Honda S2000 May Return in 2024 as Rumours Grow
The Honda S2000 is an iconic roadster that history remembers for its fun, sharp handling and high-revving, naturally aspirated engine. While it disappeared in 2009, the legend has been kept alive through various rumours and a cool S2000 20th Anniversary prototype shown at Tokyo Auto Salon 2020.
Well, guess what? A source close to Honda has told Forbes that the company’s executives and marketing specialists are seriously considering the launch of a next-generation S2000 for 2024, precisely when the car would celebrate its 25th anniversary.
- Also: This Barely Used Honda S2000 Could be Worth a Ton
- Also: Honda S2000 is Given a Second Lease on Life... Sort of
As evidenced by the development of new Subaru BRZ and Nissan Z models, not to mention the continued success of the Mazda MX-5, consumers are still interested in affordable sports cars. Honda would bring back the S2000 in roughly the same shape as the original, but with a lighter structure using more aluminium and carbon fibre.
But wait, here’s the really juicy part: this second generation would have a lot more power, too. Instead of the 237 ponies that used to be found under the hood, the source that Forbes refers to talked about a version of the Civic Type R’s turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, which cranks out 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Given the light weight of the S2000, can you imagine how explosive it would become? World-class roadsters like the BMW Z4 and Porsche 718 Boxster would need to watch their backs.
Of course, Honda engineers would have to adapt the drivetrain—the Type R is a FWD car, while the S2000 had RWD. However, they could easily drop the former’s excellent six-speed manual gearbox into the latter.
Does that sound exciting or what?