S2000 losing its soul
It would only get better, not worse.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
I would agree from a purist/enthusiast perspective if rogerio is correct on the forthcoming changes. According to my understanding behind the creation of the S2K, it will loose it's "soul" because it will be separated from the original concept that made it what it is today 
In reality, I don't mind or care too much about what the next evolutions will be. It will only serve as a catalyst for the original S2K to become classics and subsequent owners to be part of that heritage. Everyone should be proud to be part of that
In reality, I don't mind or care too much about what the next evolutions will be. It will only serve as a catalyst for the original S2K to become classics and subsequent owners to be part of that heritage. Everyone should be proud to be part of that
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 325
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From: Seal Beach
Are all of the changes--whatever they are--for 2004 going to be for the worldwide market of the S2000? My view, as someone born in the US, is that Honda making a vehicle for what Americans want produces a product that fails to excite me. (The Accord is a prime example.) If the same sort of minor distinctions that are in place from market to market continue, then I'm not so worried.
With that said, there is no doubt a team at Honda that has been given a budget and the future of the current S2000 and told to keep it alive and competitive. Unlike Toyota or the US manufacturers, that team is almost certainly headed by single project leader who is an engineer. The question is whether that is an engineer with a background in production cars or racing cars. It's very likely it's the former, given business realities in the car industry these days.
Imagine the next real model change, a few years away. Suppose the engine is the current block, stroked, and with whatever the successor to iVTEC is. Imagine a far smoother torque curve such that the engine could mate well with a five-speed automatic. Consider some advance in suspension such that the car will ride more smoothly yet still handle well. Throw in dynamic steering control to keep more drivers out of trouble. Also, put all-weather performance tires on those new, 18-inch wheels for the same reason. Finally, redo the interior to be very much like a Z4's or a Boxter's, line the inside of the top and give it some sort of automatic tonneau. Consider that these features plus some additional soundproofing and the killer stereo with subwoofer add 200 lbs to the weight.
Do you want this getting-near $40K MSRP Honda? Is it too civilized? Is it as much fun? Is it a "better car"? If you don't like it, what would you buy instead?
With that said, there is no doubt a team at Honda that has been given a budget and the future of the current S2000 and told to keep it alive and competitive. Unlike Toyota or the US manufacturers, that team is almost certainly headed by single project leader who is an engineer. The question is whether that is an engineer with a background in production cars or racing cars. It's very likely it's the former, given business realities in the car industry these days.
Imagine the next real model change, a few years away. Suppose the engine is the current block, stroked, and with whatever the successor to iVTEC is. Imagine a far smoother torque curve such that the engine could mate well with a five-speed automatic. Consider some advance in suspension such that the car will ride more smoothly yet still handle well. Throw in dynamic steering control to keep more drivers out of trouble. Also, put all-weather performance tires on those new, 18-inch wheels for the same reason. Finally, redo the interior to be very much like a Z4's or a Boxter's, line the inside of the top and give it some sort of automatic tonneau. Consider that these features plus some additional soundproofing and the killer stereo with subwoofer add 200 lbs to the weight.
Do you want this getting-near $40K MSRP Honda? Is it too civilized? Is it as much fun? Is it a "better car"? If you don't like it, what would you buy instead?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 79
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From: Newcastle
[QUOTE]Originally posted by rogerio1234
[B]Am I the only one who thinks our beloved S is loosing its soul?
"new" for MY2004:
No more F20C
No more 9000rpm redline
No more 120HP per liter
"SMG" sequential gearbox ???
[B]Am I the only one who thinks our beloved S is loosing its soul?
"new" for MY2004:
No more F20C
No more 9000rpm redline
No more 120HP per liter
"SMG" sequential gearbox ???
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,792
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The 9000 RPM (well 8900 really) redline is really not that much of a big deal these days -- as I was told the other day by a passanger.
And when you stop to think about it, he has a point. With the BMW inline 6's spinning well into the 8's and various other inline 4's following suit, 8900 is not that far out.
And when you stop to think about it, he has a point. With the BMW inline 6's spinning well into the 8's and various other inline 4's following suit, 8900 is not that far out.