A six-speed manual gearbox with a tight ratio was standard on every S2000. The gearing was such that it kept your RPMs high after each shift, and the transmission featured 6 forward speeds (plus reverse). This was crucial for the S2K because it generated the most of its power at the top (237 horsepower at 8300 RPM! On the other hand, the engine’s high rev limit meant that the torque production was only moderate. Its strength wasn’t low RPM grunt.
The transmission was designed to be as lightweight and robust as the rest of the vehicle. All of this was accomplished without compromising Honda’s renowned dependability. To keep all moving parts lubricated while traveling at high speeds and experiencing lateral G forces, it had an internal oil pump. Although it may seem obvious, keep in mind that the majority of manual gearboxes rely on the gears themselves to circulate the oil. In addition, the S2K employed double cones for first, third, and fourth gears and a triple cone synchro for second gear. This kind of attention to detail contributed to the transmission’s well-known smooth shifting characteristics.
Throughout the S2000’s ten-year lifespan, the transmission itself underwent relatively little alteration. The entire automobile underwent some upgrades in 2004. This particular model had the chassis code AP2. Both the AP1 and AP2 really underwent an extra overall gear reduction inside the transmission before being routed to the differential. This decrease for the AP2 version was a little bit shorter than the AP1 version. To make up for this and maintain normal cruising RPMs, the AP2’s gears 5 and 6 were themselves significantly longer.
A little bit of uncertainty surrounds the transmission architecture of the S2000. After extensive research, it appears that everyone agrees that Honda alone was responsible for its whole design. Even Honda’s press releases from 2001 regarding the vehicle attest to this, despite some forum communities’ continued claims that it was actually an Aisin model that had been modified to meet Honda’s specifications.
Well done, whoever designed it! It is regarded by car enthusiasts all over the world as one of the greatest shifting manuals you can find. This brings up my prior comment on the simplicity of a decent sports car like this. Sports cars are highly desired for their ability to engage the driver and feel the vehicle react to their actions. A manual transmission is regarded by many as being crucial to that.
In This Article...
Why was the S2000 withdrawn from sale?
The Honda S2000, a lightweight roadster that was first introduced in 1999, immediately established a reputation as a formidable rival to the venerable Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, the S2000 was terminated in 2009 due to sluggish sales, and plans for a replacement were shelved due to the financial crisis, whilst its Japanese rival is still being produced today. Since 2015, there have been rumors about a second-generation model, and it currently appears that Honda is getting closer to producing a replacement to reenter the market and compete with the Mazda Miata.
The S2000 is quick.
What Speed Is an S2000? The S2000’s 1,997cc inline four cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine produces 237247hp (depending on the market), allowing it to reach 100 km/h in about 6 seconds and reach a top speed of little over 255 km/h (158 mph).
Are S2000s suitable for daily driving?
Absolutely, yes! Drive an S2000 or any other sports automobile that suits your needs if you wish to! There is nothing better than approaching every corner and motorway onramp like Ayrton Senna, aside from normal commuting. After all, life is too short to spend every day in a Honda Element.
Honda S2000s only come in manual?
The Honda S2000 will undoubtedly come up while discussing the purest sports cars. The S2000 was a lightweight roadster that was produced from 1999 to 2009 with the driving pleasure as its main focus. Don’t take this to suggest that the automobile was slow; rather, the emphasis was on how much the car engaged the driver rather than setting records for speed.
What exactly constitutes an automobile that is driver-only? There are several variables at play. Most of it comes down to personal preference, although there are several standards that are commonly accepted.
You need a very light vehicle with corner-handling suspension. It must have a characterful engine that is anxious to exert its power. Last but not least, you’ll want a manual transmission.
an automatic transmission? You’re right, that strange ancient way of shifting gears manually comes to mind.
Once upon a time, it was the “go to option for enthusiast cars like the Honda S2000.
Is buying an S2000 worthwhile?
A fantastic high-performance roadster that is practical for regular driving is the Honda S2000.
For aficionados of sports cars and roadsters, the late 1990s and early 2000s were a brilliant time, as numerous fantastic models, including the Nissan 350z, Mazda MX-5, and of course the Honda S2000, were debuted. The Honda S2000 is still extremely desirable because it is still one of the best sports cars you can buy.
It’s a fantastic alternative for anyone seeking for a used roadster because to its renowned VTEC engine and classic design. There are a few drawbacks to purchasing an automobile that is 22 years old, though, because of its age. Before purchasing a Honda S2000, consider the ten items listed below.
What is the value of an S2000?
What is the value of a 2000 Honda S2000? A used 2000 Honda S2000 is worth between $5,624 and $12,309 depending on the mileage, extras, and condition of the car. Get a free evaluation right here.
Why is S2000 such a hit?
First of all, that engine contributed to the mythology of the S2000. When you first start the car, this might not seem to be the case because it doesn’t seem to show anything exceptional as you wait for it to reach idle. You continue to apply some revs while pondering the fuss. However, the S2000 really starts to become truly unique until you find that redline and begin to drive it seriously. The S2000 had a normally aspirated production automobile engine with the highest specific output ever recorded. Remember that the engine produces 124 horsepower per liter—without a turbocharger or supercharging.
The engine is connected to the absolutely stunning manual transmission. For years, people have waxed poetic about this gearbox, but the truth is that it is just that amazing. According to publications like Top Gear, the mechanical connection you feel between the engine and the gears may perhaps be the greatest available right now. In the S2000, changing gear is an event rather than just a procedure. At high rpm, you can shift into the next gear quickly, or when softly cruising, you can shift into the next gear gradually. Honda did a fantastic job pairing the engine and transmission.
Is Honda reintroducing the S2000?
This is expected to occur in 2024, to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original S2000, according to insider reports.
The next-generation Honda Civic Type R’s engine will likely power the S2000, but Honda supposedly wants to make the new car seem remarkably identical to the original (to the extent this is possible with modern requirements around safety etc).
In the interim, the original S2000 is the only convertible Honda sports car worth considering.
For more details on this fantastic car, see our Honda S2000 buyer’s guide and model history.
Do you anticipate Honda bringing the S2000 back? What additional Honda models would you like to see updated? Please feel free to comment below to start the conversation.
Are S2000s uncommon?
Honda sold only 700 S2000 CR models, making them exceedingly rare. Due to their scarcity and assortment of track-focused improvements, they have increased in value over the past five years from being $30,000 cars to six-figure collectors. In addition to having unique wheels, a quicker steering rack, stiffer suspension, revised aero, extra chassis bracing, and a one-piece detachable hardtop roof, CR models also received these upgrades.
This one, which has 123 kilometers on the odometer and is finished in yellow over black Alcantara and cloth, looks the part. The interior is in excellent condition, and the body panels and roof piece appear to be in flawless condition. The car’s engine compartment and underside appear to have never been touched by the outside world, which is not unexpected given that it has only traveled an average of 8.7 miles annually since it was first delivered in 2008.
Currently, a similarly equipped CR that sold for $122,500 on Bring a Trailer back in February 2022 has the distinction of most valued S2000 in the world. However, the mileage on that vehicle was 5500 when it was sold. At the time of writing, Rahal’s CR had received bids as high as $111,111, and there were still three days left to place them.
Rahal has relocated an S2000 using the Bring a Trailer platform before. The six-time IndyCar race winner paid $48,000 back in 2018 for a pristine 2000 S2000 painted in red with 1000 kilometers on the odometer. The next year, he earned $70,000 by auctioning off a 91-mile example.
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What vehicle outperforms the S2000?
Even I, the owner of a VTEC-loving, rev-happy S2000, can’t dispute how excellent the Miata is. The S2000 is a fantastic engineering achievement. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder of the AP1 can rev up to 9000 rpm.
S2000: Will it be collectible?
Due to their high level of intelligence, today’s drivers view their vehicles as more than just means of transportation. Many people are searching the area to determine which vehicle will become the next collectible in the future. The worth of so many vehicles has recently taken us by surprise; these are vehicles that were taken for granted when they were new but are now fetching millions at auction. Here are some reasons why the S2000 is a sure thing to become valuable in the future.
Which year of the Honda S2000 is the best?
What years are ideal for purchasing? Truth be said, there is no undisputed “best year S2000. On paper, the 2002 and later versions should be chosen because they have updated suspension and glass back windows.
What distinguishes AP1 and AP2 from one another?
The AP1 is distinguished from the AP2 by its smaller weight and stiffer spring rates. By remaining as true to the race car design as feasible, weight was reduced. To reduce weight, items like a plastic back window were employed in place of a glass windowpane.
Is a Honda S2000 a reliable first vehicle?
Although the S2000 is a Honda, it drives very differently from a typical Civic. It is a real sports car with short wheelbase and darty handling. Since there is little tolerance for error, it is not a good option for a new driver.