KaiWang beat me to it!
The original SSM was developed with the inline 5 from the Vigor; it had over 300hp if I recall correctly.

 

One big reason not to make a v6 s2000 - NSX.

If you had a 280bhp s2000 would you ever consider buying a slower and clumsier NSX? - NO.

who knows what might happen if the new NSX carries a v8?

 

Actually, the I think the SSM had a V-5, a very experimental engine that Honda has been toying around with. There was also a V-5 prototype motorcycle engine developed.

Knowing Honda's past history, there will never be a V-6 in the S2000.

 

I'm expecting to see a V6 in the next couple of years. It's a natural evolution with the right packaging dimensions. The only delays are development of a V6 for RWD (it'll need to have some engine family utility to be cost effective) and awaiting an NSX upgrade to move it out of competition with the more powerful S2000-6.

 

S2k Dude - that is the first time I have ever read there was a V5 in the SSM. I'm not saying you are wrong I'm just saying I have never read that before. My memory was an inline 5 from the Vigor and that is why the SSM had that extremely long (say beautiful) sloping hood.
You've got me curious, I think I'll do some digging today/tonight.
Thanks for the challenge!

 

I'm pretty sure the SSM had an inline-5, which would have been nice. I wouldn't expect Honda to change the engine in the S2000 anytime soon...it's great as it is anyways.

 

No soul?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Triple-H
[B]S2k Dude - that is the first time I have ever read there was a V5 in the SSM. I'm not saying you are wrong

 

I'm standing with the inline 5 for the SSM crowd:

Car and Driver roundup of 1995 Toyko motorshow

1996 North American International Auto Show

In I-5 would also explain the spectacular long hood of the SSM, a V5 would have been a lot more compact.

 

Not necessarily so. While I'm not suggesting that Honda put another engine in the S2000, doing so wouldn't necessarily blow the 50/50 distribution. A friend of mine has an MGB with a 215cid V8 in it. This motor is actually 50 pounds LIGHTER than the I4 that was in there stock.

I'm sure that Honda would build an engine that would preserve that balance...something they worked VERY hard to achieve in the S2000. Just look at the power steering pump...it's all behind the centerline of the front wheels.

Also, Honda, just an FYI here, has no plans to change engines...at least this is what they told us when we met with them in June. The car is EXACTLY what they wanted and any sort of changes like this are just not being considered at this point in time.