It is true that the S2000 started the new fashion of "engine start" buttons!

 

Hell, even my uncle's new IS comes with a push button starter....you also push the button to turn off the engine. Being a Lexus technician, he tells me all future Lexus cars are going to be equipped with keyless push button ignitions.

Push button starters are a neat gimmick, but I don't prefer one or the other...key or not, as long as the damn car starts up, I'm a happy camper.

 

The S2000 was introduced as a specialty car to celebrate Honda's 50th anniversary in Formula 1 racing. Much of the engine technology used in the S2000 (and other Honda engines) was developed for F1 racing engines. F1 cars have an Engine Start Button, so the S2000 has one. F1 cars generally have digital dash displays, so the S2000 has it. At least that's my understanding!

As for why other modern cars are getting the separate start button, I think it's just a fashion trend.

Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

If by retarded you mean a classic throwback to the good old days of auto-racing when the race started before the drivers got in their cars. Porsches will always have the left hand key slot for this reason.

(So a modern owner can run up to his car, slide through the open window while shifting into first with his right hand and inserting the key with his left of course)

 

I dunno why Saab (and some Land Rovers, I think) have the key on the "floor," but the left-side key on Porsches is from Le Mans and other race cars, where the drivers would have to run to the car, get in, and start it, and so while they were shifting into first with their right hands, they could start the car with their left.

Not necessarily practical now, but just like the S2000's F1-inspired button, the left side key is a link to Le Mans. Just a small reminder that the car you are driving is a little different, and a little more special.

 

Rai,

You probably don't know this. But in old LeMan's race drivers rushed to their cars then started. When doing so they found the ignition being on the left side of the wheel for easy reach.

That is why until this day Porsche Carerra has ignition key on the left of the steering wheel. Push button start is another way of making the ignition seemless and quick.

 

Saabs have a center console mounted ignition as a safety feature; getting your knee impaled on your keychain isn't very fun

 

Well when I stall out, the Start button is alot easier to find then the key.

I actually like it so far

 

Took it right outta my mouth.

 

The button isn't "locked out," at least it wasn't on my '02 when I got curious enough to try it once. The starter does engage and make an unpleasant sound. Well, at least my curiosity was satisfied.