S2000 CR
04-04-2007, 05:34 AM
#1
Thread Starter
S2000 CR
NEW YORK, April 4, 2007 - The club racer-inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR Prototype making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show introduces a higher level of track-worthy performance and style to the S2000 roadster, American Honda Co. Inc., announced today today.
The S2000 CR will be available as an entirely new S2000 trim level when it goes on sale in the fall of 2007. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially improving track times, chassis balance and feel. The factory-tuned roadster provides highly aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.
"The S2000 CR is the closest thing you can get to a Honda-built racecar with license plate holders and a horn," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Its features and equipment are designed to appeal to weekend club racing enthusiasts."
The full-body aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and highly tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, a wider rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and a new wheel design in a dark gray color.
Substantial structural bracing has been added to the storage area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. The aluminum hard top replaces the soft top of the conventional S2000, resulting in an overall weight savings of approximately 90 pounds when removed (relative to the current S2000).
The exclusive interior is highlighted by unique cloth seating surfaces with yellow stitching, a unique spherical aluminum shifter and carbon fiber style trim panels. Air conditioning and an AM/FM Stereo with CD player are optional equipment. Standard features for the S2000 include 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant it.
Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready performance with everyday usability. The S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC
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04-04-2007, 05:43 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Stolen from the Temple of VTEC:
The S2000 CR was unveiled to select members of the media on April 3, 2007 at the Lotus Space in New York City. We were fortunate enough to be included in that group, and below are some photos from last evening's gathering.
Overall we think the car looks okay, but we're most interested in the performance upgrade of the new componentry. The faux suede seat and door panel trim is nice, but the yellow mesh inserts don't quite do it for us visually. All of the body work is said to be 100% functional though along with the additional chassis bracing it does add back a bit of the weight that was trimmed elsewhere. The seats feel quite good to sit in and the shortened shifter action felt quite good, though of course we were rowing the gears while the car wasn't running.
The prototype on display was supposed to have been rigged so we could see the revised dash layout, but the lighting wasn't working properly, so we've only seen it in the press photos (available here). We think the revision is a step in the right direction - we always thought the AP2's gauge design evoked too many rainbow shapes - now the tach, water temp gauge, and fuel gauge make up 3 parts of a continous arc.
Product planner Gary Robinson was quick to point out that the CR's Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires are essentially the same as those fitted to the legendary NSX Type R, with the CR wearing 215s up front and 255s in the rear - only the front aspect ratio differs from the NSX-R's.
Mr. Shigeru Uehara was in attendance at the private event last night. Uehara-san is the father of both the NSX and S2000. Unfortunately, the S2000 CR will be his final project at Honda Motor Company - he will be retiring later this year. We spoke to him briefly and thanked him for his hard work and his amazing achievements. We can only hope that his successors will be able to match his legacy.
The S2000 CR was unveiled to select members of the media on April 3, 2007 at the Lotus Space in New York City. We were fortunate enough to be included in that group, and below are some photos from last evening's gathering.
Overall we think the car looks okay, but we're most interested in the performance upgrade of the new componentry. The faux suede seat and door panel trim is nice, but the yellow mesh inserts don't quite do it for us visually. All of the body work is said to be 100% functional though along with the additional chassis bracing it does add back a bit of the weight that was trimmed elsewhere. The seats feel quite good to sit in and the shortened shifter action felt quite good, though of course we were rowing the gears while the car wasn't running.
The prototype on display was supposed to have been rigged so we could see the revised dash layout, but the lighting wasn't working properly, so we've only seen it in the press photos (available here). We think the revision is a step in the right direction - we always thought the AP2's gauge design evoked too many rainbow shapes - now the tach, water temp gauge, and fuel gauge make up 3 parts of a continous arc.
Product planner Gary Robinson was quick to point out that the CR's Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires are essentially the same as those fitted to the legendary NSX Type R, with the CR wearing 215s up front and 255s in the rear - only the front aspect ratio differs from the NSX-R's.
Mr. Shigeru Uehara was in attendance at the private event last night. Uehara-san is the father of both the NSX and S2000. Unfortunately, the S2000 CR will be his final project at Honda Motor Company - he will be retiring later this year. We spoke to him briefly and thanked him for his hard work and his amazing achievements. We can only hope that his successors will be able to match his legacy.
04-04-2007, 05:52 AM
#10
UK Moderator
It really is fugly with that lip and spoiler combo...Looks like just another chavved up monstrosity.
I can't see why you'd have one over an Elise/VX for a track-day bias...
I can't see why you'd have one over an Elise/VX for a track-day bias...
