The Honda S2000 is a small front-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster that has gained a lot of popularity due to its engine and handling characteristics. This year we commemorate 15 years since the start of production and 5 years since its end. The first prototype was already shown in Tokyo in 1995. However, the production version was presented only in April 1999, on the occasion of celebrating 50 years of the car company's existence. The name referred to the engine's displacement and recalled the historic S500 , S600 and S800 models from the 1960s.
The first generation was given the internal name AP1 and lasted in production until 2003. The engine located in the front center drove the rear wheels. It was a high-revving two-liter four-cylinder DOHC-VTEC and originally had an output of 177 kW, later even 184 kW. Honda itself called the engine the most powerful four-cylinder in the world. The transmission was a six-speed manual and the limited-slip differential was supplied by Torsen . You basically had an electrically retracted canvas roof, then an aluminum hardtop for an extra charge. In 2002, the shock absorbers and headlights underwent minor changes. But a year later, the production of the first generation ended.
The second generation carrier received the designation AP2 , went into production in 2004 and was newly produced in Suzuka . Instead of sixteen-inch wheels, it got seventeen-inch wheels with Bridgestone tires . Attention was also paid to the shock absorbers and the car's handling. The exterior, however, has undergone more cosmetic changes. Bumpers, front and rear lights and exhaust tips had a different look. In addition, the Americans received a modified engine with a larger volume of 2157 cc and a power of 177 kW. In 2006, a version with a larger engine also reached the Japanese market. The interior had new seats and speakers. In addition to the basic model, in 2007, the Club Racer version, designed for circuit riding, was introduced to the American market with a number of modifications. The British got a GT version with a detachable hard-top. The end of production was then celebrated in Britain by the GT Edition 100 , sold on the continent under the name Ultimate Edition . All cars had a hard-top, Grand Prix white paint, Graphite painted wheels and red leather interior. Each car also had an anniversary plaque on the center panel.
The S2000 became very popular and won many awards during its career. Car and Driver magazine placed it among the 10 best cars of the year in 2000-2002 and 2004. She also collected a number of awards from JD Power , Top Gear , and the Jalopnik server. Unfortunately, even that didn't stop Honda from ending production. Hopefully, Honda will soon return to the sport roadsters and show off their design skills again.
Photo: autowp
