I have a hard time envisioning what formula of design and performance would be proposed for a new S2000? At the time of introduction, the S2K out performed BMW, Nissan and Porsche 6cyl. roadsters. Why? The execs at Honda gave Shigeru Uehara unheard of latitude in creating their "anniversary car". The anniversary car couldn't be a dolled up mini-van or a sedan, it had to be something very special. The classic design closely followed the beautiful smooth lines and curves first created by Pininfarina. The frame provided unmatched lightness, rigidity and a 50/50 weight distribution. An entirely new engine and transmission were developed. The list goes on and on. It would not surprise me to learn the S2000 had one of the highest development costs of any vehicle manufactured. You can fool around with more angular designs, turbochargers, even electric power systems, but could really still call it an S2000? Anyway, those are my thoughts. Thanks everyone, now I think I'll go take a spin in my AP1.
Please, Honda bring it back! I have an 06 and love it. One of the best cars ever. Now that Honda has had great success in F1 we need to celebrate with a great new roadster based on the S2000. JUST DO IT!
GREAT video. Thank you. I bought my 2008 S2K new in late 08 and have 125,000 on her. She is still as fresh today as when I drove her off the lot. I've kept it completely stock except for a steel gray wrap and painting the rotors red. Not a day goes by when someone doesn't ask if I want to sell it. I even received an offer for MORE than I paid new! I love this car. Again, great video. Thanks for the history lesson!
This is the best retro view of the S2000 I've seen so far. Great work. I own a 2004 low mileage S2000 (and a mint low mileage 1994 Integra GRS). Sure I'd like to see the return of the S2000 replacement car to Honda's line-up. However, if it's going to be anything like the new Integra, I say no thanks and continue to hang on tight to my older ones. In case anyone reading this is wondering, no, I have no intention of ever selling them.
The difference between the AP1 and AP2 isn't just the engine..... they also changed transmission ratio's, suspension components, traction control, soft top with glass, bumpers, headlights, tail lights, interior panels, and a few other things I can't think of right now
A new S2000 would easily rival the new GR86 or even the MX5. They would be able to have a car to easily compete in that market if they follow the same formula as the older generation, High reving 4 cylinder lightweight 2 door.
Yes, by all means Honda needs to build a new S2000. Celebrate their success in F1. I have had an S2000 for 16 years and 258k miles and I still love it and get compliments near every time I take it out. Still a terrific car, but I would love to see a new one! Honda, do it, please.
I think the moder version of a S2000 will be an frs/toyota 86 with a k20/k24 swap in it, now the double wishbone in the front will be missing but the totota 86 is closest to the S2000 feel
At Honda, engineering passion lost out to bean counters conducting focus groups. I bought a new S2000 in 2006 and still own it. It's almost a fluke that such a great car could have been made by a company that makes so many mundane vehicles.
@@StraightLineSpeed Yes, and maybe the favorite car I owned was my brand new '89 Civic Si, but even then Honda held back the DOHC engine from the US market. I also once bought a used 2002 Civic Si (EP3) from a friend. The EP3 was hobbled by Honda's decision to give it such a watered-down version of the K-series. I know, engine swaps solve those problems.
FYI: The S2000 for the Japanese market also received the 2.2 liter F22C1 engine. The S360 never went to market, but there was a S600 model produced in between the S500 and the S800. I'm not a fan of Honda making another S car as they would no doubt stick a turbocharged engine in it to meet today's emissions standards along with a bunch of unnecessary electronics. The hallmark of all Honda S cars is their simple, focused nature built around free revving, naturally aspirated engines. A timeless approach they stuck with til the end.
I have driven a S2K AP1 for the past 12 years. I can afford any sports car but actually I have no interest in making a change. Wonder how manmy sports car owners can say that?
If they do, it might be okay, but it could never match the original because of the new regulations everywhere and because people don't drive anymore, they want to get fast food, be on the phone all day, and expect their car to get them out of any jam they get into because it has to be the cars fault. Plus, they can't drive a stick, too many pedals. Nope fat sloppy humans are made for these new golf carts that drive themselves and have more bass than a concert hall and come with a built-in baby carriage for their fat misbehaving kids. And it would have the size of a SUV.