Honda S2000
Encyclopedia
The Honda S2000 is a roadster
that was manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. It was launched in April 1999 and was created to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The car was first shown as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show
in 1995, following which it was launched in world markets in 1999. The S2000 is named for its engine displacement of 2 L, carrying on in the tradition of the S500
, S600
, and S800
roadsters of the 1960s.
Several revisions were made throughout the car's lifetime, including changes to the engine, gearbox, suspension and interior and exterior. Officially two variants exist: the initial launch model was given the chassis code AP1, while the AP2 designation was given to vehicles produced from mid-2003 onwards. Though cosmetically similar, the AP2 incorporated significant changes to the drivetrain and suspension. Production of the S2000 ceased in June 2009.
Introduced at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show
, the Honda Sport Study Model concept car
was the design study for the production S2000. The SSM was a rear wheel drive roadster powered by a 2 l (122 cu in) inline 4 cylinder engine. It featured a rigid X-bone frame which Honda claimed improved the vehicle's rigidity and collision safety. The hood was aluminium
and the car had a 50:50 weight distribution.
The SSM would appear unchanged in many automotive shows for several years afterwards, hinting at the possibility of a production version, which Honda announced in due course in 1999. Carrying on the tradition of the company's 1960s S500
, S600
, and S800
roadsters, the new vehicle was named the S2000.
and was given the chassis designation of AP1. It featured a front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout with power being delivered by a 1997 cc F20C
inline 4 cylinder
DOHC-VTEC
engine producing from 240 hp to 250 PS, and from 153 lbf.ft to 22.2 kgm of torque depending on the target market. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission
and Torsen
limited slip differential
. The S2000 achieved what Honda claimed as the "top level performance in the world" for a 2-liter naturally aspirated engine.
Features include independent double wishbone
suspension
, electrically-assisted steering
and integrated roll hoops
. 16 in (41 cm) wheels with Bridgestone
Potenza S-02 tires were standard equipment. 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. An electrically powered vinyl
top with internal cloth lining was standard. Honda made available an aluminum hardtop for additional cost.
The 2001 model was largely unchanged, but Honda upgraded the radio and added a digital clock to the dashboard display on most, but not all 2001 models. For the 2002 model year, suspension settings were revised and the plastic rear window was replaced by a glass unit incorporating an electric defroster. 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
plant, alongside the Honda NSX
and Honda Insight
hybrid. In 2004 production moved to the Suzuka
plant.
damping were altered and the suspension geometry modified to improve stability by reducing toe-in
changes under cornering loads. In the gearbox the brass synchronizers were replaced with carbon fiber. 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 for the North American market. Designated F22C1, the engine's stroke was lengthened, increasing its displacement to 2157 cc. 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 of the pistons. Peak torque increased 6% to 162 lbf.ft at 6,500 rpm while power output was the same 237 hp at a lower 7,800 rpm. In conjunction with its introduction of the F22C1, Honda also changed the transmission gear ratio
s by shortening the first four gears and lengthening the last two. Another change was the inclusion of a clutch release delay valve
.
In 2006, the F22C1 engine replaced the F20C in the Japanese market; however, the F20C continued in all other world markets. The 2006 model introduced a drive by wire
throttle, an electronic stability control
system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. Interior changes included revised seats and additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests.
The 2008 model year marked the first time the S2000 was offered in more than one trim level
in the United States. In addition to the base model, Honda offered a more track-oriented version of the S2000, distinguished by reduced weight, fewer amenities, and a claimed increase in performance. The S2000 Club Racer 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, widened at the rear from 245/40R-17 to 255/40R-17
. 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 hard top, optional on other models, 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 (40.8 kg) relative to the standard model. The engine in the S2000 CR was unchanged from the standard trim.
The 2008 Honda S2000 CR became available in the fall of 2007, with a base price of $36,300. Production volume of less than 2,000 units was expected. Redesigned five-spoke wheels were standard on all S2000s, with bright silver on the base model wheels and a gunmetal color on the CR wheels. All CR models were only available with yellow and black cloth interior. Honda continued both trim levels of S2000 unchanged for the 2009 model year. The price was increased to US$34,695 for the base trim and US$36,695 for the CR trim.
A variant of the CR, called the Type-S, was released in Japan. The Type-S retained the convertible soft top instead of the CR's aluminum hard-top, and used the standard S2000s Bridgestone RE050 tires instead of the CR's upgraded RE070s. The head designer of the S2000, Shigeru Uehara, stated that the CR was somewhere between the existing Type-S and what a supposed S2000 Type-R would have been like.
Production of the S2000 ceased in June 2009. Plans for an S2000 successor were scrapped in the aftermath of the automotive industry crisis of 2008. To commemorate the production run of the S2000, Honda offered a special variant called the S2000 Ultimate Edition for the European market, and a similar GT Edition 100 variant in the UK. These editions feature a removable hard top, Grand Prix White paint scheme, red leather interior, and numbered plaques.
, Car Magazine
, the Los Angeles Times
, and Road & Track
magazine. Among the features highlighted are the high output of the engine, the high redline, the balanced handling, and the smooth gearbox. User surveys have named the S2000 as a favorite for overall customer satisfaction.
of the base 2009 Honda S2000 was $34,995. The CR trim's base price was $36,995 with a $1,000 option to add air-conditioning and stereo.
In the United Kingdom, the 2009 model was offered in two trims, Roadster and GT. The GT trim featured a removable hard-top and an outside temperature gauge. On-the-road prices of these trims were £27,300 and £27,850, respectively.
After several years of steady production, sales of the roadster began falling dramatically starting in 2006, and the trend accelerated during the 2008 U.S. recession. In 2008, only 2,538 units were sold in the U.S. - a 74% decline from the 2002 sales peak. In November of that year, for the first time since its launch, fewer than 100 new S2000s were sold nationwide during a calendar month.
*Note: No model-year 2010 cars were produced; sales represent clearance of residual new-vehicle inventory.
** Data through September 2010.
*** Data through October 2011.
In its January 2009 announcement of the vehicle's production end, Honda reported that worldwide sales through the end of 2008 totaled 110,673 units.
Roadster
A roadster is a two-seat open car with emphasis on sporty handling and without a fixed roof or side weather protection. Strictly speaking a roadster with wind-up windows is a convertible but as true roadsters are no longer made the distinction is now irrelevant...
that was manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. It was launched in April 1999 and was created to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The car was first shown as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show
Tokyo Motor Show
The is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association , it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs...
in 1995, following which it was launched in world markets in 1999. The S2000 is named for its engine displacement of 2 L, carrying on in the tradition of the S500
Honda S500
The S500 was the first production car from Honda, released in 1963, following the T360 truck into production by four months. It was a larger displacement variant of the S360 roadster which, though developed for sale in 1962, was never produced....
, S600
Honda S600
The Honda S600 is an automobile manufactured by Honda. It was launched in March 1964. It was the first Honda car to be offered in two versions: as a roadster – bearing strong resemblance to the Honda S500 – and as a fastback coupé , introduced in March 1965...
, and S800
Honda S800
The S800 is a sports car from Honda. Introduced at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, the S800 would replace the successful Honda S600 as the company's image car and would compete with the Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire and Fiat 850 Spider....
roadsters of the 1960s.
Several revisions were made throughout the car's lifetime, including changes to the engine, gearbox, suspension and interior and exterior. Officially two variants exist: the initial launch model was given the chassis code AP1, while the AP2 designation was given to vehicles produced from mid-2003 onwards. Though cosmetically similar, the AP2 incorporated significant changes to the drivetrain and suspension. Production of the S2000 ceased in June 2009.
Honda SSM
Tokyo Motor Show
The is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association , it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs...
, the Honda Sport Study Model concept car
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
was the design study for the production S2000. The SSM was a rear wheel drive roadster powered by a 2 l (122 cu in) inline 4 cylinder engine. It featured a rigid X-bone frame which Honda claimed improved the vehicle's rigidity and collision safety. The hood was aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
and the car had a 50:50 weight distribution.
The SSM would appear unchanged in many automotive shows for several years afterwards, hinting at the possibility of a production version, which Honda announced in due course in 1999. Carrying on the tradition of the company's 1960s S500
Honda S500
The S500 was the first production car from Honda, released in 1963, following the T360 truck into production by four months. It was a larger displacement variant of the S360 roadster which, though developed for sale in 1962, was never produced....
, S600
Honda S600
The Honda S600 is an automobile manufactured by Honda. It was launched in March 1964. It was the first Honda car to be offered in two versions: as a roadster – bearing strong resemblance to the Honda S500 – and as a fastback coupé , introduced in March 1965...
, and S800
Honda S800
The S800 is a sports car from Honda. Introduced at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, the S800 would replace the successful Honda S600 as the company's image car and would compete with the Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire and Fiat 850 Spider....
roadsters, the new vehicle was named the S2000.
AP1
The S2000 was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model yearModel year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
and was given the chassis designation of AP1. It featured a front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout with power being delivered by a 1997 cc F20C
Honda F20C engine
The F20C and F22C1 are inline-4 engines produced by Honda. They are one of the few Honda 4-cylinder automobile engines that are designed to sit longitudinally for rear wheel drive....
inline 4 cylinder
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
DOHC-VTEC
VTEC
VTEC is a valvetrain system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The VTEC system uses two camshaft profiles and electronically selects between the profiles. It was invented by Honda R&D engineer Ikuo Kajitani, and was the first system...
engine producing from 240 hp to 250 PS, and from 153 lbf.ft to 22.2 kgm of torque depending on the target market. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
and Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
limited slip differential
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
. The S2000 achieved what Honda claimed as the "top level performance in the world" for a 2-liter naturally aspirated engine.
Double wishbone suspension
In automobiles, a double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design using two wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle. The shock absorber and coil spring mount to the wishbones to control...
suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
, electrically-assisted steering
Steering
Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. which will allow a vessel or vehicle to follow the desired course...
and integrated roll hoops
Roll cage
A roll cage is a specially constructed frame built in the cab of a vehicle to protect its occupants from being injured in an accident, particularly in the event of a roll-over. Roll cages are used in nearly all purpose-built racecars, and in most cars modified for racing...
. 16 in (41 cm) wheels with Bridgestone
Bridgestone
The is a multinational rubber conglomerate founded in 1931 by in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. The name Bridgestone comes from a calque translation and transposition of ishibashi, meaning "stone bridge" in Japanese....
Potenza S-02 tires were standard equipment. 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. An electrically powered vinyl
Vinyl
A vinyl compound is any organic compound that contains a vinyl group ,which are derivatives of ethene, CH2=CH2, with one hydrogen atom replaced with some other group...
top with internal cloth lining was standard. Honda made available an aluminum hardtop for additional cost.
The 2001 model was largely unchanged, but Honda upgraded the radio and added a digital clock to the dashboard display on most, but not all 2001 models. For the 2002 model year, suspension settings were revised and the plastic rear window was replaced by a glass unit incorporating an electric defroster. Other updates included slightly revised tail lamps, an upgraded radio, and a revised engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
.
The AP1 was manufactured up to 2003 at Honda's Takanezawa
Takanezawa, Tochigi
is a town located in Shioya District, Tochigi, Japan.Takanezawa was once home of the Honda R&D Plant that hand-crafted the 1990-2004 model year NSX, 1999-2003 model year S2000, and 2000-2004 model year Insight...
plant, alongside the Honda NSX
Honda NSX
The Honda NSX, or Acura NSX, is a sports car that was produced between 1990 and 2005 by the Japanese automaker Honda. It is equipped with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, powered by an all-aluminium V6 gasoline engine featuring Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control ...
and Honda Insight
Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Honda and the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. The first-generation Insight was produced from 1999 to 2006 as a three-door hatchback...
hybrid. In 2004 production moved to the Suzuka
Suzuka, Mie
is a city located in Mie, Japan.As of 2011, the city has an estimated population of 198,716 and the density of 1,020 people per km². The total area is 194.67 km².Located about 83 km east from Nara, and 52 km southwest from Nagoya.-History:...
plant.
AP2
The 2004 model year incorporated several revisions to the S2000 and was given the chassis designation of AP2 (note: this designation was never used in the UK although the improvements to the vehicle were applied). The 2004 model introduced newly designed 17 in (43 cm) wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tires along with a retuned suspension to reduce oversteer. The spring rates and shock absorberShock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
damping were altered and the suspension geometry modified to improve stability by reducing toe-in
Toe (automotive)
In automotive engineering, toe, also known as tracking, is the symmetric angle that each wheel makes with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as a function of static geometry, and kinematic and compliant effects. This can be contrasted with steer, which is the antisymmetric angle, i.e. both...
changes under cornering loads. In the gearbox the brass synchronizers were replaced with carbon fiber. In addition, cosmetic changes were made to the exterior with new front and rear bumpers, revised headlight assemblies, new LED
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
tail-lights, and oval-tipped exhausts.
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a gear train is the ratio of the angular velocity of the input gear to the angular velocity of the output gear, also known as the speed ratio of the gear train. The gear ratio can be computed directly from the numbers of teeth of the various gears that engage to form the gear...
s by shortening the first four gears and lengthening the last two. Another change was the inclusion of a clutch release delay valve
Clutch delay valve
A clutch delay valve is an automotive component added to the clutch system of an automobile to standardize clutch engagement speed. Its purpose is to engage the drive train of an automobile without introducing shock to the drive train components by engaging too quickly...
.
Drive by wire
Drive-by-wire, DbW, by-wire, or x-by-wire technology in the automotive industry replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators...
throttle, an electronic stability control
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. Interior changes included revised seats and additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests.
Trim package
A trim package is an automotive package composed by a set of cosmetic embellishments to a vehicle. In some cases the trim package may include a specific model or ending name...
in the United States. In addition to the base model, Honda offered a more track-oriented version of the S2000, distinguished by reduced weight, fewer amenities, and a claimed increase in performance. The S2000 Club Racer made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show
New York International Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in New York City in late March or early April. It is usually held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens on or just before Easter weekend and closes on the first Sunday after Easter...
on 4 April 2007. Changes for the CR included a lower ratio steering rack, stiffer suspension and all-new Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, widened at the rear from 245/40R-17 to 255/40R-17
Tire code
Automobile tires are described by an alphanumeric tire code or tyre code , which is generally molded into the sidewall of the tire. This code specifies the dimensions of the tire, and some of its key limitations, such as load-bearing ability, and maximum speed...
. A revised body kit, composed of a redesigned front lip, rear bumper, and a large spoiler
Spoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
, 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
Tonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
cover, while the hard top, optional on other models, became a standard feature on the CR. Finally, in an effort to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity
Center of gravity
In physics, a center of gravity of a material body is a point that may be used for a summary description of gravitational interactions. In a uniform gravitational field, the center of mass serves as 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 (40.8 kg) relative to the standard model. The engine in the S2000 CR was unchanged from the standard trim.
The 2008 Honda S2000 CR became available in the fall of 2007, with a base price of $36,300. Production volume of less than 2,000 units was expected. Redesigned five-spoke wheels were standard on all S2000s, with bright silver on the base model wheels and a gunmetal color on the CR wheels. All CR models were only available with yellow and black cloth interior. Honda continued both trim levels of S2000 unchanged for the 2009 model year. The price was increased to US$34,695 for the base trim and US$36,695 for the CR trim.
A variant of the CR, called the Type-S, was released in Japan. The Type-S retained the convertible soft top instead of the CR's aluminum hard-top, and used the standard S2000s Bridgestone RE050 tires instead of the CR's upgraded RE070s. The head designer of the S2000, Shigeru Uehara, stated that the CR was somewhere between the existing Type-S and what a supposed S2000 Type-R would have been like.
Production of the S2000 ceased in June 2009. Plans for an S2000 successor were scrapped in the aftermath of the automotive industry crisis of 2008. To commemorate the production run of the S2000, Honda offered a special variant called the S2000 Ultimate Edition for the European market, and a similar GT Edition 100 variant in the UK. These editions feature a removable hard top, Grand Prix White paint scheme, red leather interior, and numbered plaques.
Specifications
| 2000–2003 AP1 (F20C) |
2004–2009 AP2 (F22C1) |
2008–2009 AP2 CR (F22C1) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Engine Type | naturally aspirated inline-4 | |||
| Displacement | 1997 cc | 2157 cc | ||
| Power | 237 bhp @ 8,300 rpm (US & EU) 247 bhp @ 8,300 rpm (JP) |
237 bhp @ 7,800 rpm (US) 239 bhp @ 7,800 rpm (JP) |
||
| Torque | 153 lbft @ 7,500 rpm (US & EU) 22.2 kgm @ 7,500 rpm (JP) |
162 lbft @ 6,800 rpm (US) 163 lbft @ 6,500-7,500 rpm (JP) |
||
| Redline / Fuel cut-out | 8,800 rpm / 9,000 rpm | 8,000 rpm / 8,200 rpm | ||
| Bore & Stroke | 87 mm (3.425 in) x 84.4 mm (3.323 in) | 87 mm (3.425 in) x 90.7 mm (3.571 in) | ||
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 (US & EU) 11.7:1 (JP) |
11.1:1 | ||
| Valvetrain | 16-valve DOHC VTEC | |||
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | |||
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 3.133 2nd: 2.045 3rd: 1.481 4th: 1.161 5th: 0.970 6th: 0.810 Secondary gear reduction: 1.160 Final drive: 4.100 Reverse: 2.800 |
1st: 3.133 2nd: 2.045 3rd: 1.481 4th: 1.161 5th: 0.943 6th: 0.763 Secondary gear reduction: 1.208 Final drive: 4.100 Reverse: 2.800 |
||
| Fuel type and consumption | ||||
| Octane Rating | 91 AKI / 95 RON (98 RON recommended) | |||
| City | 18 miles per US gallon (US EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress... ) 20.6 mpgimp (UK) |
|||
| Highway | 24 miles per US gallon (US EPA) 35.3 mpgimp (UK) |
|||
| Combined | 20 miles per US gallon (US EPA) 28.2 mpgimp (UK) |
|||
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length | 162.7 in (4,133 mm) | 162.1 in (4,117 mm) | ||
| Width | 68.9 in (1,750 mm) | 68.9 in (1,750 mm) | ||
| Height | 50 in (1,270 mm) | 50.7 in (1,288 mm) | ||
| Wheelbase | 94.5 in (2,400 mm) | 94.5 in (2,400 mm) | ||
| Track | f: 57.9 in (1,471 mm) r: 59.4 in (1,509 mm) |
|||
| Curb Weight | 2864 lb (1,299 kg)* * quoted weight differs according to different sources and also varies each year due to minor changes between models |
2765 lb (1,254 kg) (without hardtop) 2813 lb (1,276 kg) (with hardtop) 2855 lb (1,295 kg) (with hardtop + audio + AC) |
||
| Other | ||||
| Tires | Bridgestone Potenza S-02 f: 205/55VR16 r: 225/50VR16 |
Bridgestone Potenza RE050 f: 215/45R17 r: 245/40R17 |
Bridgestone Potenza RE070 f: 215/45ZR17 r: 255-40ZR17 |
|
| Brakes | f: 11.8 in (300 mm) ventilated discs r: 11.1 in (282 mm) solid discs |
|||
Reviews and awards
The S2000 has received much praise from critics and motoring journalists and has received favourable reviews from such publications as Car and DriverCar and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
, Car Magazine
Car Magazine
Car Magazine is a British automotive enthusiast magazine published monthly by Bauer Automotive. International editions are published by Bauer Automotive in Brazil, China, Greece, India, Mexico, the Middle East, Poland , Romania, Russia, South Africa , Spain, Thailand and Turkey...
, the Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
, and Road & Track
Road & Track
Road & Track is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, and is published monthly. The editorial offices are located in Newport Beach, California.-History:...
magazine. Among the features highlighted are the high output of the engine, the high redline, the balanced handling, and the smooth gearbox. User surveys have named the S2000 as a favorite for overall customer satisfaction.
- The S2000 was on Car and DriverCar and DriverCar and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
s Ten Best listCar and Driver Ten BestCar and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
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, 2006, and 2008 and consistently held one of the top three positions.
- The S2000 was ranked number #1 in the BBC Top Gear Survey in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
- The S2000 was ranked as "Best Affordable Sports Car" by U.S. News & World ReportU.S. News & World ReportU.S. News & World Report is an American news magazine published from Washington, D.C. Along with Time and Newsweek it was for many years a leading news weekly, focusing more than its counterparts on political, economic, health and education stories...
in 2008 and 2009 - The F20C engine won the International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
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 EnginesWard's 10 Best EnginesWard's 10 Best Engines is an annual list of the ten "best" automobile engines available in the U.S. market, that are selected by Ward's AutoWorld magazine. The list was started in 1994, and has been drawn every year since then....
list for 2000 and 2001. - The S2000 was on Edmunds Consumers Most Wanted for 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007.
- The S2000 was one of JalopnikJalopnikJalopnik is a Weblog covering cars, car culture, and the automotive industry. Owned and operated by Gawker Media since 2004, Jalopnik emphasizes irreverent humor....
's Best10 Cars Of The Decade. - An AEM prepared version of the car was the winner of the SEMASEMASpecialty Equipment Market Association of the automobile aftermarket was formed in 1963 by Roy Richter, Ed Iskenderian, Willie Garner, Bob Hedman, John Bartlett, Phil Weiand, Jr., Al Segal, Dean Moon, and Vic Edelbrock, Jr...
Gran TurismoGran Turismo (series)is a popular and critically acclaimed series of racing simulation video games developed by Polyphony Digital.Developed exclusively for PlayStation systems, Gran Turismo games are intended to simulate the appearance and performance of a large selection of vehicles, nearly all of which are licensed...
Award in 2005.
Sales and production
In the United States, the largest market for the S2000 worldwide, the suggested retail priceSuggested retail price
The manufacturer's suggested retail price , list price or recommended retail price of a product is the price which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sell the product. The intention was to help to standardise prices among locations...
of the base 2009 Honda S2000 was $34,995. The CR trim's base price was $36,995 with a $1,000 option to add air-conditioning and stereo.
In the United Kingdom, the 2009 model was offered in two trims, Roadster and GT. The GT trim featured a removable hard-top and an outside temperature gauge. On-the-road prices of these trims were £27,300 and £27,850, respectively.
After several years of steady production, sales of the roadster began falling dramatically starting in 2006, and the trend accelerated during the 2008 U.S. recession. In 2008, only 2,538 units were sold in the U.S. - a 74% decline from the 2002 sales peak. In November of that year, for the first time since its launch, fewer than 100 new S2000s were sold nationwide during a calendar month.
| Calendar Year | U.S.A. | U.K. & Europe | Japan | Canada | Australia | New Zealand | MidEast/Africa | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 3,400 | 1,179 | 7,209 | 332 | 596 | 12,716 | ||
| 2000 | 6,797 | 3,955 | 3,422 | 412 | 521 | 15,107 | ||
| 2001 | 9,682 | 2,197 | 1,913 | 401 | 308 | 14,501 | ||
| 2002 | 9,684 | 2,537 | 1,471 | 336 | 164 | 10 | 14,202 | |
| 2003 | 7,888 | 2,095 | 961 | 238 | 79 | 11,261 | ||
| 2004 | 7,320 | 2,036 | 1,087 | 250 | 39 | 10,732 | ||
| 2005 | 7,780 | 1,795 | 981 | 212 | 40 | 8 | 10,816 | |
| 2006 | 6,271 | 1,474 | 1,225 | 146 | 30 | 3 | 9,149 | |
| 2007 | 4,302 | 1,116 | 997 | 123 | 26 | 6 | 126 | 6,696 |
| 2008 | 2,538 | 709 | 1,228 | 65 | 15 | 4 | 82 | 4,641 |
| 2009 | 795 | 680 | 1,122 | 49 | 2 | 2,648 | ||
| 2010* | 85 | 20** | 42 | 21 | 168 | |||
| 2011* | 3*** | 3 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 66,545 | 19,793 | 21,658 | 2,585 | 1,818 | 33 | 208 | 112,634 |
In its January 2009 announcement of the vehicle's production end, Honda reported that worldwide sales through the end of 2008 totaled 110,673 units.