S2ks are in trouble
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,617
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From: Victoria, BC
Originally Posted by johnjp27,Nov 6 2008, 06:03 PM
This post is spot-on. Honda is obviously satisfied with how many S2ks are being sold, and the people buying it obviously like it, so why spend development money to improve it? Yes, chances are Honda could easily add FI, but that's just not how they do things and it isn't in line with the history of the S cars.
Honda's goal with the S2k was to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 1999, take on cars like the then-current Boxster and Z3, and do it with a small high-revving engine in a relatively light-weight car that would sell for a relatively low price. They did it. They didn't intend to make it for more than a few years, but the demand has been there so they keep cranking them out with minor tweaks -- just like the NSX.
All the cars the OP mentions are higher-volume cars, with engines and platforms that are used in numerous other vehicles, letting the manufacturers spread the development costs. The S2k uses a completely unique engine and chassis that aren't used for any other Honda vehicle, which I personally think makes the car very special (I bet many other S2k owners would agree). That's not true for the Cobalt, Lancer/Evo, WRX/STi, MS3, Z4, 350Z/370Z, or virtually any other non-exotic car I can think of.
Just an example -- how many cars use the VQ35 series engine? It's in the Z, G35, G35c, M35, FX35, Altima, and maybe a couple others I'm missing. That's a lot of cars. It's much more cost-effective to upgrade an engine when it goes into that many models. And so the Z continues to pull away from the S in performance numbers. For the F20C/F22C upgrades just won't happen -- it isn't worth the cost to revise an engine that goes in only one model, and adding FI or dropping in a V6 doesn't fit with the S car philosophy (for now at least).
So the S did what it was supposed to do in 1999, and it is what it is, and I
it.
Honda's goal with the S2k was to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 1999, take on cars like the then-current Boxster and Z3, and do it with a small high-revving engine in a relatively light-weight car that would sell for a relatively low price. They did it. They didn't intend to make it for more than a few years, but the demand has been there so they keep cranking them out with minor tweaks -- just like the NSX.
All the cars the OP mentions are higher-volume cars, with engines and platforms that are used in numerous other vehicles, letting the manufacturers spread the development costs. The S2k uses a completely unique engine and chassis that aren't used for any other Honda vehicle, which I personally think makes the car very special (I bet many other S2k owners would agree). That's not true for the Cobalt, Lancer/Evo, WRX/STi, MS3, Z4, 350Z/370Z, or virtually any other non-exotic car I can think of.
Just an example -- how many cars use the VQ35 series engine? It's in the Z, G35, G35c, M35, FX35, Altima, and maybe a couple others I'm missing. That's a lot of cars. It's much more cost-effective to upgrade an engine when it goes into that many models. And so the Z continues to pull away from the S in performance numbers. For the F20C/F22C upgrades just won't happen -- it isn't worth the cost to revise an engine that goes in only one model, and adding FI or dropping in a V6 doesn't fit with the S car philosophy (for now at least).
So the S did what it was supposed to do in 1999, and it is what it is, and I
it.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 530
Likes: 3
From: WPB FL
I can buy a 500cc Kawasaki NInja for maybe 5K new and will eat up the S, cobalt SS, etc. on the track, quarter mile, etc and it costs a 1/6th of the price.
How about the Hyundai Genesis compared to a 100K benz? It's quick, nice, etc, but I guarantee it does not have a lot of the engineered details of the benz, let alone how well it will hold up at 50K, 100K, 150K miles.
Always a better car out there, just be content with what you have and be glad you have it (same goes for your spouse!!).
How about the Hyundai Genesis compared to a 100K benz? It's quick, nice, etc, but I guarantee it does not have a lot of the engineered details of the benz, let alone how well it will hold up at 50K, 100K, 150K miles.
Always a better car out there, just be content with what you have and be glad you have it (same goes for your spouse!!).
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 258
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From: SoCal
S2000 is uniquely designed and shares little, if anything, with other street cars, even from its own brand. When you drive an S you are driving an exotic in terms of specifically designed roadster with concise design principles not found in any other car. That is why it feels so unique and is so unique to drive. If you want sheer numbers in performance. look elsewhere, or look toward the CR before you look towards others, cheers.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Originally Posted by johnjp27,Nov 6 2008, 06:03 PM
The S2k uses a completely unique engine and chassis that aren't used for any other Honda vehicle, which I personally think makes the car very special (I bet many other S2k owners would agree). That's not true for the Cobalt, Lancer/Evo, WRX/STi, MS3, Z4, 350Z/370Z, or virtually any other non-exotic car I can think of.
i love how no other honda has my engine other than the S
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 3
From: SE Michigan, USA
i'm confused.... are you saying the cobalt, wrx, or speed3, or lancer can run a 1/4 with the top down?
in other news - my apple DOES NOT taste like an orange, and now i want my apple upgraded. theres no way those damn oranges should be competing with my apple, and i'm very mad.
/won't buy another apple until the 2012 model comes out with extra juice
in other news - my apple DOES NOT taste like an orange, and now i want my apple upgraded. theres no way those damn oranges should be competing with my apple, and i'm very mad.
/won't buy another apple until the 2012 model comes out with extra juice
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 155
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Apple Juice FTW!!! haha.
I'd like to put my .02 that I bought my car because I loved the look, top down, and it's a joy to drive. Plus you sit snug in the seat and everything is right there at your fingertips, and it comes with a cup warmer.
I'd like to put my .02 that I bought my car because I loved the look, top down, and it's a joy to drive. Plus you sit snug in the seat and everything is right there at your fingertips, and it comes with a cup warmer.