Honda S2000
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 1999-2009 |
| Designer | Shigeru Uehara + Daisuke Sawai |
| Type | Roadster + sports car |
| Layout | Front-mid engine, real-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Engine | 2,0L F20C + 2,2L F22C |
| Enginer power | 177kW / 241PS |
| Curb weight | 1260kg-1299kg |
| Wheelbase | 2.400mm |
| Length | 4.120mm |
| Width | 1.750mm |
| Height | 1.285mm |
The Honda S2000 is a roadster and sports car that was developed and manufactured by Honda to celebrate the company's 50th anniverary.
Shigeru Uehara was the chief designer and project leader. He was also responsible for the design of the Honda NSX.
It was producded between 1999 and 2009 with some minor revisions/improvements on the car during that time period. Manufacturing first started in Tochigi and later moved over to Suzuka.
Up until this day the car which was first launched in 1999 still holds several records and keeps enthuasiasts smiling whenever they see or drive one.
The Honda S2000 is known for it's naturally aspirated high reving engine, timeless but sporty design and it's 6 speed manual transmission which was praised by many critics, journalists and test drivers as the best manual transmission in any car.
Contents
Concept and development
The design study and concept car for the Honda S2000 was the Honda SSM (Sporty Study Model) which was presented for the first time during the 31th Tokyo Motor show on thr 18th October 1995.
The SSM shared many similiarities with the Honda S800, Honda NSX and later with the Honda S2000 including:
- Self-carrying rigid high x-bone frame
- Aluminium body panels
- 50:50 weight distribution
- 2.0L front-mid engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- Roadster
- A cockpit that was built "around the driver"
The S2000 is named after its engine size of two liters and there for carries on the tradition of the S500, S600 and S800.
AP1 (1999-2003)
AP2 (2004-2009)
Technical details
Reviews, awards and records
The Honda S2000 is known for its belanced handling, smooth gearbox, high reving engine and the high output of the naturally aspirated engine.
Up to this day the car which was built in 1999 still holds the following records:
- Highest output per liter on any naturally aspirated engine
- Highest reving engine on any stock and street legal consumer car
- It is engine is the only engine that has managed to win the "Internation Engine of the Year" awards 5 times
| Car and Driver's Top 10 | 2000 + 2001 + 2002 + 2004 |
| #1 in BBC Top Gear survey | 2003 + 2005 + 2006 |
| International Engine of the Year | Best engine in 2000 + 2001 + 2002 + 2003 + 2004 |
| Ward's Top 10 Best engines | 2000 + 2001 |
| J. D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study | Highest ranked premium sports car in 2004 + 2006 + 2008 |
| U.S. News & World Report | Best affordable sports car in 2008 + 2009 |
| Edmunds consumers most wanted vehicles | 2004 + 2005 + 2007 |
| Jalopnik | Best 10 cars of the decade |
| Roads & Tracks | One of the best all-round sports cars |
