I was one of the half-dozen S2000 owners that got to meet with some future automobile design students, their teachers, and a design manager from Honda of California last weekend. It was a really cool three hours. In fact, it was damn cold the first hour while we were outside showing off our cars, inside and out. I don't know that I spoke for all the vintage folks but these were some of the points I tried to make:

 

I'm sure every proposed improvement will add weight. The wish for 200# lighter must be accompanied by a delete list.

 

Or expensive alternate materials.

 

Bill & Jim, you are both right. We had a very interesting exchange as the Honda rep keep probing into our likes, dislikes and expectations. He has no doubt heard it all before but none less he noted everyone's remarks on three huge white boards. To toss out one example, it was suggested that Honda could eliminate the plastic encloser that surrounds the roll hoops. He said they were designed that way to handle wind. Something I know I had not considered. But along with the center wind deflector, we all know it works; I am reminded of it everytime I get heavy on the throttle of the old MG.

While there has been numerous sources saying there is no new S2000 in the pipeline and that the car only has a couple years of life left in it, it would appear that Honda has not slammed the door yet and its designers are probing for styling clues for a replacement. I wouldn't be surprised to see a coupe some day.

 

There was another project at the Pasadena Art Center a few months ago. It started with a similar meeting with the Honda reps and then the trans students went off and did their projects and presented it to the public.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=291345

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=291346

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=291497

 

Good list Dave.

 

Dave,

Your forgot the gauges. A sportscar is supposed to have a full set of gauges. The trick would be to add them without changing the overall design of the dash.

 

The round lines are key for me. I can't stand the chopped up lines "Cadillac look". It all started with that hideous SUV from Pontiac. The Aztec I think it's called.

 

[QUOTE

Zippy Posted on Oct 12 2005, 05:43 PM
Good list Dave.


QUOTE (ralper @ Oct 12 2005, 06:19 PM)
Your forgot the gauges. A sportscar is supposed to have a full set of gauges. The trick would be to add them without changing the overall design of the dash.


I guess they could take queue from the after market folks and do the pod thing on the A pillar. Or better yet a HUD or better yet make the center of the steering wheel rectangular like an F1 car an incorporate them on the wheel. Ditch that airbag

 

[QUOTE=ralper,Oct 12 2005, 06:19 PM] Dave,

Your forgot the gauges.