Thread for discussion of future S2000s. As of today:

There is no named replacement for the current S.
There are no test mules, official sketches, or news. Nada.
Production seems to carry on in Japan, with about 5,000 S2000s to be produced in 2008.
FYI, the last year of NSX production, 6 NSXs were sold.

 

I'm pretty sure NSX demand has never been anywhere close to S2000 demand, and hence not really a valid comparison. I doubt the profit margins are equivalent, and the purpose of the car in relation to the Honda brand is probably entirely different as well.

But still, throw the rumors around. I have a feeling there's gonna be a gap (probably 2011) until Honda releases another sports vehicle. The current market climate allows them to heavily push their gas sipper vehicles. I'd give it a couple years before they start diversifying their brand image once again.

 

I have tried to find reasoning on both sides of the fence. Keep it vs can it. Change it vs. Leave it alone. I can't find any. I just know that the future s2000 threads are killing me. Hopefully someone reads this damn sticky before making another one.

 

My understanding is that the S2000 and S2000CR will definitely be around for MY 2009 with minimal changes if any. Also, I have seen renderings of a replacement for MY2010, that looks to compete with the Miata in the sub-$30,000 price range. Wouldn't you rather see an S2000 replacement that was smaller and lighter, but targeted more at the Lotus Elise with Honda refinement and amenities? The S2000 is a greatly respected street/track car, shouldn't Honda take it to the next level with a car that is priced at about $35,000, weighs in at about 2,250 pounds, 240 hp 4-cyl. engine, less kit-carish than the Lotus and feels at home on the track, just as well as the street. Aren't there already too many Miatas, Solstices and Sky's in the world?
vincesf

 

Your vision is an oxymoron, you can't have refinements and amenities in a 2250lb sports car. I'd love to see the car drop 600lbs, but you better be prepared to give up some comforts to do it. Have you been in an Elise? It's just a big gocart.

 

[QUOTE=scottrunsxc,Jun 26 2008, 10:26 AM] Your vision is an oxymoron, you can't have refinements and amenities in a 2250lb sports car.

 

I don't know why people keep saying there is a replacement. So far we've seen no official sketches, no test mules, nada. Cars that will be out in two years are being spotted now - if there was any replacement S due in the next 24 months, I think we'd have seen it by now.

I think Honda will keep producing the car for a few more years at least, with minor updates if any, every two years like its done. Considering the factory where its made, I think Honda will just soldier on with low production numbers for years to come.

 

Nice to see that there is at least one smart person on these boards who hasn't bought into the whole Miata-esque successor hype.

The developmental cycle for a sports car is generally long, especially one as focused as this. The SSM concept debuted in 1995 and it took almost 5 years for the actual car to see the light of day.

Bottomline: There hasn't been a SINGLE citing of an S2000 mule. There hasn't been a SINGLE press release from Honda regarding an S2000 successor. I think its safe to assume that the launch of a 'successor' is well-off.

What I would like to see Honda do with this car is build up some heritage as even the lowly Chevrolet has done with the Corvette. Sedans, Coupes, SUVS, and Minivans have come and gone in GMs stable, but the Corvette has always been an icon for the general, and commands some respect amongst most auto enthusiasts.

Honda doesn't need to reinvent the car. Even in today's marketplace, there isn't a single car out there that can honestly compete with the total package the S2000 offers (fun to drive, value, performance, etc.). I'm sure many owners would agree.

A major revision that builds on the existing platform would be just the ticket the chassis needs. Forged aluminum bits in the suspension, further improvements in structural rigidity. Chassis technology has come a long way since 1999 and improvements can be made, without reinventing the fundamental structure.

Direction Injection could breathe new life into the F20/22C and easily boost HP by another 30hp or so. This would also lower emissions, and increase fuel economy.

I guess the addition of a 'flappy paddle' auto box would be the ticket to revitalized sales, but if such a system is to debut, I hope it preserves the man-machine interface unlike most flappy paddle boxes.

The car that will truly end the S2000s 'reign' as a pure, fun to drive roadster will be the Mazdaspeed Miata. If this car ever does come out, it will successfully emulate the S2000s formula, packaging power and a pure driving experience together in a value competitive package.

 

As much as I would like to see Honda continue the exercise and develop a successor based on the same core attributes as the original, but with currently progressive engineering ... I would say Hold Off. Why? Honda seems to be in a conundrum, when once they blazed their own path, developed and defined a mainstream product through excellent corporate practice and leadership, they have slipped into a state of hubris and denial. The new Accords and Pilots, though decent products, are porkers .. An anathema for a Honda. The new TSX, perhaps 1 small step forward, but certainly a few large steps to the rear. It seems to me that most of their new investment in updated models are misguided at best, and maliciously realigned against long standing Honda tenets at worst. Uhhhhhhhh
Under the ever astute Uehera I know that a new S would be a masterpiece of its era .. But ....... Who's minding the store now?

 

Only this I have...