I had a few thoughts about rpm limiting and the S2000. The engine idles at about 800 rpm, just like any other 4 cylinder engine. But as we all know, the revs go much, much higher at the max. This means that accessory drives, such as the A/C compressor and the alternator get subjected to extremely high rpm as well. Perhaps the purpose of the rev limiter is to protect them as much as to protect the engine. I seem to remember reading, that on many cars the A/C cuts out at full throttle to allow the engine to develop full power without the burden of the compressor. Is it possible that our A/C compressors de-clutch above a certain high rpm level for self protection? That would seem to be sensible.

I wonder also about the electric power steering. Is it possible that this represents a way of avoiding another accessory drive, i.e., the power steering pump, which might be damaged by high revving?