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.
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Honda 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.
The Honda S2000 was last manufactured when?
When the Honda S2000 first came out, we all knew it was a fun-handling, two-seater sports car, but many of us had no idea how much we would miss it once it was discontinued in 2009.
Will the S2000 make a comeback?
For its 25th anniversary, the cult vehicle may be brought back, according to a source close to Honda, who spoke to Forbes magazine.
The new model is anticipated to feature crisper, more contemporary styling while maintaining the long-bonnet shape of the original car, as imagined by CarAdvice contributor Alex Misoyannis (pictured at the top of this article).
While specifics are still lacking, it is anticipated that the new model will maintain the fundamental shape of the original S2000 and use carbon fiber and aluminum throughout its construction to reduce weight.
The source claims the new S2000 will feature a tweaked version of the Honda Civic Type R’s “K20C” 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but with the wick turned up to more than 250kW. This is maybe the most interesting rumor, which can be found beneath the hood.
The highly appreciated six-speed manual transmission from the Civic Type R is rumored to be retained as well, with the powerplant reworked to drive the rear wheels.
What makes the S2000 unique?
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.
Why was S2000 withdrawn from use?
The S2000 was initially made available in more than one trim level in the US for the 2008 model year.
[13] Honda provided a more track-focused variant of the S2000 in addition to the standard model, which was distinguished by less weight, fewer features, and improved performance. On April 4, 2007, the S2000 Club Racer had its global debut at the New York International Auto Show. [14] In addition to new Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires that were 10mm wider at the rear than the original model (245/40R-17), the CR also received a lower ratio steering rack, an updated exhaust system, black lug nuts, darker-colored rims, clear side markers, and stronger suspension. A reworked body kit that included a huge spoiler and a modified front lip was wind tunnel tested and was said to have reduced the overall coefficient of lift by 7080%. Regardless of the color of the car’s body paint, the power folding soft top was taken out and replaced with a Berlina Black hard top. The area where the soft top would normally fold when lowered was then filled with extra chassis bracing and covered with a body-color tonneau cover. The base model’s cylindrical shift knob (aluminum/leather wrapped) is 12.6 mm higher than the Honda’s CR-unique yellow-lettered spherical aluminum shift knob, which is also used. A 10% increase in shift load effort was presented in response to the CR knob’s 6% reduction in shift stroke.
Interiors made of Alcantara were only offered in yellow and black for CR models. The CR trim was the only one with faux carbon fiber overlays on the center console and radio door, as well as a peak power indicator light on the instrument gauge cluster that flashes when the engine is operating at its max output. The spare tire was removed, and air conditioning and a radio were only available as options in order to save weight and lower the center of gravity. Without the additional hardtop, there was a net weight savings of 41 kg (90 lb) compared to the basic model. The S2000 CR’s engine was the same as the one in the basic trim. [15] [16] The S2000’s creator, Shigeru Uehara, said that the CR was sandwiched between the Type S and a potential Type R. [17] Honda did not produce an official Type R S2000 derivative, though.
Less than 2,000 units of manufacturing were anticipated at launch, and 668 were produced for the 2008 model year, or little over 25% of the total output in the United States. For the 2009 model year, Honda kept the basic and CR variants unmodified, but due to dwindling sales brought on by the 2008 automotive industry crisis, the S2000 was discontinued in the middle of the model year. [18] In 2009, just 355 U.S. S2000s were produced, 31 of which were CR variants. Thus, 699 CRs were produced overall during the course of the two model years. [19]
What was S2000’s best year?
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.
How reliable is the S2000?
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 a Honda S2000’s top speed?
That seems possible. The answer is a resounding “No” for a factory-built Honda S2000. An S2000’s 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine produces a maximum output of 237 horsepower, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of about 149 mph.
Stuart Leiby of T1 Racing Development participated in the Indianapolis Airstrip Attack competition, which was run by Shift S3ctor, as shown in a video uploaded to YouTube by 1320video. Leiby had been running at speeds in excess of 190 mph. He was actually able to reach a speed of 199.6 mph on one run (based on his Dragy meter).
What is the price of a brand-new Honda S2000?
Price and Specs for the Honda S2000 Models Depending on the trim level you select, the pricing range for the Honda S2000 changes. ranging from $11,000 to $16,170 for the most recent year the model was produced.
How much did a new S2000 cost?
For comparison, the Honda S2000 originally cost roughly $32,000. However, the depreciation for this car on the used market is not entirely linear. In the year 2020 alone, we can see that the values are holding firm across the board for both the AP1 and the AP2 chassis. Cargurus provides a helpful function that will show you the pricing trends of any automobile. In reality, you should budget $21,000 for a 2000 model year and $23,000 for a 2005 model year; the 2003 model year, however, falls below the $20,000 threshold.
Is the S2000 a reliable everyday car?
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.