Future of the S2000?
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From: houston
Originally Posted by AusS2000,Sep 15 2004, 12:16 AM
Just to add more fuel to the fire a recent Wheels Magazine (Australian) stated that Honda had canned plans for the new NSX (HSC) and instead were intent on developing the new S2000 as a 'Boxster beater'.
Of course how much of this is conjecture and inference or just plain bullsh!t will only be revealed with time.
Of course how much of this is conjecture and inference or just plain bullsh!t will only be revealed with time.
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From: Richmond, Va.
It seems most of the 'S2000 is outdated' handwringing amounts to one thing: HP. I don't hear people saying the styling is outdated, just the contrary -- it's a classic! I don't hear people saying it needs more luxury AKA the BMW Z4 which has a cushioned cockpit that looks like an overstuffed Laz-Z-Boy. I don't hear people asking for navigation systems, climate control systems, all wheel drive, or a dozen other features that, IMHO, is the antithesis of the S2000's current design.
So how can Honda easily boost the 0-60 times to make it competitive with the next generation of Boxsters, Z4s, Zs, Crossfires, etc.? Supercharging or turbocharging the engine would appear a reasonable approach proven by the success of aftermarket products. Honda, judging by the numerous refinements they've made over time in response to customer feedback, may be receptive if we band together and petition them.
So how can Honda easily boost the 0-60 times to make it competitive with the next generation of Boxsters, Z4s, Zs, Crossfires, etc.? Supercharging or turbocharging the engine would appear a reasonable approach proven by the success of aftermarket products. Honda, judging by the numerous refinements they've made over time in response to customer feedback, may be receptive if we band together and petition them.
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From: Sydney
Originally Posted by exceltoexcel,Sep 15 2004, 09:42 PM
Look around it's not just neons it STI's...
Infact Subaru did an entire ad campaign which revolved around a letter of apology to Porsche owners because the WRX had comparable performance [sic] for half the price. Didn't stop people buying Boxsters.
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From: WA
Originally Posted by cbanks,Sep 15 2004, 03:25 PM
It seems most of the 'S2000 is outdated' handwringing amounts to one thing: HP. I don't hear people saying the styling is outdated, just the contrary -- it's a classic! I don't hear people saying it needs more luxury AKA the BMW Z4 which has a cushioned cockpit that looks like an overstuffed Laz-Z-Boy. I don't hear people asking for navigation systems, climate control systems, all wheel drive, or a dozen other features that, IMHO, is the antithesis of the S2000's current design.
So how can Honda easily boost the 0-60 times to make it competitive with the next generation of Boxsters, Z4s, Zs, Crossfires, etc.? Supercharging or turbocharging the engine would appear a reasonable approach proven by the success of aftermarket products. Honda, judging by the numerous refinements they've made over time in response to customer feedback, may be receptive if we band together and petition them.
So how can Honda easily boost the 0-60 times to make it competitive with the next generation of Boxsters, Z4s, Zs, Crossfires, etc.? Supercharging or turbocharging the engine would appear a reasonable approach proven by the success of aftermarket products. Honda, judging by the numerous refinements they've made over time in response to customer feedback, may be receptive if we band together and petition them.
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From: Palo Alto
for the next gen (if there even is one) I want to see a S2400
- 2.4L K-series engine pushing 280HP (hey it's doable!)
- 2800lb curb weight (one can hope)
- same MSRP ~$33,000 (one can dream)
- a folding hardtop like the SLK's would be nice...but only if it adds < 50lbs
- 2.4L K-series engine pushing 280HP (hey it's doable!)
- 2800lb curb weight (one can hope)
- same MSRP ~$33,000 (one can dream)
- a folding hardtop like the SLK's would be nice...but only if it adds < 50lbs
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From: Palo Alto
Originally Posted by Ckcrigger,Sep 14 2004, 10:55 PM
Of course, all conjecture:
1. NSX and S2000 no longer made at separate plant. Now assimilated into production facility with other Honda products.
2. Upgrade of NSX scrapped.
3. Minor 2004 tweaks to S2000, Nothing for 2005.
4. Even the name S2000 alludes to its limited life span (anniversary commemoration)
5. S2000 comes pretty max'd out from the factory with regards to performance.
Attempts at improving on Honda R&D have been minimal at best.
The underlying platform is not easy to improve on... unlike the massive
performance gains had in modded S4s, 350Zs, SRTs, etc.
6. Because of the engineering feat already needed to design this car, it doesn't have much room to improve. And Boxsters (new BoxS 5.2 0-60), G35s --> future skyline TT, will continue to widen the gap.
In a couple years, the S2000 will still be a great car, but not be globally competitive... e.g. the same story as the current NSX.
I also hope that Honda doesn't go the vanilla Toyota route. But they can make more money with convenience upgrades to the Odyssey than they ever will with a sports car.
My guess is a V6 RWD (or SH-AWD) sports car that implements hybrid technology for the power of a V8 (a la Lexus). Something that could draw the "sporting crowd" in a way that FWD Accords never could. It could sell 20-30k units per year, competing more directly with G35 and 350Z. But it won't be a NSX or S2000.
Maybe 2006-7?
1. NSX and S2000 no longer made at separate plant. Now assimilated into production facility with other Honda products.
2. Upgrade of NSX scrapped.
3. Minor 2004 tweaks to S2000, Nothing for 2005.
4. Even the name S2000 alludes to its limited life span (anniversary commemoration)
5. S2000 comes pretty max'd out from the factory with regards to performance.
Attempts at improving on Honda R&D have been minimal at best.
The underlying platform is not easy to improve on... unlike the massive
performance gains had in modded S4s, 350Zs, SRTs, etc.
6. Because of the engineering feat already needed to design this car, it doesn't have much room to improve. And Boxsters (new BoxS 5.2 0-60), G35s --> future skyline TT, will continue to widen the gap.
In a couple years, the S2000 will still be a great car, but not be globally competitive... e.g. the same story as the current NSX.
I also hope that Honda doesn't go the vanilla Toyota route. But they can make more money with convenience upgrades to the Odyssey than they ever will with a sports car.
My guess is a V6 RWD (or SH-AWD) sports car that implements hybrid technology for the power of a V8 (a la Lexus). Something that could draw the "sporting crowd" in a way that FWD Accords never could. It could sell 20-30k units per year, competing more directly with G35 and 350Z. But it won't be a NSX or S2000.
Maybe 2006-7?
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From: Downtown LA - Bay Area
Originally Posted by mikdys,Sep 15 2004, 12:24 AM
with cbanks and hensonbear. This car is specialised, built by an enthusiastic and professional company for enthusiasts to enjoy, and is going to be around for a good time yet. 
i'm definitely hoping that the s2k is here to stay but the history of the S line of cars has me worrying... anybody know why the S600 and 800 were discontinued? not selling well enough? hopefully that was the case as the s2k sure doesn't seem to have that problem (mental note: sign up for waiting list now)
thx for all the feedback
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From: Sweden
The way for Honda to go is to make a S2000 Type-R, it's the natural way for their cars to reach the next level.
Just like the Nsx Type-R is refined in many ways they could do this to the S.
They could make it more hardcore without any compromises in the chassies and engine, the people buying a Type-R probably know they're in for a bumpy ride anyway.
The Nsx Type-R is 265 lbs lighter than the original one, that should be possible to shed off the S too. This combined with upgraded handling and an additional 20 hp on the top and a reworked mid-range map made for power instead of saving fuel, should do the trick.
It's not a major update, but it ought to be enough.
The Nsx Type-R is equally fast as a Porsche GT3 and a BMW M3 CSL around N
Just like the Nsx Type-R is refined in many ways they could do this to the S.
They could make it more hardcore without any compromises in the chassies and engine, the people buying a Type-R probably know they're in for a bumpy ride anyway.
The Nsx Type-R is 265 lbs lighter than the original one, that should be possible to shed off the S too. This combined with upgraded handling and an additional 20 hp on the top and a reworked mid-range map made for power instead of saving fuel, should do the trick.
It's not a major update, but it ought to be enough.
The Nsx Type-R is equally fast as a Porsche GT3 and a BMW M3 CSL around N