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Revision as of 15:28, 15 July 2006 by 81.86.165.71 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Motor vehicle| Honda S2000 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 2000-present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door roadster |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Honda S800 |
The Honda S2000 is a roadster manufactured by Honda Motor Company since April 1999. The car was created to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, and 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, retaining the S2000 name). From its inception in 1999 to 2003, S2000s were manufactured at Honda's Tochigi plant. S2000s since then have been manufactured at the Suzuka plant.
Design and Construction
Continuing in the tradition of its predecessors, the S2000 is rear wheel driven, with power being delivered via a Torsen limited slip differential mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
The car is constructed using an X-bone monocoque frame which is extremely rigid, thus improving handling, road noise, and steering feel and feedback. Other features include double wishbone suspension, electronically-assisted steering, integrated roll hoops and an electrically powered canvas top that takes 6 seconds to operate, touted as the fastest opening top among all convertibles.
Models
The car was originally launched in 1999 as a 2000 model, and was sold through to 2003. It featured 16" wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S-02 tyres. The 2004 model introduced newly designed 17" wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tyres along with a retuned suspension that 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 to 8,200 rpm. At the same time, Honda introduced a 2.2 L variant to the North American market.
The 2006 model introduced a drive by wire throttle and a Vehicle Stability Assist system. Interior changes included revised seats, additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests, and additional 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 (2000 to 2003 models) came equipped with a 2.0 L (1997 cc) F20C inline 4 cylinder engine producing 240 hp (179 kW) at 8,300 rpm and 153 ft·lb (208 Nm) of torque at 7,500 rpm, though the Japanese models were quoted with additional 10 hp due to a small difference in engine compression ratio.
Because of its high-revving nature (9,000 rpm redline for the 2000 to 2003 models and 8,200 rpm for the 2004 model onwards), it is one of the few naturally-aspirated engines to produce over 100 hp/L. The compact and lightweight engine, mounted entirely behind the front axle, allowed the S2000 to obtain a good front/rear weight balance and low rotational inertia for improved handling.
Following criticism about a lack of low-down torque, Honda introduced a variant of the F20C engine to the North American market in 2004. Designated the F22C1, the stroke of the motor was lengthened, increasing the displacement to 2.2 L. As a result, the redline was reduced to 8,000 rpm (mandated by the longer travel distance of the pistons). Peak torque was increased by 6%, and the F22C1 was 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 also introduced to Japan in 2006.
At the same time as introducing the F22C1, Honda also 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.
Fuel economy
The official fuel economy figures for the 2006 Honda S2000 produced by the United States EPA are as follows:
- 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 S2000 was the highest-ranked model in the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study's "Premium Sports Car" class, and consistently holds one of the top three positions.
- 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.
Reviews
The S2000 has received much praise from critics and motoring journalists and has received favourable reviews from publications like Car and Driver, Car magazine, the Los Angeles Times and Road & Track magazine. Among the features highlighted include the high output of the engine, the 9,000 rpm redline and the smooth gearbox.
Criticism
Despite acclaim in several areas the S2000 was also criticized for certain performance and handling characteristics.
The original 2000 cc engine, although having a high output for its size, had a very steep torque curve, with only 25% of the engine's torque available below 3,000 rpm (and only 8% from idle). This brought criticism that the car was hard to drive in daily traffic. In addition, the low gearing meant that the engine revved at relatively high rpm at motorway cruising speeds, resulting in increased levels of engine noise. The handling of the car was also criticised, in particular its tendency to produce sudden oversteer when it ran out of grip taking corners.
The 2004 model, with its revised engine, gearbox and chassis configuration, largely addressed these concerns, but also drew criticism because of its reduced redline and "tamer" handling.
References
- "Honda S2000". Car and Driver. Retrieved 19 June.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - "2004 Honda S2000 Overview". Carpages. Retrieved 19 June.
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External links
