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.
In This Article...
Are S2000s still produced today?
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.
[2]
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.
How recent is the Honda S2000?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Honda might produce a sports vehicle.
- This NSX replacement would probably have an Acura badge in the US since One is a flagship model with mid-engined supercar proportions.
- Honda hinted at the release of two electric sports vehicles but did not provide a release date.
- The other vehicle, which Honda refers to as a “specialty” model, is taller and has greater proportions for a front-engine vehicle.
Two sports vehicles will be introduced by Honda, one of which will be a “specialty” model and the other a “flagship,” according to the company. The flagship vehicle, shown in the image above, resembles a low-slung supercar and is most likely to be an electric replacement for the NSX. Like the current version, it will likely wear an Acura badge if it ever makes it to American soil. Although there have been rumors about a “baby NSX” for years, the specialist model, shown below, sits a little higher and has more front-engined proportions. However, we’re not yet certain of the vehicle’s placement. Both vehicles will “embody Honda’s universal sports mindset,” according to Honda.
Honda reaffirmed its intentions for the Prologue and a similar Acura EV SUV for 2024 that will employ GM’s batteries in the same statement. Honda also stated that it is investigating forming a joint venture for the manufacture of batteries in North America, though this appears to be independent of the recently announced partnership with Sony that will result in a new EV by 2025. By 2027, the joint venture with GM will also produce “cheap” EVs, and by 2030, Honda hopes to have released 30 electric vehicles worldwide, with an annual manufacturing rate of more than 2 million vehicles.
Honda stopped producing the S2000 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.
Why is the S2000 so adored by people?
The first and most important justification is the engine. Actually, there are 9,000 reasons why you should buy an S2000. The F20C engine’s four-cylinder, 16-valve VTEC configuration can reach 9,000 rpm, giving the modest roadster access to a select club that is primarily made up of supercars.