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Passion and spirits rise as Honda meets the challenges of the future, firm in our pursuit of driving pleasure. Our desire - to create a car with a unique sense of oneness, harmonising the diverse elements of life in the future. It's the living embodiment of the Honda spirit. It's the Honda S2000.
The Honda S2000 - a sports car that responds intuitively to the demands of the driver while still obeying the laws of physics. The S2000 is a lightweight, compact package that combines a low centre of gravity with an ideal front-rear weight distribution and a low yaw moment of inertia.
With its distinctive and dynamic styling, the S2000 refuses to be ignored. It features a sleek, aerodynamic nose with a large air intake, high-intensity discharge headlights that are seamlessly integrated into the aerodynamic design. And of course an electric soft top.
The S2000 features one of the quickest operating soft-tops in the world. This lightweight electric system raises the roof in approximately six seconds, hardly time for the rain to spot the water-resistant upholstery.
The S2000s fine-tuned body contours result in a pleasant airflow conducive to driver and passenger comfort. The buffeting effect of the wind that is usually apparent behind the occupants heads is eliminated as is the distraction this causes.
The front-engine, rear-drive layout was a natural choice to realise the ideal 50:50 front-rear weight distribution ratio necessary to achieve superlative handling and balance while ensuring superb traction performance.
The frontal positioning of the engine and transmission, the heaviest components, required a radical change in design to prevent the car from being front heavy. the size and weight of the engine has been significantly reduced, and the unit itself is located behind the front axle, a enabling the ideal front-rear weight ratio of 50:50 to be achieved.
The concentration of other heavy components, such as the fuel tank, battery and spare tyre, at the midpoint of the vehicle, significantly lowers the centre of gravity and gives the S2000 an extremely low moment of inertia.
The High X-Bone Frame with its high-mounted floor tunnel is combined with the large cross-section sidesills to provide a lightweight, highly rigid structure. This unique construction gives the open-top S2000 the equivalent body rigidity of a closed car.
Complementing the unique abilities of the S2000, 215/45R17 front tyres provide essential quick responsive steering, while the wider rear 245/40R17 tyres ensure maximum grip. Lightweight aluminium wheels further reduce unsprung weight for superb cornering stability.
Seat, steering wheel, shift lever and pedal positions - the interior ergonomics of the S2000 set this vehicle apart. Controls, such as air conditioning and audio switches, are located close to the steering wheel, and the digital-display speedometer is exceptionally easy to read.
The unique racing spirit of Honda is obvious from the moment you turn the key nothing happens. Youve time to relax, sit back and compose yourself. Then you hit the red starter button that lights the competitive fire within the S2000. Let the fun begin.
The compact digital instrument panel, although mounted directly behind the steering wheel, gives the driver unobstructed at-a-glance information. The tachometer, a vital element of sports driving, features a vivid graphic display for instant readability, while speed is indicated by a large digital readout.
The 360mm steering wheel offers direct steering response, with an optimised shape and thickness for control and a non-slip, punch-finish leather surface. To further hone steering responsiveness we developed a compact lightweight air-bag module that eliminates the centre offset and reduces the moment of inertia.
The shape and feeling of other components such as the aluminium shift knob, door handles, and other switches were meticulously checked and verified for crisp, linear response to driver inputs to create a snug cockpit atmosphere.
Seat shape and cushion hardness have been painstakingly developed to make the seats feel like full bucket seats for superior support, even in extreme conditions such as circuit driving and for reduced fatigue over long distances.
So that you can continue to enjoy open-top sports driving in cold weather, the S2000 is equipped with a large-capacity, high-performance heating system. Central outlets ensure lower-body warmth even in the middle of winter and the one-touch open-mode air-conditioning setting enables the driver to select the most comfortable environment for any season.
And when youre not tempted to keep listing to that engine, the S2000 is equipped with an AM/FM tuner and 8-CD stacker, and 6 front speakers (including fully-integrated headrest speakers).
The greatest technical challenge in the development of the S2000 engine was to combine clean exhaust emissions with high output and response in a compact enough package to allow installation behind the front axle centre line.
This amazing engine delivers 176kW @ 8300rpm and 208Nm @ 7500rpm. It's maximum output of 90kW per litre (one of the highest for naturally aspirated engines), 9000rpm rev limit and 11.0:1 compression ratio place the S2000 firmly within the realm of competition race engines.
Accordingly, for the first time in a Honda production car, the S2000 features rigid forged aluminium pistons, strong tapered-roller bearings and carburised connecting rods. Weight-saving and friction-decreasing measures that help achieve the goal of high revolutions.
To fully exploit the potential of the high-revving, high-power engine, is a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Unlike other cars, sixth gear is not an overdrive, but an integral element that perfectly matches this gearbox to the unique characteristics of the engine.
The S2000 features a one-piece propeller shaft and large-diameter driveshaft with widely positioned aluminium differential mounts that convey positive, instantaneous delivery of power to the rear wheels.
Similarly, we adopted a highly refined limited-slip differential that enables the exceptional power of the S2000 to be transmitted to the road with minimal loss and greater control under changing road conditions and weight transfer when cornering.
In-wheel front and rear double wishbone suspension was selected for the flexibility of its settings. Independent-pressure separate-reservoir dampers complete this layout, and the resulting taut linear responsive handling gives maximum feedback from the road, yet does not detract from driving comfort.
The lightweight, compact, electronically assisted power steering system eliminates the power loss of hydraulic systems and provides the perfect response necessary for sports driving. An optimised gear ratio and enhanced gearbox torsional rigidity give a taut linear feel at high and low speeds while minimising kickback for sensitive road communication that you can exploit to the full.
Safety is a crucial element in high-performance cars, especially open-top sports cars, and our objective was to create a vehicle that offers safety levels equivalent to that of closed-body cars.
The switchable VSA system helps maintain control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying brake force and managing throttle and ignition when necessary, without stifling driving enjoyment.
A major contribution to safety is the combination of the inherent agility of the S2000, with the specially calibrated Anti-lock Braking System. The 16" front ventilated discs and 15" rear discs provide progressive fade-resistant braking force in direct response to pedal pressure.
The S2000 achieved impressive results in frontal, offset and side collison tests, offering one of the highest levels of vehicle safety in the world. For example, twin beams in each door and the high, large cross-section sidesills help ensure the safety of occupants in a side collision.
In a frontal collision, the straight side-members absorb the brunt of the impact by progressively crumpling. Impact force is also distributed through the floor tunnel, floor frame and sidesills to effectively preserve basic cabin integrity.
Three-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters are fitted as standard equipment, and the dual SRS airbags offer additional head and torso protection for seatbelt-restrained occupants. The S2000 also has rollover protection and progressive crumple zones.
The excellent visibility afforded by this open-top vehicle is further enhanced by the optimised A-pillar shape, while highly effective, long-life High Intensity Discharge (HID), low beam only, projector headlights provide superb illumination for night time driving.
Protecting your S2000 is keyless entry and an alarm system. Further security is provided by an immobiliser, preventing the S2000 from embarking on any journeys without you.
| Engine | 2.0L inline 4 cylinder, DOHC VTEC |
|---|---|
| Capacity (cc) | 1,997 |
| Max. power (kW ) | 176 @ 8,300 rpm |
| Max. torque (Nm ) | 208 @ 7,500 rpm |
| Control system | Honda programmed & fuel injection (PGM-FI) |
| Emission standard | LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) |
| Fuel economy - combined (litres per 100 km) | 10.0 * |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 236 |
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 50 |
| Fuel type | Premium Unleaded |
| Seating capacity | 2 |
| Manual transmission | 6 speed |
| Limited-slip differential | Standard |
| Drive-by-wire throttle | Standard |
| Length (mm) | 4,145 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,750 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1,285 mm |
| Ground clearance - laden (mm) | 107 mm |
| Weight - tare (kg) | 1,255 kg |
| Turning circle (kerb to kerb) (m) | 10.8 m |
| Body type | Monocoque |
| Front brakes | Vented disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Bumpers | Impact absorbing |
| Wheel type | Alloy |
| Spare wheel type | Temporary |
| Wheel size - front | 17 x 7 JJ |
| Wheel size - rear | 17 x 8.5 JJ |
| Tyre size - front | 215/45 R17 87W |
| Tyre size - rear | 245/40 R17 91W |
| Dampers | Gas type |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Stabiliser bars | Front & rear |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | Standard |
| Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) | Standard |
| Airbag SRS | Driver & passenger |
| AM/FM radio, stereo cassette | 4 channel x 40 watts |
| CD stacker | 8 CD capacity |
| Front speakers | x 2 |
| Front tweeters | x 2 |
| Headrest speakers | x 2 |
| Rollover protection | Standard |
| Seatbelt reminder | Driver |
| Seatbelts - 3 point ELR | Standard |
| Security alarm system | Standard |
| Screw type fuel cap | Standard |
| Side impact protection | Standard |
| Steering column | Energy absorbing type |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Power door mirrors | Standard |
| Driver's window | Auto up / down |
| Power windows | Standard |
| Air conditioning | Standard |
| Air conditioning pollen filter | Standard |
| Immobiliser system | Standard |
| Keyless entry | Standard |
| Front wiper | 2-speed & intermittent |
| Headlights (low beam) | HID |
| Headlight washers | Standard |
| Power soft top | Standard |
| Ashtray | Standard |
| Boot release | Standard |
| Centre console | With storage |
| Central locking | Standard |
| Cup holder | Standard |
| Dashboard warning lights | Comprehensive array |
| Dashboard | Digital |
| Driver's footrest | Standard |
| Fuel lid release | Standard |
| Head restraints - front | Standard |
| Interior illumination | Cargo, map & courtesy lights |
| Lights-on warning | Chime |
| Monocoque body construction | Standard |
| Progressive crumple zones | Front & rear |
| Rear view mirror | Day / night type |
| Low fuel warning | Light |
| Outside temperature gauge | Standard |
| Power outlet (10 amp) | Standard |
| Seat back pockets | Driver & passenger seats |
| Storage net | x 3 |
| Tachometer | Digital |
| Tripmeter | x 2 |
| Seat back pockets | Driver & passenger seats |
| Seat trim material | Leather |
| Vanity mirror | Passenger sunvisor |
| Windows (front & side) | Heat absorbing |
| Max luggage capacity (litres) | 152 |
| Convex door mirror | Passenger side |
| Fire retardant interior | Standard |
| Front windscreen | Laminated |
| Fuel tank roll over valve | Standard |
| Hazard warning lights | Standard |
| Headlights (low beam) | HID |
| Headlight washers | Standard |
| High mounted stop light | Standard |
| Instrument panel | Padded |
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