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

More Rendered Speculation on Honda S2000's High Performance Hybrid Coupe Successor

Not sure what to think about this one....Truth to be said, we've lost track of the number of inside stories and rendered scoops concerning Honda's rumored, but never officially confirmed, S2000 successor that have made their way on the internet from various Japanese magazines the past year or so.

We've no idea if Best Car's latest story on a high-performance hybrid sports coupe that would essentially replace the S2000 is based on facts or fiction, but the Japanese magazine is once again claiming that Honda is working on what could be best described as the CR-Z's big brother.

Aside from the new rendering that has nothing in common with the magazine's previous S2000 CGI, Best Car this time says that the sports model will be a 2+2 coupe with a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5- or 3.0-liter engine to an electric motor.

No word if power will be transferred to the rear axle or as previously claimed, to all four wheels.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-rendered-speculation-on-honda.html

Road and Track's Gone but not Forgotten for 2010

Here's a nice article on some of the cars that will be 'retired' for 2010.

2010 Automotive Hot List: Gone But Not Forgotten

The automotive world will be a poorer place for 2010 without these five cars.
If you're up on your Honda S2000 knowledge, then you probably know two things: The first is that this high-revving roadster, first sold in late 1999 for the 2000 model year, was originally envisioned as a limited-edition model to commemorate Honda's 50th anniversary. The second is that after a 10-year model run (which, by the way, far exceeded the company's expectations — over 12,000 were sold worldwide in calendar year 1999, with 110,673 sold worldwide through 2008), the S2000 will cease production this year, the final car scheduled to roll off the assembly line at the end of June.

For those of you not up to speed on Honda's S2000, here's a brief refresher course: The S2000 brought Formula 1 engine technology to the street, with a 2.0-liter inline-4 that made 240 bhp (Honda was, understandably, very proud of the car's 120 bhp per liter — still an incredible number for a normally aspirated car to this day) and revved to 9000 rpm. The car made its peak power at an astronomical 8300 rpm, with Honda's VTEC variable valve timing kicking into high gear at 6000 rpm. The downside was that it only made 153 lb.-ft. of torque at 7500 rpm...so you really needed to rev it. Luckily, snicking through the gates of the 6-speed manual gearbox was pure joy, as it was (and remains today) one of the best-shifting gearboxes ever put into a production car.

Due to a curb weight of just 2755 lb. and rear-wheel drive, the S2000 was a terrific twisty two-lane and track-day machine, with quick, well-weighted steering and a fairly neutral handling balance. But early cars gained a reputation for being a bit nervous at the limit, resulting in the occasional unintended oversteer.

The S2000's interior was both unique and sporting (also Spartan), focused solely on the art of fast driving. Interesting features included its half-moon bar-graph tachometer display, a large digital speedometer readout as well as bar-graph displays for fuel level and coolant temperature. This instrument panel was ahead of its time in 1999, and many thought it was the wave of the future. Honda kept this electronic setup throughout the S2000's 10-year model run, although the tachometer's graph was reworked into more of a quarter-moon for the 2004 model. The car also had supportive seats and a grippy, small-diameter leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel.

Although little changed on the S2000 throughout its 10-year run, 2004 saw updates to the engine and suspension. Addressing the S2000's anemic torque, Honda increased the engine's stroke to 90.7 mm for a gain of 181 cc, making it a 2.2-liter. High- and low-speed VTEC cam lobes were adjusted to make more productive torque, while the engine's redline was lowered to 8000 rpm. Peak power remained at 240 bhp, but was generated 500 rpm lower at 7800 rpm. Torque was increased from 153 lb.-ft. at 7500 rpm to 161 lb.-ft. at 6500 rpm. The ratios of the first four gears were also lowered to further improve acceleration.

To address the S2000's nervous tail, the '04 model received softer rear springs, a softer rear anti-roll bar and altered geometry. Wider tires (215/45R-17s up front with 245/40R-17s at the rear, versus the original car's 205/55R-16 front, 225/50R-16 rear setup) improved grip, especially at the rear.

On the outside, the '04 car could be spotted by its new 10-spoke wheels, new headlight cluster, LED taillights and oval exhaust tips. Inside, reshaped doorpanels, the aforementioned instrument panel and silver accents for the center console and radio cover were the highlights.
For the 2008 model year, Honda unveiled the limited-edition S2000 CR (for Club Racer), although the standard S2000 was still available. The CR's large rear wing, removable hardtop and in-your-face front air dam explained in no uncertain terms that, yes, this S2000's home was the race track. The car's firmer suspension — 38-percent stiffer front springs with 50-percent stiffer front dampers and 17-percent stiffer rear springs with 32-percent stiffer rear dampers, along with larger front and rear anti-roll bars hit home Honda's intentions. Even the stereo and air conditioning were deleted to save weight, although they could be added back as options. Stickier Bridgestone Potenza RE070s (215/45R-17 front, 255/40R-17 rear) and quicker steering rounded out the mechanical changes — the engine compartment was left completely untouched.

For a final farewell to the S2000 here at R&T, I borrowed a CR for a weekend track day at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. After giving the car all it was worth around Laguna's 2.2-mile road course, I can easily say the CR is the best S2000 Honda has ever built. The stiffer suspension settings, stickier tires, better aero work and hardtop make the CR a truly terrific track-day weapon. The CR's steering is quick and precise and the car is very well planted. Handling is near neutral, with just a bit of understeer at the limit that's easily adjusted with the throttle or trail braking, allowing me to "back it in," for instance, into the left-hander at the top of Laguna's Corkscrew. In low-speed turns, the CR's easy-to-control demeanor allows power-on tail-out action.

Due to the CR's small band of usable power — basically from 6000-8000 rpm — lots of shifting is required to keep the engine on boil. No problem, what with the car's phenomenally positive short-throw 6-speed manual. Another CR plus? Lots of head room, allowing plenty of helmet clearance.

Minuses? Only a few. Obviously, we wouldn't turn away more power if Honda were offering — there's just not a lot of oomph down the straights. At the same time, this is a true driver's car in the sense that it needs to be driven hard to eek out its full potential. There's also something truly special about the high-pitched scream emanating from under the hood, along with the engine's willingness to rev to 8000 rpm all day long.

Honda fits the exact same brakes to the CR as it does the standard S2000 (including pads), which means the pedal exhibits a nice, firm feel. But, toward the end of the first day of lapping, the pedal became soft, with longer stopping distances. By the end of the second day at Laguna, the pads were completely shot. The fix here would be more aggressive pads, an absolute must for any production car on a track day.

Ok, so the CR is a fantastic track car. But what's it like driving it to and from the track, or more importantly: Would a sane person even consider driving it to work? Although the CR's ride is harsher than your average family sedan, it's actually pretty easy to live with. Sure, some clutch slippage and revs are needed for quick-off-the-line stoplight launches; and don't expect Lexus-like civility inside the cockpit — the engine can be buzzy and a fair amount of tire noise makes its presence felt on the highway. But compared to pretty much any track-day car equipped with aftermarket suspension components, the CR is a pussycat.

And that's part of what makes the S2000 CR so alluring. You can virtually drive it off the showroom floor directly to a track, where it will perform (driver willing) at a level with cars making far more power, no modifications needed (other than brake pads). Plus, at $38,665 — with air conditioning and an 8-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system — the CR is a mighty good bargain.

If the S2000 is so good, why is Honda killing it? A U.S. Honda official said: "It was simply decided that after a successful 10-year run, with lagging demand and a tough economic climate, production should be ended." And it was a good run, especially for a car Honda didn't have big plans for. But with only 2538 cars sold in the U.S. in 2008, the writing was on the wall.
So what can we expect as far as an affordable Honda sports car in the future? For now, a Honda source told us there are "no current plans for a successor. Never say never, but there's nothing on the radar."

In other words, until the economy picks up, don't count on something like the S2000 from Honda. But when things start looking up again, we wouldn't be surprised if Honda brings out a new sports car that's less expensive than the S2000, yet equally high-revving and exciting.
We can only hope. In the meantime, if you're looking for killer track-day car that's also a blast to drive on the street, the S2000 CR should be at the top of your list. Get one while you still can.

Source;

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=10&article_id=8326

Honda S2000 successor independently rendered

Late yesterday, we showed you the handiwork of 3D rendering guru Lars Martensson (a.k.a. 'GRID'), who had applied his skills to a future vision of a new Subaru WRX STI. Today, we bring you the skilled Swede's take on what a next-generation Honda S2000 roadster might look like.While this concept has no basis in reality (and rumors of an S200 successor have thus far amounted to nothing), as with the Subie, we find a lot of merit in what we see.

Source;

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/grid-iron-honda-s2000-successor-independently-rendered/

Honda FF-S2000 Rendering

To accompany the previous article (http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2009/05/honda-may-introduce-2-new-hybrid-sports.html) here is a pic of what they may be proposing the next gen S2000 hybrid.

Source;
http://www.autospies.com/news/Honda-Planning-Two-New-Hybrid-Sports-Cars-44291/

Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition

The Honda S2000 first made its debut in 1999 and after nearly 10 years, it’s finally going to be laid to rest. Honda has announced that production of the S2000 for all regions will halt at the end of June this year. There should be approximately 110,000 S2000s on the road around the world, if most of them aren’t totaled yet. Of that figure, 20,000 units were sold in Japan and another near-20,000 in Europe.

Honda is of course having a final go at the S2000 with this new Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition, which will be unveiled at the Geneva motorshow in March and sold until June 2009. The engine is still the 240 PS 2.0 liter 9,000rpm high revving engine powering the car’s two rear wheels. It is painted with the Grand Prix White colour which is supposed to evoke memories of Honda’s 1964 F1 car. This will be matched with a red leather interior.

Source with more pics;
http://paultan.org/archives/2009/01/30/say-goodbye-to-the-honda-s2000-with-the-white-honda-s2000-ultimate-edition/

Could This be the 2011 Honda S2000?

Looks like the anticipation for the current S2000 replacement is building. No official word from Honda on this car, and this is only a 'rendered speculation' of what the car may or may not look like.

"While we still haven’t received any official word on the S2000 replacement, Japanese car magazines are at it again drawing up their own renderings of Honda’s next generation rear-wheel-drive roadster. According to T.L. who sent us this latest scan, the unnamed Japanese magazines says that new S2000 is expected to be unveiled in 2010 with worldwide sales starting in 2011. It is stated that Honda’s S2000 will offer buyers more options in terms of powertrains, including two new engines, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder V-TEC unit delivering approximately 250Hp and a 3.5-litre V6 V-TEC unit with about 350Hp. "

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/07/2010-honda-s2000-roadster-rendering.html

Here is the link to my previous article on this subject;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2007/11/inspiration-for-next-s2000.html

Honda S2000CR Makes Road & Tracks 'Fast and the Frugal'

Nice list compiled of vehicles that are performance orientated but also good on gas.

"Like the Nismo 350Z, the Club Racer (CR) version of the Honda S2000 leaves the drivetrain stock, thus avoiding the need to recertify the car's fuel economy. This in the case of the S2000 is a good thing, as it is rated at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway while still delivering sub-6-sec. 0–60-mph acceleration. However, the tweaks to the chassis, including additional body bracing to go along with the stiffer suspension and high-performance tires, raise the S2000's grip levels and thereby its fun factor. The results are quite impressive as the CR is capable of pulling nearly 1.0g on the skidpad and it flies through the slalom at 71.7 mph. And it's not a bad looker, either, with the extra aero bits that also add to the car's high-speed agility. Further enhancing the S2000's performance is stellar braking, the best of the bunch at 109 ft. from 60 mph. Equipped with a 13.2-gal. tank, the theoretical maximum range of the CR approaches 400 miles — that's a lot of autocross cones between fill-ups."

Here's a link to the whole article and the other cars;
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=10&article_id=6871

Honda S2000CR Makes Hagerty’s List of Future Top 10 Collector Cars

Hagerty Insurance, an insurance company that specializes in protecting collector cars, has created a list of 10 new cars for sale in 2008 that it believes have the greatest potential to be collector items in 15-20 years.

Top 10 Collector Cars of Tomorrow:
Audi S5
Cadillac XLR-V Roadster
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Dodge Charger Super Bee
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR
Honda S2000 CR
Lotus Exige S
Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky
Smart ForTwo
Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=124575

Inspiration for the Next S2000

This is just a compliation of design ideas of what the Next Gen Honda S2000 may look like, as it has been official for awhile now that Honda is proceeding with a Full Model Change over. The last pic is the Mugen verion of the current S2000.