If they add improvements that don't take anything away from the car then I think it is cool. Personally as a former owner of a 00 Civic Si I was quite upset with Honda when they released the current version. In my opinion the other one was better. But some would argue they improved on the design. You have to realize what they are doing is what they believe will sale cars not necessarily what will make everyone on this forum happy. We represent only a portion of the potential FUTURE S2000 Buyers. Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and most other "Auto Authorities" always give it high marks but do say it needs more low end torque and interior improvement which is all Honda says their going to improve. If they mess it up, well, there are plenty other cars out there! But it will piss me off!

 

Changing to 2.2L would mean nothing to me. However, if this change brings about a reduced redline as potentially indicated by the published "dashboard restyle" I would not be happy. To me a big part of the allure is that 9k redline.

 

I agree! But if the average consumer doesn't care about ever going above 5k rpms and they are typically stuck in bumper to bumper traffic and using it as a daily driver then more low end torque might be right up their alley. Personally I hope they add the engine and an integrated hard boot for the convertible top and maybe bigger wheels and 6 disk in-dash radio, and change nothing else I will be happy!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Strike
[B]....One of the things that makes the S2K unique is it's affordability.

 

I'm planning on probably buying a 2004, but if I find out they're lowering the redline to 7700rpm for example; I'll go to the dealer and put in an order for a 2003.

 

Also, I really hope the "new gauge configuration" doesn't mean analog gauges. I just love the F1 setup of the current one.

 

Things change because they have to.. it is hard to tell the reasons immediately because they all look similar..

1) they were flawed to begin with.
2) they are not in a configuration to be successful in their environment.
3) the environment changes.

I see some of each with my S2000, but don't get too excited about what Honda does.. time goes on.. I'm sure someone is holding what they consider to be a classic buggy whip.

 

This is a pretty low blow to all of the GARAGE QUEENS up here in the North

 

I don't have a problem with more displacement. But if the net result is reduced character of the car, even if it adds some HP, tq, and performance, then no good. It must align with the character of the car. This is a strange dilemma because more performance is better. More power is good, but not lower redline. More displacement probably means lower redline, unless they go all-out with increased bore (new block or new engine design?). How to get more tq without more displacment or lower redline? There is a crossing point - hypothetical: New S4000 with a 4.0 liter narrow angle V8 (two of the current 2.0 I4s combined together) with 450HP, 300tq, 9000 redline. Driveline to accomodate the new power and more than enough power to offset the weight gain. Oh and it costs $35k. Who wouldn't like that better? It would certainly change the character of the car and may not be totally incomparable to, say, the old S models vs S2000 today.

 

The Prelude came in 2.0 and 2.2 liter versions and it didn't change that car for the worse. I think Honda does a pretty good job with their products and even if you don't like the new S2000 at first it might just grow on you.