should be maintained for any final version. It’s clear the design fits in with the look of the new NSX and S660 models. It also looks like the roof is removable, which ties in with this being an S2000 successor.

According to previous reports this new sports car will be a hybrid. Its powertrain will reportedly consist of the 2.0-liter VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine debuting in the latest Civic Type-R, with an electric motor attached. Total output is rumored to be in the 365-horsepower neighborhood. All of that power will reportedly be sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Construction would take place alongside the NSX at Honda's Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio. The materials used could be the same as well; carbon fiber and aluminum will probably be needed to meet the new car’s reported target curb weight of less than 3,000 pounds.

If all goes well, sources says the S2000 successor could hit showrooms by 2017, with a price tag somewhere below $70,000. That means it could end up being much more expensive than the old roadster.

Source;
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1093681_new-patents-may-be-for-hondas-mid-engine-s2000-replacement--image-update

BoldRide: 2017 Honda S2000: 5 Things to Expect

Stunning conceptual art by Hansen ART, very nice, would love to see this incarnation of the S2000 a reality....

 

by Jeff Perez of www.boldride.com
Art done by Hansen ART (check out his facebook page for a ton of other art, this guy is brilliant!)
https://www.facebook.com/HansenArt

In 1999, Honda took a page out of its own history book and decided to revive the art of open-top driving with the S2000. A successor to the Honda roadsters of the ’60s, the S2000 was a performance-oriented, 4-cylinder powered piece of automotive perfection.

Production lasted 10 years — 1999-2009 — before Honda officially parted ways with the beloved rag top. Six years later and rumors of a reborn S2000 are all over the web. Honda even went as far as to tease us with a lovely little S660 concept in 2013.

But is there any merit to these rumors? We think yes. Honda is finally back on the up and up in the U.S., and the idea of a reborn roadster could sway a younger generation back to the brand. A few things need to happen in order for it to be successful, though.

Eye-Catching Design


Powerful (Enough) Engine


Convertible and Coupe


It SHOULD Have a Manual

Rear-Wheel Drive, Of Course

At the end of the day, whether a new S2000 actually happens or not is up to the big wigs over at Honda. But with rumors circulating and concepts showing up often, it’s only a matter of time before we see the S2K on the streets once again. Fingers crossed for this one.

Check out the original link, Jeff expands on the 5 points in the full article;
http://news.boldride.com/2015/02/2017-honda-s2000-concept/70894/

Rumours Update: Next Honda/Acura S2000 Sketch

Rumours of what the replacement S2000 are;
-280-350HP Turbo 2.0L Engine (same as what's in the upcoming 2015 Civic Type R in Europe).
-SH-AWD

Source;
http://visions-autos.blog.sport24.lefigaro.fr/788805/Honda-Acura-une-probable-Berlinette/

Temple of Vtec Reader danielgr 'Scoops' a new rendering of what the next S2000 (or sub Acura NSX) car could look like

As most of you know by now, rumours abound that the S2000 is being discussed as a vehicle that Honda wants to bring back, there are also rumours that Acura will be getting a sub-NSX vehicle.  The above picture would look like the Acura as I think that Honda would be going roadster (not that you couldn't chop the top off....).

Here is a excerpt from danielgr's post;
"This has already been discussed in other threads, but anyway, since Jeff asked me to get the Mag here you go.

There isn't really much into it, and they are simply saying that it will be:
- a midsize MR (2+2 possible) choice between the Beat (S660) and the NSX (instead of the previously rumored FR setup with a smaller engine),
- powered by the EuroCTR 2.0L Turbo, SH-AWD being a possibility not yet decided.
- priced between 4M and 4.5M JPY
- arriving in second half 2016."

Good find danielgr!
 
Source (with more pictures);
http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=1192351 

UPDATE: Honda planning sub-NSX S2000 successor

Nine years separated the arrival of the original Acura NSX and the Honda S2000. By that time, the NSX was closer to the end of its fifteen-year production cycle than it was to its beginning. The latest word has it that not only is Honda planning a successor to the S2000, but it's not about to wait that long after the new NSX arrives before it's rolled out.

While the S2000 was a front-mid-engined roadster, its successor will, according to the latest from Auto Express (which we are taking with a grain of salt), be a mid-engined coupe – closer, in other words, to the NSX than the S2000. Power would come from a more potent version of the 2.0-liter turbo four developed for the upcoming new Civic Type R, possibly as part of a hybrid system derived from Honda's upcoming Formula One powertain to develop over 400 horsepower.

Whether the new sports car would revive the S2000 nameplate, and whether it would wear the Honda or Acura badge in the United States, remain to be seen.

Source;
http://www.houseofjapan.com/auto-moto/honda-planning-sub-nsx-s2000-successor-update-2

What would you like to see in the Next Honda S2000?

Below are 20 various renditions of what some have thought should be the design direction that the S2000 should go over the last few years....

Picture #1

Picture #2

Picture #3

Picture #4

Picture #5

Picture #6

Picture #7

Picture #8

Picture #9

Picture #10

Picture #11

Picture #12

Picture #13

Picture #14

Picture #15

Picture #16

Picture #17

Picture #18

Picture #19

Picture #20

With all of the Rumours that the S2000 may make a comeback, I thought I'd add section dedicated to the car.

First off, I have posted 20 pictures and numbered them, what I'd like to know (I am sure Honda would be curious too), is out of the above cars, which direction would you like to see Honda go with the next S2000, by posting the number(s) in the comments section along with what you'd like to see features wise. 

Post your ideas in the comments section, and let's see what comes up, who knows, maybe Honda's listening....

I'll start it off....

I really like the direction of #6 followed up with #16
-NO hybrid!
-Rear Wheel Drive
-In the spirit of the previous model, I want a 'crotch rocket' on 4 wheels, a nice high performance 4cyl 2.0+ Litre that puts up 300+hp.
-6 speed manual is a must, dare I say 8 Speed?.
-SH-AWD
-dual exhaust
-18" alloys with HP rubber

AutExpress: Honda S2000 to be reborn

by Peter Lyon of www.autoexpress.co.uk

Honda is set to revive the S2000 and bring us an all-new small sports roadster

Honda is set for a massive transformation from sensible to sporty, and leading the revolution are three new sports cars, which include a spiritual successor to the S2000 and an all-new NSX.

Like the original Honda S2000, this mid-engined sports car – revealed in our exclusive image - is set to be a coupe rather than a convertible and it will sit in the middle of the three cars.

The Honda S660 with its three-cylinder turbo engine will sit below it, while the the hybrid Honda NSX will be the manufacturer's flagship performance model.

A Honda insider told us about a secret in-house meeting at Honda's Tochigi R&D centre in Japan to discuss the potential for this new mid-sized sports car, which would be part of the world’s first-ever mid-engined trio of sports cars from one manufacturer. From what we’ve heard, there’s a strong chance this new Honda S2000 will get the green light.

The Honda S2000 is similar in looks to the S660 and NSX, with all three cars getting sharp lines, a bold grille and narrow headlights giving them a character unlike any of Honda’s current models.

Hybrid tech to combine performance and economy

Under the skin of the new Honda S2000, we’ve been told to expect a revised version of the 2.0-litre 350bhp turbo engine, which will power the next generation Honda Civic Type R.

Some hybrid tech - developed in conjunction with the McLaren Formula 1 team - should also feature and it's set to allow for 0-62mph in around five seconds, but with an economy of around 40mpg.

Honda is looking at adding a simplified version of the all-wheel-drive petrol-electric system used in the NSX.
The mid-size Honda S2000 replacement will be the last of Honda's three new sports cars to arrive and it's expected to go on sale in 2017 for around £35,000. The new Honda NSX is expected to arrive by the first part of 2015, making it the first of the new models to go into production.

The new Honda NSX will be powered by a V6 engine and three electric motors, which develop more than 400bhp. The front wheels get one motor each for the ultimate in torque vectoring. Honda is aiming for a price of around £100,000.

The Honda S660, meanwhile, is first expected to arrive in Japan towards the end of 2015. It'll be powered by a 600cc, 64bhp engine, although a more powerful 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder is rumoured to be on the way for Europe.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/86942/honda-s2000-to-be-reborn#ixzz31X48ewv5

Honda S2000 Rumored to Come Back as a Mid-Engined Sportscar

A recent report from British media suggests Honda's legendary S2000 sportscar is coming back with a vengeance. A few years ago, before production stopped, it was one of the most coveted cheap performance vehicles and it seems Honda wants to rekindle that fire, giving the rest of its lineup an image boost. The name will be the same, but the technology will be different. By placing the engine in the middle of the car, Honda will ensure most of the old rivals, outside Porsche of course, will not be able to compete. If the project does get approval for Japanese officials, it will be something special!

Power for the new S2000 would come from a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with VTEC technology. No such mill exists at the moment, but Honda has been developing it together with the new Civic Typer R. That hot hatch is rumored to have 300 horsepower and will not go on sale until it's the fastest FWD car in the world. The S2000 will have even more power, about 350 hp, and could even be helped by electric motors.

By comparison, the old S2000 was a lot simpler. It came with a screaming 2-liter naturally aspirated engine that made 250 hp at 8,300  rpm. The red line didn't come in until 9,000 rpm. Switching to turbocharging and hybrid tech will give the new car a more relaxed attitude, but straight-line performance is sure to be impressive, as will the low emissions.

For now, the S2000 is but a rumor. Autoexpress magazine says it's heard from a Honda insider about a secret in-house meeting at Honda's Tochigi R&D center to discuss the project. Even if approved today, the car would still not be ready until 2017.

This could just be one of those reports that cause a bit of stir in fan communities, only to vanish completely after a few years. The fact that it's such a wild idea and it's conveniently accompanied by a sharp-looking renderings suggests our British source could just be fishing for a story. But Honda would definitely not be in the wrong if it decided to bring the S2000 back.

Killed off in 2009 after a 10-year career, the S2000 is a victim of emissions laws and high fuel prices. Mid-way in its life cycle, the automaker was forced to switch from a 2-liter to a 2.2-liter that didn't rev as highly and eventually had to admit thirsty sportscar weren't sellable.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-s2000-rumored-to-come-back-as-a-mid-engined-sportscar-81128.html