Oh, I understand your question now. The build technique for the S2000 has never changed - the same methods are used in Suzuka as were used in Tochigi. The bits and pieces are machine made, and the welding is done by robotics. But the assembly is done by regular people. Much like any other vehicle assembly line video you're probably seen, but with no automation that I could see.

 

When you say "later" cars, you mean the MY04 and newer? Yes, horrible understeer with the stock tires. A proper alignment is no help, either. However, a good set of Kumho Victoracers in 225 front and 255 rear sizes gets rid of nearly all that understeer. The cars still have an issue with a soft, floaty rear end that takes too long to settle down though.

The problem with 00-01 cars is that the limit is so low that corner exit speed is compromised and they're ultimately slower.

The 02-03 cars have the perfect setup, IMO.

 

Interesting. V700's have some negative camber built into the tire. When I switched from them to a set of Azeni's it took a long time to get the car back into shape.

I've never done a back to back comparison ... but my experience with setting up my S52 M coupe was such that I was in fact about a second quicker with a setup that promoted oversteer like the S2k on corner exit. The problem with the AP1 is that the difference between spinning the car and letting the rear end step out is razor thin. None of the stock setups are in my view great anyway -- so an aftermarket suspension properly setup on any year car is going to be better than either the AP1 or AP2 ...