Possessing the adrenaline-seeking properties within the agile 94.5 inch wheelbase, the Honda S2000 have attracted near large fan following amongst a near equal amount male and female motorists. Built from 1963 to 1970, the original Honda S series roadsters were the first production cars released by a Japanese company who were previously focused on motorcycles. For the last nine years, the Honda S2000 revived not only the sports car name but their theme for a compact two-seat convertible. Honda has regrettably stated the discontinuation of the S2000 following this year, leaving the 2009 model unchanged in its final release.
2009 Honda S2000 Exterior
As a two-door sports convertible in the spirit of MGs and more recently the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Honda S2000 exterior initially charms as a vehicle women could call cute and men could refer to as an understated performance rocket. Accomplishing beauty with a simplicity, the S2000 is presented with graceful subtlety starting with the Honda 'H' badge adorning a smoothly sculpted front end. Every line dedicated to the S2000's exterior design is intentional, allowing no room for functionless details.
In less than ideal weather, the Honda S2000 power-operated soft top can be deployed in 6 seconds Through nighttime driving the S2000 brightens the road with cutting edge lighting technology. On the front, HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights provide superior night vision. On the rear, taillights and the brake lights use fast-acting, long lasting LED bulbs.
Acting as the S2000's liaison to the asphalt, a combination of performance-rated Bridgestone Potenza tires and 17 inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels compliments the aesthetics as perfectly as it compliments performance.
2009 Honda S2000 Interior
Ingress into the Honda S2000 will clearly define this as a driver's car. Planting into the well-bolstered, perforated leather seat behind a small diameter sport steering wheel, the S2000 immediately gives the feel of professional race car. Aluminum-surface foot pedals, a large digital speedometer display, and the model's iconic red 'Engine Start' button further escalates the sense of racing inspiration. Controls are strategically placed around the S2000 steering wheel for low-effort interaction, including a set of audio controls on a left side panel. While the driver receives the greatest impact of this performance-catered feel, the passenger who take note of the bare appearance of heating and radio control in the center of the dash panel. An AM/FM radio with CD player is included but obstructed from view by an tap-open cover. As intimate as can be expected inside a two-seat roadster, the Honda S2000 interior is a glove-like fit for both driver and passenger.
There are only a few interior options for the 2009 Honda S2000 consisting a stylish titanium shifter knob, 8-disc CD changer, and a pricey $504 XM Satellite Radio.
2009 Honda S2000 Powertrain and Performance
While the numerals in the S2000 name used to detail the engine displacement in cubic centimeters, this ended after 2004 for the Honda roadster when the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was discontinued. Since that time, the Honda S2000 is equipped with a bored out 2.2-liter version. Presiding as the largest displacement four-cylinder, this powerplant is also the most powerful four-cylinder Honda engine generating 237 horsepower. Redlining at 8,000 revolutions per minute, the double overhead cam engine features Honda's VTEC system for precision operations. After the power is drawn out of the S2000's engine, a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission helps provide some jarring acceleration.
A rarity amongst Honda cars, the S2000 is driven by the rear wheels supported by a limited-slip differential for a true sport sensation. Equating the powertrain combination together with only 2,864 pounds of curb weight, the union delivers the S2000 from 0 to 60 miles per hour under six seconds. The Honda S2000's speed potential number come also with some very reasonable fuel runs of 18 miles per gallon city and 25 highway.
2009 Honda S2000 CR
In the second year of what will be a two-year run, the Honda S2000 CR (Club Racer) edition allows a driver to fully flex the S2000's muscle's on legal raceways. Firmer, more racing-suited suspension, wider rear tires, enhancements in 99 pound weight reduction in curb weight comes with the elimination of the radio and air conditioning (both can be ordered on the S2000 CR). Styled with a functional front and rear spoiler improving downforce and a specially-made removable aluminum hardtop, lateral acceleration is measured at 0.95 Gs, equal to a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Straight line acceleration is also impressive with 0 to 60 times rated at 5.7 seconds.