So I think I've figured out what the OP is actually asking - considering the S doesn't have navigation, a good stereo, big wheels, plush seats, tons of sound deadening, a rear set - where is our $35K going to?

It makes sense for a Honda Pilot to cost more than a CRV because there are more materials required. third row seats, more steel, more sound deadening, beafier suspension, more glass, more carpet etc. With an S, you basically get an engine and frame. Cost of parts is minimal, but the cost of the package is high. I'm not saying it's not worth it, nor do I think the OP is saying that, but are we paying $10K in raw materials and $25K in engineering (numbers pulled out of ass)?

It seems some of the posters got the actual question (not me at first) and responded with cost of engineering, non-shared platform, imported, hand assembled (?), etc. My guess would be it is mostly the non-shared platform. Mass producing 1 million fenders for a civic mold probably costs a lot less per unit than 5000 fenders for a S2000 mold. Or better yet, mass producing 1 million sheet metal hoods for a civic probably costs a lot less per unit than producing 5000 aluminum hoods for a S2000.

I also think there are some hidden features of the S that people don't think about. External resevoir 4 wheel double wishbone suspension is more expensive than mcpherson strut. beefy sway bars cost more than not having any sway bars. balanced engine internals for consistent high revving costs more to make reliable than a car that will rarely get "abused".

In the example of lotus, however, I understand the price premium. Aluminum and fiberglass is more expensive than steel and plastic. Additionally, they are much smaller volume.

 

Some people may mention the 350Z as comparision, but that engine is essentially overused over the Nissan/Infiniti lineup. The S on the other hand is a specialized vehicle with an unique engine and characteristics.

 

I beleive most if not all Honda's assembled in the US have their engine/tranny built in Japan.

I feel the S is overpriced based on the power of the engine. When a civic SI is just as quick staight line and is 10K less, there is a problem.

 

1 - the civic si is not as quick in a straight line. Or at least my RSX Type-S was nowhere as quick in a straight line
2 - what's flawed is the test, not the vehicles. I've said it before and I'll say it again, drag racing an S2000 is dumb. If you want to go fast in a straight line, get a mustang.

 

Yet another newb who doesn't know squat try to chime in.

 

Unless it's different with the S, Honda expects a profit of something less than 5% as with all other autos of any other (mass) manufacture. If this is true, the explanation that it cost more money to produce even though it appears to be less(of an auto) than other cars that really should sell for more. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say. All mass market companies are selling their cars to dealers who in turn can sell for whatever the market can bear. Half price, full price or twice the price, Honda (the company) is only going to be making the 5%.

 

If that were the case then who would buy a $45,000 Lotus Elise? They only make 210 bhp.

 

 

i fully agree, i havent used my radio in four months because i love the roar of vtec. outside of that pwr. windows are nice and so is the drop top. who needs luxuries, just pay attention to the road be safe and drive hard

 

I suspect we are paying for R and D, a car that is, as many of you have pointed out, kind of a "one of" in terms of parts... I still get beat up by my fellow gear heads one of which constantly reminds me that I could have got a three or four year old Vette for the same money...

I paid for a car that was designed, developed, and built to be a street legal race car... it's bullet proof (in terms of a high performance car), it comes pre-packaged with Honda reliablilaty (as in bullet proof, again), and the quality of its fit and finish is as good as anything you can get for any money...

They did some things to satisfy the masses that may have upped the price tag a few pennies... electric windows, cup holders, cruise control, VSA, electric top... don't get me wrong... all of them are what people want but in reality... does a pure sports car really need tem... (to be sure, marketing said yup, they do)...

If they coud have squeezed a few more ponies out of their out of the box motor and a little more low end grunt the s2k would have been the buy of the century... even the last century...

So, if was worth it to you, yup, it was worth the money... as much as like mine, I would like it a lot more if it had no frills, bells, or whistles... (ok, I lied, a sports car with air conditioning is an amazing thing but then, I live in Florida)... They were on the right track with the CR... my take is they should have finished the job and sold it as a true, bare bones track car...

They really are great cars though, no?