13 Things We'd Like to See in a New S2000
With a Second Generation Honda S2000 constantly in the rumor mill, here’s a wish list of improvements we’d like to see on the eagerly anticipated new S2000.
1. Honda S2000: The Next Generation
Honda S2000 owners are some of the happiest and most satisfied drivers in the world. They appreciate the visceral and participatory experience of driving their cars. Few other automobiles are as much fun to drive. The S2000 ceased production in 2009. Now, in retrospect, there are some things about the original, very "raw" car that could use updating, along with tougher government rules on everything from gas mileage to crash ratings. Here are some ideas for improvements we'd like to see on the long-rumored next generation S2000...
2. Overall Dimensions
We all love the nimble nature of our S2K’s, but sometimes the S2K feels like a 9/10ths scale car. The AP2 modifications to the door panels helped a little, but for the next generation car, a few more inches of passenger room in the cabin could help the new car become a worldwide hit. The new car should be just as purposeful and focused, but perhaps just a bit more coddling to the driver and passenger - starting with a proper glove box.
3. Telescoping/Moveable Steering Wheel
We all love the responsiveness of the S2K’s steering and the excellent turn in. But entering the car would be a lot easier if the steering wheel moved aside or telescoped in some way. The original steering wheel was fixed in place, and despite its small size, some endomorphic owners had trouble sliding under it, to enter the car. It would also be helpful if the wheel could then be adjusted to maximize control and visibility.
4. S2000 Engine
Most experts speculate that the new S2000 will not have the 9,000 RPM, ultra-high revving VTEC engine that graced the original cars. The first generation engines, both the 1,997 cc (121.9 cu in) and 2200cc (131.6 cu in) engines were nearly bulletproof, but they were complex and expensive to build. Our best guess for the next generation car is a turbocharged inline 4 cylinder power plant, like the new Civic Type R. But some have speculated it may be closer in design to the super-sophisticated engine in the new Acura NSX, which utilizes both turbos and electronically driven supercharging for instant torque. Torque was lacking in the original engines, at normal RPM's. The new car should begin making good power at a much lower, mid range RPM.
5. Turbos vs. Electric Supercharging
The amazing new Acura NSX utilizes both turbos and electric motors to boost its power. Will its little brother, the new S2000 get a turbo like the Type R, or an electric motor, VTEC, or all three?
6. Crash Avoidance Software
People who drive sports cars should be protected too. Including Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning would go a long way towards making the new S2000 a state of the art car in terms of safety. And, these new technologies could save a lot of lives.
7. Higher Quality Convertible Top
For weight savings, nothing beats a cloth convertible top, but the original top was a poor design and many came apart at the seams way too early in their lives. BMW’s and Mercedes have hard top convertibles, but that adds weight, complexity, and cost. Let’s hope Honda installs a higher-quality two-layer top that's both durable and excellent at sealing out the elements - one that lasts and lasts. And, unlike the slow dropping hardtop convertibles, let's hope the new car folds and stows its top in 6 seconds like the original. One added bonus would be the ability to raise or lower the top while the car is moving at slow to moderate speeds.
8. Handling Characteristics
The original AP1 S2000 suffered from massive oversteer and trailing throttle oversteer as well. This means that the early cars were easy to spin, and many of the early S2K's went off race tracks backward. The early cars are so prone to oversteer that it's possible to spin it one in your garage! Each year, Honda went a little further toward making the S2k's handling more neutral. And, starting in 2006, the car also benefited from stability control, but some drivers missed the raw, more focused nature of the original car. Let's hope Honda can combine the best of both worlds and produce a car that's as fun to drive as the original, and is also easy to live with as a day to day ride.
9. Safety and Airbags
The S2000 has done well in crash tests historically, thanks to a sophisticated space frame design. Both the Ap1 and Ap2 had a very rigid chassis, and no cowl shake. A modern S2000 will have to be even more stout to meet today’s crash test standards. That’s going to require more than the two front airbags the original car came with, not to mention all the new software features like accident avoidance and automatic stopping, backup cameras and so on.
10. More Options
The original S2000 had few if any options available. Buyers would appreciate a larger range of options on the new car, from the wheel and tire choices to technology options, like adjustable shocks, steering, and throttle.
11. Fuel Economy and Gear Ratios
The original S2000 wasn't designed with fuel economy in mind. But the new car will have to be competitive with its competition. What was missing from the original S2K was a 7th gear or an overdrive to bring the car's highway cruising RPM's down to something more reasonable than 4000 RPM's at 70 MPH. That will bring the MPH's way up and make the car more relaxing at highway speeds. And some S2000 fans will think it's anathema, but a modern dual-clutch automated transmission or other modern automatics could broaden the car's appeal.
12. New Day S2000
With rumors of the next generation S2000 set to be revealed later in 2017, anticipation is growing among the car's fans and owners. Will it be a sharp muscled overachiever like the original cars, or will it lose its soul and just blend in, like so many other recent Hondas? It's time for a new halo car at Honda.
13. Keep Her Happy
While we wait on Honda to reveal its next "halo" car, if you're already an S2000 owner, take care of her! The market for S2000's is as hot as ever and prices are creeping up. And why wouldn't they? The S2000 is a modern-day sports car classic.