What is the idea behind the Honda S2000?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Central California
I see the S2000 as a purpose built, driver-focused sports car that happens to be a convertible (perhaps to appeal to a broader audience). What gets me about this car is that it isn't a product of parts bin engineering, for the most part. The engine is unique to the S2000. The chassis, suspension, interior layout, etc were all engineered for the S2000 only. In this price/performance range, you'll pretty much only see cars with platform engineering that share many components with more sedate/boring vehicles.
The NA powerplant gives a linear build of power and instant throttle response. It sends power to the rear wheels, which makes for a much more involving/fun machine. The 6-speed gearbox has short, precise throws that encourage you to use it. And the interior focuses entirely on the driver, keeping controls very close at hand and providing info on the digital tach that is more quickly read than with traditional analog gauges.
With extraordinarily balanced handling that lets the driver decide which end slips first, the car is wholly satisfying on the track. Again, everything focuses on making the driver have fun.
Yet for all its trackworthiness, the S2000 is perfectly happy to commute in stop and go traffic in complete comfort and reliability. Those who say it's loud and rides rough obviously are coming from much more luxurious cars than myself (I drive a modified '87 MR2 that makes the S2000 seem like a Lexus in comparison).
Basically I belive the S2000 was designed and built by drivers for drivers. When I first drove one, I noticed how many parts and details were designed as if Honda probed my mind as to what I'd like to see in a sports car. The high center console, for example, is quite the rarity nowadays but I have always loved them. The small steering wheel, perfectly placed shifter, light and short clutch, supportive seat, and a broad sweeping tach at the top of the dash display, are all examples of the interior goodness that so impressed me.
The NA powerplant gives a linear build of power and instant throttle response. It sends power to the rear wheels, which makes for a much more involving/fun machine. The 6-speed gearbox has short, precise throws that encourage you to use it. And the interior focuses entirely on the driver, keeping controls very close at hand and providing info on the digital tach that is more quickly read than with traditional analog gauges.
With extraordinarily balanced handling that lets the driver decide which end slips first, the car is wholly satisfying on the track. Again, everything focuses on making the driver have fun.
Yet for all its trackworthiness, the S2000 is perfectly happy to commute in stop and go traffic in complete comfort and reliability. Those who say it's loud and rides rough obviously are coming from much more luxurious cars than myself (I drive a modified '87 MR2 that makes the S2000 seem like a Lexus in comparison).
Basically I belive the S2000 was designed and built by drivers for drivers. When I first drove one, I noticed how many parts and details were designed as if Honda probed my mind as to what I'd like to see in a sports car. The high center console, for example, is quite the rarity nowadays but I have always loved them. The small steering wheel, perfectly placed shifter, light and short clutch, supportive seat, and a broad sweeping tach at the top of the dash display, are all examples of the interior goodness that so impressed me.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 178
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From: San Francisco
It was designed to make you go fast and to make others jealous and wish they had one too. Be careful though, others might mistake it for an exotic or higher priced car... like a Benz, BMW or Ferrari.
Yeah baby!
Alex
Yeah baby!
Alex
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,868
Likes: 1,058
I think it was cause Honda wanted to show the British how a perfect "English Roadster" should be built...Colin Chapman eat your heart out.
ps I say this because the only car I've ever driven that compares was a Lotus Elan.
fltsfshr
ps I say this because the only car I've ever driven that compares was a Lotus Elan.
fltsfshr
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Wellington
Originally posted by TR-S2K
It is a 2-seats Convertable Driver Car, designed for Southern California weather year-round. Today is a perfect day for driving a S2000 with top down in Orange County as in San Diego.
It is a 2-seats Convertable Driver Car, designed for Southern California weather year-round. Today is a perfect day for driving a S2000 with top down in Orange County as in San Diego.
