Honda S2000

The X-bone frame (yellow) used in the construction of the S2000 chassis

Introduced at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show,[3][4] the Honda Sport Study Model concept car was the design study for the production version of the S2000. The SSM was a rear-wheel-drive roadster powered by a 2.0 L (122 cu in) inline five-cylinder engine. It featured a rigid 'high X-bone frame' which Honda claimed improved the vehicle's rigidity and collision safety.[5] The concept car was constructed with aluminum body panels and featured a 50:50 weight distribution.[6]

The SSM appeared in many automotive shows for several years afterwards, hinting at the possibility of a production version, which Honda announced in 1999.

Honda S2000 (AP1)
Overview
Production	1999–2003
Assembly	Takanezawa R&D Plant, Takanezawa, Tochigi, Japan
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L F20C I4
Transmission	6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length	4,120 mm (162.2 in)
Width	1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height	1,285 mm (50.6 in)
Curb weight	1,274 kg (2,809 lb)

The S2000 was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year and was given the chassis designation of "AP1". It features a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with power delivered by a 1,997 cc (122 cu in) inline four-cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine. The engine (codenamed F20C) generates power outputs of 177–184 kW (241–250 PS; 237–247 hp), and 208–218 N⋅m (153–161 lbf⋅ft) of torque depending on the target market.[7] The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and Torsen limited slip differential. The S2000 achieved what Honda claimed as the highest specific output of a normally aspirated production automobile engine in the world. The most powerful version; the JDM F20C was rated at 184 kW (250 PS; 247 hp) or 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) per litre as a result of a higher 11.7:1 compression ratio.[8]

2004 AP2 and 2000 AP1 model S2000s from above—the AP1 has OEM front lip, side strakes, and rear spoiler.

Honda S2000 (rear view)

Notable features include independent double wishbone suspension, electrically assisted steering and integrated roll hoops. The car had 16 in (41 cm) wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S-02 tyres equipped. The compact and lightweight engine, mounted entirely behind the front axle, allow the S2000 to achieve a 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and lower rotational inertia. An electrically powered vinyl top with internal cloth lining and plastic rear window was standard, with an aluminum hardtop available as an optional extra (in 2001). Honda initially offered the S2000 in Berlina Black, New Formula Red, Grand Prix White, and Silverstone Metallic exterior colours in the US domestic market.

The 2001 model was largely unchanged; Honda added a digital clock to the radio display and made the rear wind blocker standard. Honda also added Spa Yellow exterior colour to the US domestic market lineup. For the 2002 model year, suspension settings were revised and the plastic rear window was replaced by a glass unit incorporating an electric defroster. Other updates included slightly revised tail lamps with chrome rings, an upgraded radio with separate tweeters, a leather-wrapped gearshift knob, leatherette console cover and a revised engine control unit. Honda added Suzuka Blue Metallic and Sebring Silver Metallic exterior colours to the US domestic market lineup.

The AP1 was manufactured up to 2003 at Honda's Takanezawa plant, alongside the NSX and Insight hybrid.[9]

Honda S2000 (AP2)
Overview
Production	2003–2009
Assembly	Suzuka Plant, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L F22C1 I4
Transmission	6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length	4,120 mm (162.2 in)
Width	1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height	1,285 mm (50.6 in)
Curb weight	1,295–1,299 kg (2,855–2,864 lb)

The 2004 model S2000 underwent several significant changes. Production moved to Suzuka. The new model introduced 17 in (43 cm) wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tyres along with a retuned suspension to reduce oversteer. The spring rates and shock absorber damping were altered and the suspension geometry was modified to improve stability by reducing toe-in changes under cornering loads. The subframe also received a revision in design to achieve high rigidity. In the gearbox the brass synchronizers were replaced with carbon fibre. In addition, cosmetic changes were made to the exterior with new front and rear bumpers, revised headlight assemblies, new LED tail-lights, and oval-tipped exhaust pipes. Although all the cosmetic, suspension and most drivetrain upgrades were included on the Japanese, Australian and European models, they retained the 2.0-litre F20C engines and remained designated as AP1 models.

2005 Honda S2000 (rear view)

For the North American market, the updates also included the introduction of a larger version of the F20C (with a designation of F22C1), this larger engine gave the new model a chassis designation of AP2. The engine's stroke was lengthened, increasing its displacement to 2,157 cc (2.2 L; 131.6 cu in). At the same time, the redline and fuel cutoff were reduced from 8,800 rpm and 9,000 rpm to 8,000 rpm and 8,200 rpm respectively, mandated by the longer travel of the pistons. Peak torque increased by 6% to 220 N⋅m (162 lbf⋅ft) at 6,800 rpm while power output remained unchanged at 177 kW (237 hp) achieved at a lower 7,800 rpm. In conjunction with the introduction of the F22C1, Honda also changed the transmission gear ratios by shortening the first five gears and lengthening the sixth.[11]

2005 Honda S2000 AP2 red/black interior

In 2006, the F22C1 was also introduced to the Japanese market, with a power output of 178 kW (242 PS; 239 hp) and 221 N⋅m (163 lbf⋅ft). The F20C continued in all other markets. The 2006 model introduced a drive by wire throttle, an electronic stability control system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. Interior changes included revised seats and additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests.

Club Racer (U.S. - 2008)

Honda S2000 Club Racer

The 2008 model year marked the first time the S2000 was offered in more than one trim level in the United States.[12] In addition to the base model, Honda offered a more track-oriented version of the S2000, distinguished by reduced weight, fewer amenities, and an increase in performance. The S2000 Club Racer made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show on 4 April 2007.[13] Changes for the CR included a lower ratio steering rack, revised exhaust system, black lug nuts, darker colored wheels, clear side markers, stiffer suspension and new Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres that were 10mm wider at the rear (255/40R-17 vice the base model's 245/40R-17). A revised body kit, composed of a redesigned front lip, and a large spoiler, were wind-tunnel tested and claimed to reduce the overall coefficient of lift by 70–80%. The power folding soft top was removed and replaced with a Berlina Black hard top (regardless of the car's body paint colour), while the space into which the soft top would normally fold when lowered was filled with additional chassis bracing and topped off with a body-color tonneau cover. Honda also used a CR-unique yellow-lettered spherical aluminum shift knob which rests 12.6 mm lower than the base model's cylindrical shift knob (aluminum/leather wrapped). The CR knob provided a 6 percent reduction in shift stroke, and correspondingly presented a 10 percent higher shift load effort.

CR models were only available with yellow and black Alcantara interiors. Faux carbon fiber overlays on the center console and radio door were unique to the CR trim, as was a peak power indicator light on the instrument gauge cluster, which flashes when the engine is producing its peak power output. To reduce weight and lower the center of gravity, the spare tire was omitted and air conditioning and stereo were offered only as options. Net weight savings without the additional hardtop came to 41 kg (90 lb) relative to the standard model. The engine in the S2000 CR was unchanged from the standard trim.[14][15] Shigeru Uehara, the designer of the S2000, stated that the CR was positioned between the Type S and a hypothetical Type R.[16] However, Honda never made an official Type R S2000 variant.

Production volume of fewer than 2,000 units was expected at launch, and 668 were made for the 2008 model year, representing just over a quarter of the total U.S. production. Honda continued to offer both the standard and CR versions unchanged for the 2009 model year, but with flagging sales caused by the 2008 automotive industry crisis, the S2000 was cancelled mid-model-year.[17] Just 355 U.S. S2000s were manufactured for 2009, of which 31 were CR models. Thus, total CR production over the two model years was 699 units.[18]

Notes:

• US: United States
• EU: Europe
• JP: Japan
• f: front
• r: rear

The S2000 has received much praise from critics and motoring journalists and has received favourable reviews from such publications as Car and Driver. Highlighted are the high output of the engine, the high redline, the balanced handling, and the smooth gearbox. User surveys have named the S2000 as a favorite for overall customer satisfaction.[30]

• The S2000 was on Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2000,[31] 2001,[32] 2002[33] and 2004.[34]
• The S2000 was the highest-ranked model in the J. D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study "Premium Sports Car" class for 2004,[35] 2006,[36] and 2008[37] and consistently held one of the top three positions.
• The S2000 was ranked number #1 in the BBC Top Gear survey in 2003, 2005, and 2006.
• The S2000 was ranked as "Best Affordable Sports Car" by U.S. News & World Report in 2008[38] and 2009[39]
• The S2000 was on Edmunds Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles list for 2004,[40] 2005[41] and 2007.[42]
• The S2000 was one of Jalopnik's Best 10 Cars Of The Decade.[43]
• The S2000 was one of Road & Track's Best All-Around Sports Cars.[44]
• The F20C engine of the S2000 was ranked as the best engine respective its size category in the competition "International Engine of the Year" for five consecutive years between 2000 and 2004.[45]
• The F20C engine of the S2000 was one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2000[46] and 2001.[47]

After several years of steady production, sales of the roadster began falling dramatically starting in 2006, and the trend accelerated during the 2008 automotive industry crisis. In 2008, only 2,538 units were sold in the U.S. - a 74% decline from the 2002 sales peak. In November of that year, for the first time since its launch, only 90 new S2000s were sold nationwide during a calendar month.[48]

Production of the S2000 ceased in June 2009[17] and plans for a successor were scrapped in the aftermath of the automotive industry crisis;[49] Honda refaffirmed their stance on plans for a successor for the S2000 after patents and trademark filings for what would be the Honda Sports Vision Gran Turismo surfaced in 2015, following the launch of the aforementioned concept car specifically designed for the Gran Turismo series.[50] During the 2009 announcement of the vehicle's production end, Honda reported that worldwide sales through the end of 2008 totaled 110,673 units.[51]

*Note: No new cars were produced in 2010 and 2011; sales represent clearance of residual inventory.
Figures are not directly comparable as they are obtained through different methodologies in different markets.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda S2000.

• Official Honda S2000 sites for the Japan
• Honda S2000 at Curlie