The Honda S2000 has been out of production for 11 years. Since then, devotees have cried out for a replacement, but the unstable state of the sports car market today hasn’t given us much optimism. Honda is reportedly producing a second-generation model, despite all odds.
The marketing department of the Japanese automaker is reportedly “seriously exploring a return for the S2000 in 2024,” according to a Forbes article that cites “a source close to Honda.” Huzzah!
The S2000’s 25th anniversary would be commemorated by the introduction that year, and Honda’s 75th birthday might be celebrated by a concept car that previewed the production model the year before. The firm created a new/old S2000 idea for the vehicle’s 20th anniversary, maybe to pique interest in a second-generation model. This model had a body kit and other modernized components.
Naturally, it would be difficult to create an entirely new, emissions-compliant engine with a redline of 9000 rpm. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four from the Civic Type R will serve as the anticipated powertrain for this brand-new S2000. If that were the case, the upcoming Type R would feature a version that was only faintly electrified.
Therefore, rather of a zingy top-end, we may expect a boosty midrange, albeit the car’s electrical system should at least help it avoid turbo lag.
The proportions will be similar to those of the original S2000, according to the Forbes story. If Honda is able to package the new turbo engine while adhering to contemporary crash rules, that would be extremely impressive. Its construction will use carbon fiber and aluminum to maintain the weight under 1360 kg.
When it arrived, the new S2000 would have to contend with tough competition from other Japanese sports cars. Recent weeks saw the debut of the brand-new Subaru BRZ, and the world will see the Toyota GR86 for the first time in 2019. The GR Supra should still be in production by 2024, and Nissan 400Z production will be in full swing by that time (despite Europe being shut out; we’re still bitter about that). But because the Civic Type R outperforms every other hot hatch on the market, we have complete faith in Honda to produce a vehicle that is superior to both domestic and foreign opponents.
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Honda S2000: Are they still produced?
Honda, a Japanese automaker, produced the Honda S2000, an open-top sports car, from 1999 until 2009. To commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary, the production version of the SSM concept car was unveiled on April 15, 1999, at the Tokyo Motor Show. In keeping with the S500, S600, and S800 roadsters of the 1960s, the S2000 is called after its two-liter engine displacement.
Over the course of the vehicle’s manufacturing, numerous modifications were made, including adjustments to the interior, bodywork, suspension, engine, and gearbox. The initial launch model was given the chassis code AP1, and the facelifted model, known as the AP2 in North America and Japan, included considerable improvements to the drivetrain and suspension despite sharing a similar exterior. On August 19, 2009, the S2000’s manufacturing halted.
The Honda S2000 stood out for having the highest mass-produced naturally aspirated engine specific power output at roughly 124 horsepower per liter, or about two horsepower per cubic inch.
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Since then, the price of valued models in good condition of the S2000 has significantly increased, making it a legitimate example of a modern vintage automobile. Special edition productions, like the CR (Club Racer) in the USA market, are the most sought-after models in the JDM community and the automotive industry as a whole. Standard AP1 and AP2 vehicles have also turned into collectibles.
Why did Honda discontinue the S2000?
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.
What is the price of the new S2000?
If you take inflation into consideration, the starting price of a brand-new S2000 would be little under $55,000. However, a brand-new Miata is still available for only $27,775, and when you add everything up, it becomes clear that the S2000 was a considerably more expensive vehicle than some of us would remember.
In 2021, how much will a Honda S2000 be worth?
The Hagerty Valuation team has learned a lot about the most recent Honda S2000 transaction prices, so please check here for the most recent values. The most recent data update shows no significant price increases. Cars that would be classified as #1 (Concours, or “best-in-the-world examples”) and #2 (Excellent) have remained unchanged over the past four months, but #3 (Good) and #4 (Fair) have increased by 2%.
S2000 levels, however, have dramatically increased over a longer time period. In 2013, when we first formally began keeping track of S2000 values, cars in #2 (Excellent) condition were typically valued at $24,000. The average price of an S2000 is $29,500 as of February 2021, a 23 percent increase. If that seems excessive, it’s because the majority of the gain is the result of soaring prices for cars in condition #1 (Concours) and #2 (Excellent).
The value of AP1 cars is often a little higher than that of AP2 cars. A 2003 S2000 with 855 miles was sold by Mecum in 2018 for $71,500. (Mileage is important for these really expensive autos.) A 1000-mile New Formula Red S2000 from the first model year that sold on Bring A Trailer for $48K has a similar backstory.
Over the past three years, AP1 vehicle insurance quotes have increased by 103%, and over the past five years, they have increased by 257%. Additionally, agreed values have increased by 15% over the past five years and 17% over the past three years.
The demographics of S2000 ownership should reveal a lot if you’re curious in how young people feel about vehicles today. Baby boomers possess 40% of the market for vintage cars overall, but 35% of the S2000s insured with Hagerty. Although millennials only account for 18% of the vintage automobile market, our data reveals that 31% of S2000 owners fall into that age group.
Only 66,860 of these vehicles were ever imported into the country, and many of them suffered damage over the years. The newest and oldest of these vehicles are each twelve years old. Spend some time finding an excellent one that you’ll like to drive. There aren’t many vehicles available at this price bracket that provide this level of driving enjoyment. Find the S2000 in the greatest condition you can afford, and you should have years of enjoyment from your investment!
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.
The Honda S2000: Will It Be Classic?
What characteristics characterize a classic? A classic is something that endures long after its original release. Something exceptional that can stand on its own is a classic. Whatever the world and its peers change around it, something that was great will always remain great.
Honda’s S2000 is undoubtedly one of the best examples of a vintage car in modern times and was in many ways always intended to do so. The S2000 effectively improved the traditional roadster recipe by combining Honda dependability and new-millennium technology with the spirit of a vintage driver’s car.
In late 1999, it was introduced in Australia for close to $70,000. Yes, it is pricey for a Honda, but it is also more affordable, superior, and probably prettier than its German rivals. And no one—certainly not Honda—has been able to create a vehicle quite like it in the years since production was stopped due to an increase in the demand for SUV crossovers around the world.
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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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.