I know it's on the Spec V in Japan, but I've been looking around and I can't find a description of what variable geared steering does exactly. So what is it?

 

From Honda (so pardon the hype):

The VGS system, which will debut in the S2000 type V, varies the steering gear ratio continuously according to vehicle speed and steering angle to provide a heightened "joy of maneuvering." The adoption of this variable ratio system ensures ideal handling performance through a broad range of driving conditions. Agile and exhilarating performance is especially noticeable on winding roads, since the front end of the vehicle turns sharply in precise response to driver steering input. While cruising at high speeds on expressways, the VGS offers a smooth and progressive ratio setup without excessive sensitivity, providing the driver with the relaxed and reliable driving feel of conventional steering systems. Astonishingly, the lock-to- lock ratio* is almost halved to 1.4 turns for better maneuverability in the low speed ranges.

 

That's pretty damn cool...you think anything will come of it in the future, or just a footnote like the 4 wheel steering Preludes?

 

VGS definitely has merit. There are a handful of cars out there from various manufacturers that feature similar systems.

 

Frankly, I doubt it'll go anywhere. Unfortunately, we losers in the US don't get a chance to form an informed opinion though.. For me, the S2000's stock EPS is fabulous. Some say it's numb, but I love its responsiveness and I think the steering is just perfect.

I actually owned a 4WS Prelude back in the late '80s. That was cool, but the car was a bear to keep aligned, and though it was fun in lane changes, it wasn't worth the extra complexity. I suspect VGS will suffer the same fate.

The JDM gets some wicked cool colors and neat options for their S2000s.