Hypothetical question: If Honda all of a sudden introduces a new AP3 S2000 (or whatever name it is) with the following specs:

- VTEC/i-VTEC NA inline-6 (or V6...) 3.2L engine pumping 335hp and 270 lbs of torque at the crank with 7.5 to 8.0K redline
- 4-piston calipers (instead of the current crappy 1-piston floating ones) -- maybe made by Brembo or something
- reinforced body (say it comes with lower X-brace, and rear lower strut bar, and similar reinforcements that cusco offers)
- slightly stiffer suspension and maybe 3/4" lower
- weighs another 460lbs and marginally bigger body (still maintains 50/50 distribution, front mid-engine layout)
- slightly better quality leather seats and sound system
- everything else pretty much remain the same (nice 6-speed tranny, convertible, 17" rims, X-bone design, etc)

Assuming that it has a new design that is as "clean" the current S2000 (lets just say appearance is not an issue here), and has a price tag of 46,000 MSRP (a price that's much closer to the German breeds), will you still buy it?

BTW, this is not to start a rumor, I'm just wondering whether people will still be interested in the car if both the price and weight increase, and the redline lowers, to get the bump in power & torque and nice brakes/suspension upgrades.

EDIT: I am thinking about this as I see this "hp war" going on with other cars, with Accord pumping 250+bhp and the new M3 throwing 420bhp, Civic going into the 200 zone ... what the heck ... soon or later a Civic will just outrun a E36 M3 in a straight line (okay, exaggerating here ...)

 

Not for $45,000....
The current is good enough to keep up with current competition. But, I think, if the hp wars keep going, the car you mentioned may be a possibility in the future at a lower price.

 

I haven't really got a clue where you're going with this, but I don't think you'll see that kind of horsepower from Honda until the NSX is replaced with something along those lines.

 

not going to happen.

 

I would get an Elise instead. Lighter is better.

 

My AP1 gives me all the grins I can handle. It meets my expectations, as is.

 

If that happen, then S2000 will not stand out in the very crowded market of luxury heavy-weight sporty cars like 350Z, Boxster, SLK350, and Crossfire.

If the new S2000 weights 500lbs less, it will do great without any power increase or other "upgrades" you mentioned.

 

Agreed and if it did, I still would keep mine.

 

I want to see an engine reflect the new F1 specs: 2.4L V8 revving to some unGodly high limit

 

I think one of my favorite things about the S is that I feel like the underdog of the sports car market. "Yeah, I DID just do that with a 2 liter"

I don't know about a V6...