Marty Padgett's Inside Scoop on Auto News and S2000

Honda S2000 Bows Out After 2009

By Colin MathewsColin Mathews, January 26th, 2009

Honda's track-ready, no frills S2000 roadster will no longer be produced after the 2009 model year. When it debuted in 1999 for the 2000 model year, the Honda S2000 wowed enthusiasts with impeccable chassis control, fantastic feedback, a 9000-rpm VTEC four-cylinder, and an impressive 120 hp per liter.

Evolutionary changes in 2004 included a small increase in engine displacement (to 2.2 liters), tweaks to its handling to reduce a tendency towards oversteer, and a wider gear ratio spread. The S2000 CR (club racer) edition was announced at the 2007 New York International Auto Show and featured quicker steering, a stiffened suspension, and...

Honda's track-ready, no frills S2000 roadster will no longer be produced after the 2009 model year. When it debuted in 1999 for the 2000 model year, the Honda S2000 wowed enthusiasts with impeccable chassis control, fantastic feedback, a 9000-rpm VTEC four-cylinder, and an impressive 120 hp per liter. Evolutionary changes in 2004 included a small increase in engine displacement (to 2.2 liters), tweaks to its handling to reduce a tendency towards oversteer, and a wider gear ratio spread. The S2000 CR (club racer) edition was announced at the 2007 New York International Auto Show and featured quicker steering, a stiffened suspension, and... Read More

Tags: Industry, Manufacturing, Enthusiasts, Japan, honda

Posted in: 2009, Honda, Convertible, Sports Cars, S2000

Honda to Resurrect S2000...As the S3000?

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, October 10th, 2008

Auto enthusiasts the world over still lament the demise of the Honda (Acura) NSX. And legions of import tuners are still tweaking and lowering their second-gen CRXs, another Honda that was embraced by enthusiasts and promptly left a huge void when it departed in the early 1990s. Enter the rumored S3000, which is part secretive Honda R&D reality, part Photoshopped conjecture from the folks at Road & Track. A remake of the sporting S2000 (pictured above), a great if aging little rocket that sadly never enjoyed the popularity or sales of the CRX, Road & Track claims "a source close to the company revealed that Honda is indeed in the... Auto enthusiasts the world over still lament the demise of the Honda (Acura) NSX. And legions of import tuners are still tweaking and lowering their second-gen CRXs, another Honda that was embraced by enthusiasts and promptly left a huge void when it departed in the early 1990s. Enter the rumored S3000, which is part secretive Honda R&D reality, part Photoshopped conjecture from the folks at Road & Track. A remake of the sporting S2000 (pictured above), a great if aging little rocket that sadly never enjoyed the popularity or sales of the CRX, Road & Track claims "a source close to the company revealed that Honda is indeed in the... Read More

Tags: Enthusiasts, Rumor Mill, Styling, Cars We Love, Car Publications

Posted in: 2008, Honda, Convertible, Concept Cars, S2000

Question: Has Honda's S2000 Hung On Too Long?

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, August 29th, 2008

The Honda S2000 will soldier on for another year in its current form--but has it stayed at the sportscar party too long? Honda says the "performance icon" will get new paint colors for the 2009 model year, but the essentials--the 237-horsepower four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission and convertible top--remain in place. The lightweight S2000 CR also returns, with its track-tuned suspension intact. We love the S2000's handling and its insanely rev-happy engine, but after nine years out there, it's starting to feel a lot like the Acura NSX, a car that Honda execs have said lingered on too long. Honda seems to be interested in... The Honda S2000 will soldier on for another year in its current form--but has it stayed at the sportscar party too long? Honda says the "performance icon" will get new paint colors for the 2009 model year, but the essentials--the 237-horsepower four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission and convertible top--remain in place. The lightweight S2000 CR also returns, with its track-tuned suspension intact. We love the S2000's handling and its insanely rev-happy engine, but after nine years out there, it's starting to feel a lot like the Acura NSX, a car that Honda execs have said lingered on too long. Honda seems to be interested in... Read More

Posted in: 2008, 2009, Honda, Convertible, Sports Cars, S2000