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Revision as of 18:45, 16 May 2006
Motor vehicle| Honda S2000 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 2000– |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door roadster |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Honda S800 |
The Honda S2000 is a roadster automobile manufactured by Honda Motor Company since April 1999. The car continues in the tradition of lightweight roadster 'S' cars such as the S600 and S800. Like previous 'S' cars, the name of the S2000 comes from its engine displacement of approximately 2000 cc (although Honda would later introduce a 2200 cc model). From its inception in 1999 to 2003, S2000s were manufactured in Honda's Tochigi plant. S2000s since then have been manufactured in the Suzuka plant. Portions of the S2000 are assembled by hand.
Design
Honda created the S2000 as a birthday present to itself, in order to celebrate the company's 50th year. The rear wheel drive platform continued in the tradition of the car's predecessors, S600 and S800. Power is delivered via a Torsen limited slip differential mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
The S2000 is constructed using an X-bone monocoque frame which is extremely rigid, thus improving handling, road noise, and steering feel and feedback. Other features included double wishbone suspension, electronically-assisted steering, integrated roll hoops and an electric top that takes 6 seconds to operate, touted as the fastest opening top among all convertibles.
Models
The 2000 to 2003 models featured Bridgestone Potenza S-02 tyres.
The 2004 model introduced new-design 17" wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tyres, and a retuned suspension which reduced the car's tendency to oversteer. The spring rates and shock absorber damping were altered and the suspension geometry modified to improve stability, by causing toe-in under cornering loads. In addition, cosmetic changes were made to the exterior with new front and rear bumpers, revised headlight assemblies, new LED tail-lights, and oval-tipped exhausts. The 2.0 L engine was also revised, with its redline reduced from 9000 rpm to 8,200 rpm. Honda also introduced a 2.2 L variation of the engine to the U.S. market.
The 2006 model introduced a drive by wire throttle, as well as a Vehicle Stability Assist system, which would prevent the car from dangerously spinning. Interior changes included revised seats that had stereo speakers integrated into them and headrest padding where previous seats had helmet depressions and screens. The 2.2 L engine was also introduced to the Japanese market during this time.
Powertrain
The first S2000s came equipped with a 2.0 L (1997 cc) F20C I4 engine producing 240 hp (179 kW) at 8300 rpm and 153 ft·lb (208 Nm) of torque at 7500 rpm, though the Japanese models were quoted with additional 10 hp (at 250 PS) due to a small difference in engine compression ratio.
Because of its high-revving nature (9000 rpm redline from 2000 to 2003 models and 8200 rpm in 2004 onwards models), it is one of the few naturally-aspirated engines to produce over 100 hp/L. The compact and lightweight engine allowed the S2000 to obtain a good front/rear weight balance and low rotational inertia for improved handling.
For the 2004 model, Honda developed a variation on the F20C engine, the F22C1. By increasing the stroke of the motor, the displacement was increased to 2.2 L. Correspondingly, torque was increased by 6%. The redline was reduced to 8,000 rpm, mandated by the longer stroke (and consequently higher piston speeds). The F22C1 is quoted by Honda as having more torque at lower rpm than the F20C, although officially the power output remains the same between the two engines. Initially, the F22C1 was intended only for the North American market, but it was introduced to Japan for 2006 models.
In addition to the displacement change, for the F22C1, Honda changed the transmission gear ratios, by shortening the first four gears and lengthening the last two. Another change was the inclusion of a clutch release delay valve, to improve drivetrain longevity by reducing shock loads.
2006 Honda S2000 United States EPA Fuel economy:
- Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
- City: 20 miles per US gallon (MPG)
- Highway: 26 MPG
- Combined: 22 MPG
Awards
- The S2000 was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2000 through 2002 and 2004.
- The F20C engine won the International Engine of the Year award in the "1.8 to 2 liter" size category for five years from 2000 through 2004.
- The S2000 was voted as the #1 sports car and #1 car overall in the 2004 and 2005 Top Gear viewer survey.
- The S2000 was the highest-ranked model in the J.D. Power 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study's "Premium Sports Car" class (covering 2001 models) and consistently holds one of the top three positions.
Reviews
The S2000 has received much praise from critics and motoring journalists and has received favourable reviews from Car and Driver, Car magazine, the Los Angeles Times and Road & Track magazine, among others. In particular, most reviewers single out the power output and 9000 rpm redline of the engine and the handling characteristics of the stiff chassis.
