I would take an S with a f430 style transmission and traction control system anyday.

 

I rather have a retractable hardtop than SMG. SMG would give the car more weight as well while the retractable unit would be the similar to the softop unit if done right.

Trying to bang off perfect up and downshifts on your own is way better of a driving experience than some computer doing it for you.

 

remember that the s2000 was a showcase to demonstrate Honda's technological ability at the turn of the century. I think it would be a perfectly fitting nod to Honda's F1 success to equip the s2000 with SMG paddle shifters.

if I wanted to drive a car with 90's technology, I'd get a 240SX or Supra

 

Paddle shifts No.
SMG ...ehh maybe, it would be closer to F1 technology, might be cool.
As long as Pull back is shift up and push forward is shif down.

Although, I'd still prefer using the clutch. Gives me more control and satisfaction from driving. Where's the fun if you don't get to heel and toe?

 

Agreed. But the catch is that it's a showcase of Honda's engineering capabilities using the simple laws of physics and using fewest number of gadgets -- taking aside ABS and VTEC. No turbo, no supercharger, no direct-yaw-control system/electronically controlled LSD, no 4WD system ... etc.

The S2000's design is, frankly, very trivial. The X-bone monocoque frame, front-mid engine layout, etc are pretty basic concepts that are known to the automotive industry for a long time. Honda simply demonstrated its ability to get the simple things right on the S2000. Frankly, a lot of car manufacturers can't even get these "simple things" straight (i.e. a properly designed manual transmission).

With that said, an F1-style/SMG transmission is too much for the S2000's nature. The S2000 is by no means superior; it is simply sticking to its own agenda. Some people may find this agenda outdated, while others love it. IMO, even the VSA is a little too much. I've driven the DSG on the GTIs, and do still prefer a well designed traditional gearbox like that of the S2000.

The S2000 is never super fast anyway. That extra 0.2 seconds isn't going to make up for the difference between its lap time and that of an F430.

 

So how many s2ks would sell with a $10,000 + "ferrari" style gearbox?

 

Negative!

 

I bought the S2000 cause it's a drivers car. It will constanly challenge me, so having something that makes driving easier is not what I'm looking for. That's why I bought my M3 as a 6 spd. Till I become a better driver, I'm sticking with my manual tranny.

In defense of SMG cars:

Has anyone here driven an SMG? I know there are only a few here who have. The BMW M3 SMG II is an awesome transmission. It is a great tool to have on the racing M3, even the most skilled driver can not shift as smooth as an SMG. The rev matching is simply amazing. Not to mention that in traffic you can simply go to auto.

 

I test drove an SMG-equipped M3 cabrio (E46) about 3 years ago, not sure if it was "SMG II" or an earlier revision of the tranny.

I'm sure that in track situations, it is wonderful, but unfortunately it was terrible at the one thing I was trying to do with it, namely, shift for myself in (light) traffic. Yes, I could have just left it in full-auto, but that is/was beside the point--I wanted to know how much fun it would be in everyday driving, and my conclusion was "a lot less than an old-style manual." YMMV, of course; that was just my personal experience.