Can someone describe iVTEC in simple terms or refer me to a good discussion? VTEC I understand but iVTEC I still haven't figured out.

Thanks.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dierk
[B]Can someone describe iVTEC in simple terms or refer me to a good discussion?

 

i-vtec would be the next move for the S in my opinion, maybe calling it the s2000 type S if it gives it enough edge over
the current model

 

Like all things, in order for Honda to maintain interest and keep up with other manufacturers, they must update their cars. To not do so would make the S2000 obsolete (relatively speaking). I'll give you examples. These cars aren't convertibles but that aside....

The new Nissan 350Z which is slightly cheaper than the S2000 in it's base model and more expensive fully loaded, has good looks and horsepower to back it up. They say it'll have around 280 or so horsepower. Torque will probably be 275lb or so. At this price range, I can seriously see this being the next big "rice" car from Nissan much like how the 300Z TT was back in its day. People will be buying this car at base price $30,000 and still be cheaper and faster than a stock S2000. It even looks somewhat like an AUDI TT.

Honda Integra 2003/2004 (RSX Type R) has 220hp/152lb! That's 20hp shy of the S2000's while the torque is the same. It'll probably cost around $26,000. The S2000 has more HP and more RPMs so I can see it beating a RSX Type R but not by much.

Mazda RX-8 w/rotary engine with 181hp/159lb. It looks like a pouty S2000 copycat, but it should perform slightly slower. It will probably be under $30,000 too.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 7 2003. This model is turbochared to 280HP. It's a spin off of their rally version of the Lancer, much like Suburu's WRX is to the WRC. It too should be around $30,000 or less.

Suburu WRC. I think this car will be hitting state side sometime next year. It'll have around 270-280hp. It's similiar to the WRX but even more sportier with big brakes, suspension, lights, all upgraded.

This is just scratching the surface. I see all these cars giving the S2000 a hard time. Honda can and should update the S2000. I read several times that Honda during the R&D phase of the S2000, they were experimenting with 5 and 6 cylinder engines with larger displacements. This is a good start. Go with a higher liter engine 2.5 - 3.0 liters or go with 5/6 cylinders and couple it with iVTEC. Additionally, make the DVD navigation an option in the US versions and add all the colors that the Japanese have. Then, drop some more weight from the car. There you have enough variety for a 2003/2004 model.