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Revision as of 19:00, 15 May 2006 by AKADriver (talk | contribs) (→Powertrain: cleanup table)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) 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 an automobile sold by Honda since April 1999. The car continues a 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. 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. While the rear wheel drive platform surprised casual observers, insiders and Honda fans expected such as the original S600 and S800 used this configuration. The S2000 held true to its sporting roots.
Notable in the S2000 is the X-bone monocoque frame, which provides exceptional rigidity to the car. This improves handling, road noise, and steering feel and feedback.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited slip differential mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Special Bridgestone Potenza S-02 (ES02JZ) for 2000 to 2003 models and RE050 (E050MZ) tires for 2004 and current models were designed specifically for the car and featured a wide contact patch to improve cornering ability. Other technological features included double wishbone suspension, electronically-assisted steering, and integrated roll hoops.
Standard power amenities include an electric top that takes 6 seconds to operate, touted as the fastest opening top among all convertibles. The low maintenance costs and relatively good luggage space (by roadster standards; 5.0 ft³ ) increase the flexibility of the S2000. As a result, many owners use their S2000s for commuting and regular transportation.
The 2004 model brought changes in wheels and tires, with new-design 17 in wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tires, and a retuned suspension which drastically tamed the car's tendency to oversteer. The spring rates and shock absorber damping were altered; the suspension geometry was modified to improve stability, by causing toe-in under cornering loads.
Cosmetic changes were made to the exterior in 2004 with a new front and rear bumpers, revised headlight assemblies, new LED taillights, and oval-tipped exhausts.
The 2006 model introduced a drive by wire throttle, as well as a Vehicle Stability Assist system (VSA), which helps to prevent the car from dangerously spinning. This system could be switched on and off by the driver. Interior changes included revised seats that had stereo speakers integrated into them and headrest padding where previous seats had helmet depressions and screens.
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) 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 which produces over 100 hp/L (75 kW/L). Other engines include the 3.6 L V8 engine in the Ferrari 360 Modena which produces 112 hp/L (84 kW/L), the Nissan SR16VE N1 (123 HP/L), as well as the Integra Type R (108.3–110 hp/L), the Civic Type R (115 hp/L), and the Mazda RX-7. The compact and lightweight high-revving engine allows the S2000 to obtain an ideal front/rear weight balance and low rotational inertia for improved handling, without sacrificing peak power.
For the 2004 model, Honda developed a variation on the F20C engine, the F22C1. By increasing the stroke of the motor, the displacement was bumped to 2.2 L. Correspondingly, torque was increased by 6%. The redline was reduced to 8,000 rpm. The lower redline was mandated by the longer stroke (and consequently higher piston speeds). While the two engines (the F20C and F22C1) have differing displacement and torque output according to Honda, they may also have differing power output. The rpm at which the max torque is reached with the F22C1 is close to half that of the max torque rpm for the F20C, making it much easier to drive. Honda rates the F20C at 240 hp (179 kW) and the F22C at 237 hp (177 kW), however dynamometer tests performed by owners show consistently higher output for the F22C. Initially, this new engine was used only in the North American market, but it was introduced to Japan for 2006 models. This answered many questions about desire for more torque outside of North America, and ended much speculation about Honda's plans for the two engines.
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:
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. It was also voted the most 'loved' car - this award also depends on reliability ratings.
- The S2000 was the highest-ranked model in the J.D. Power 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study's "Premium Sports Car" class (covering 2001 models). It 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. These attributes have been cast both as pro and con, depending on the tastes of the reviewer.
External links
- S2000 Official Site (US)
- Car and Driver - S2000 Sports Comparison
- AutoGuideWiki S2000 page
- S2K International S2000 International Enthusiast Site
- the S2000 Club of America a not for profit club for American S2000 enthusiasts
- S2KUK UK S2000 Owners Club
- Honda-Tech S2000 Forum
