Honda S2000

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

There were two versions of the Honda S2000 roadster for its farewell 2009 model year, the standard version and the racetrack-oriented CR (for Club Racer). Notable hardware on both included a feisty 2.2-liter inline-4 with an 8,200-rpm redline coupled to a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox. Without resorting to forced induction (turbo- or supercharging), this jewel of an engine utilized Honda’s variable valve timing and lift system (VTEC) to squeeze 237 horsepower out of just 2.2 liters. No automatic transmission was available in any S2000.Standard features on later iterations of the S2000 included a power-operated top with a glass rear window (with defroster), lightweight 17-inch wheels, leather seats, keyless entry, air-conditioning, an eight-speaker CD audio system, stability control and HID headlights. A lightweight (44 pounds) aluminum hardtop was optional on the standard car.To create a roadster, you’ve got to have the proper ingredients. It has to have two seats and a retractable fabric roof, but above all else, it’s got to be light and agile. The S2000 qualifies on all counts. While it’s not as minimalist as a Lotus Elise (or even a Dodge Viper), the S2000′s cabin is devoid of over-the-top luxury or techno-wizardry. There’s no navigation system, Bluetooth or iPod connector, and there certainly isn’t anything on the order of an iDrive or MMI controller. No need there isn’t much to control.With its 8,000 rpm redline, the S2000 idles at a relatively high 1,000 rpm and even that feels surprisingly lumpy when sitting at a red light. Launches were smooth and bog-free, never necessitating a slip of the clutch or excess revving. The S2000′s FR layout means the transmission sits directly below that lever and there’s no linkage to muck things up.

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

Honda S2000