Why Was The Honda S2000 Discontinued?

The S2000 was initially made available in more than one trim level in the US for the 2008 model year. [14] 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. [15] 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. [16] [17] The S2000’s creator, Shigeru Uehara, said that the CR was sandwiched between the Type S and a potential Type R. [18] 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. [19] 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. [20]

Will Honda bring the S2000 back?

The aforementioned person who is “close to Honda” claims that the new S2000 will be released in time to commemorate Honda S2000’s 25th anniversary. The first roadster model was released in 1999 and two versionsAP1 and AP2 were produced till 2009. (facelift). Although Honda executives have previously indicated that there are no plans for a future S2000, given all the historic nameplates that have come back from the dead, it appears that there is a change in plans since we have already seen a more futuristic approach for the model’s 20th anniversary.

Dim became fascinated with cars while he was only six years old. He began learning the fundamentals of driving and mechanics at a young age because he was born into a family of racing drivers and automobile lovers. While he enjoys writing about all types of vehicles, Dim is especially passionate about researching forgotten and esoteric vehicles and hunting down the finest offers in the enthusiast car market. His passion led him to work on a 1964 Jaguar E-Type and an Alfa Romeo Junior at the Malta Classic Car Museum for a short time. He earned a degree in media and communications in Malta, which honed his abilities as an automobile writer even more. Dim is always willing to take the wheel of any automobile and report back to you later.

When did the Honda S2000 stop being produced?

Up to its demise in 2009, the Honda S2000 was highly appreciated by enthusiasts and the automotive press. It continues to enjoy a devoted following on the used market today. What went wrong, and where?

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.

What is the S2000 worth?

What is the value of a 2000 Honda S2000? A used 2000 Honda S2000 is worth between $6,651 and $12,950 depending on the mileage, extras, and condition of the car. Get a free evaluation right here.

Is the S2000 a classic vehicle?

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.

What is the price of an S2000?

Pricing for a Used 2008 Honda S2000 According to the Fair Purchase Price price report, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Honda S2000 starts at roughly $35,000. This is virtually exactly what customers are paying the dealers.

Honda S2000s are 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).

Honda S2000 dependability

The S2000 continues Honda’s tradition of building some of the world’s most dependable automobiles. The S2000 has shown to be a dependable mode of transportation, whether you use it daily or as a weekend warrior, despite its high-revving engine and aggressive suspension. Even better, because the S2000 is still a Honda, replacement parts are still widely accessible and reasonably priced.

On its reliability assessment, Repair Pal even gave the Honda S2000 four out of five stars. The only maintenance required, according to CarZing, is an oil change around every 6,000 miles, which serves as additional support. Of course, once the automobile has accumulated 150,000 miles, other maintenance tasks like clutch replacement, brake work, and perhaps strut replacement may be required. However, there have been numerous accounts of S2000 owners logging 300,000 or more miles on their vehicles without any significant problems.

In fact, a Road and Track editor just bought a Honda S2000 with more than 300,000 miles on it. He claimed that the vehicle runs “amazingly” and that no significant repairs are required because everything is “tight and calibrated.”

What exactly does JDM mean?

The term “Japanese domestic market” (JDM) describes the domestic market for automobiles and auto parts in Japan.

[1]

Contrary to popular belief, not all Japanese-branded automobiles fall under the JDM category. JDM refers only to a car built to be sold in Japan. [Reference needed]

When opposed to the American market, where car owners now keep their vehicles for longer periods of time—the average age of the American fleet of cars is 10.8 years[2]—JDM market cars are more affordable. Gray markets and stringent motor vehicle inspections are challenges faced by Japanese owners. The Fdration Internationale de l’Automobile estimates that the average annual mileage of an automobile in Japan is only 9,300 kilometers (5,800 miles), which is less than half of the average annual mileage in the United States of 19,200 kilometers (12,000 miles). [3]

Vehicles made in Japan for the domestic market may be very different from those made there for export or from automobiles constructed elsewhere using the same platforms. Japanese automakers are forced to develop innovative technologies and designs first in domestic automobiles because Japanese car owners prioritize innovation above long-term ownership. For instance, Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management made its debut in the 2003 Honda Inspire. However, VCM, which had a bad image from Cadillac’s attempt in the 1980s with the V8-6-4 engine, was absent from the 2003 Honda Accord V6, which had the same basic car and was primarily aimed for the North American market. The Accord V6’s facelift for 2008 saw the successful introduction of VCM.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) put safety-related limits on JDM cars in 1988, limiting them to 280 horsepower (PS) (276 hp) and a top speed of 180 km/h (111.8 mph). The speed limit of 180 km/h (111.8 mph) was maintained despite the removal of the horsepower cap in 2004.

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.

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.

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.