Maybe someone can translate? (Emil?) But its not hard to get the gist of the sub-headline. (Is that what you call it?)

 

I can’t tell you what it says but I am sure it is this.... an early 1997 “scoop” on what the S2000 would be .

From my notes:

You will note there was a lot of misinformation or changes in the “scoop” on what the S2000 would be . . According to "Autocar " on October 5, 1997 the SSX, the production version of the SSM, will be equipped with a new 2L V5 engine with about 200HP ( DOHC VETC of course ). Body will be ( partly ) aluminum with suspension parts of aluminum too (like the NSX ). The weight is said to be less than 1000kg for a true sports car power to weight ratio of better than 200HP/tonne. Transmission is said to be either 6 speed manual or 5-speed semi auto ( Tiptronic ). The styling of the SSM is for the most part retained, although some modifications are necessary like the headlights, bumpers etc. The massive roll over bars behind the seats are also retained. The SSX is also said to be equipped with all the goodies : traction control, LSD ( lim. slip diff. ), drive by wire throttle system etc. The compact V5 engine will be installed behind the front axle line for an almost 50/50 weight distribution. The SSX will be Honda's first front engine rear wheel drive ( RWD ) car ever and will be followed by a number of hot BMW killer RWD models ( a.o. the AAS ) in the near future. Price of the hi-tec SSX will be in the region of $ 30-35K ( Acura class ? ) i.e. rather expensive, but still less so than the rivals SLK, Boxster and Z3.

 

Interesting, Dave. Well, Autocar got a couple things right. LSD, DBW throttle (eventually), roll bars. front/mid enngine-rwd layout. The rest, not so much. In fairness, the article I posted also seems to predict a five cylinder ("cinq cylindres") engine. Maybe this was in Honda's plan at one point.

I wonder what happened to those BMW killer RWD models.

 

Can't see a date,but,like Dave said,early scoop on the S2000.It says int the article,it would be a 5 cylinder engine IVTEC,20 valves,230 h.p. at 7500 rpm,ect...

 

My notes also called for V5 . . . can't imagine that.

 

I think a V5 is impossible. Unless it was a V6 with one dead cylinder. Or really was a radial engine.

Interesting to see the body design of this prototype. The rear end looks more like the S2000, than the front. I guess Honda was struggling with that front end.

Thanks, for the photo! Is there a link?

Edit: Here we go...

http://oldconceptcars.com/1930-2004/honda-ssm/

 

Easy,2.5 cylindres on each side...

 

When you look at the size of the engine bay it's like honda was expecting a longer and wider engine.
I am surprised they didn't make a J swap type S2K. A specially built, hotted up v6 s2k from factory would've been amazing.