Thursday 5th April 2007

S2000's track attack

Honda unveils lightweight S2000 at New York Show

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CR for the USA only - for now

This is the S2000 CR that Honda is launching at the New York Motor Show. It’s a lightweight version of the long-serving roadster aimed at the track day enthusiast, and will become part of the standard S2000 range when it goes on sale this autumn over there.

Although the 2.2 litre VTEC screamer is unchanged at 237bhp, there have been significant changes to the S2000’s chassis. There’s a quicker-acting steering rack, stiffer springs and dampers and larger anti-roll bars. The new, dark grey alloy wheels are wider at the rear and wear more aggressive compound Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres.

Aero kit designed to reduce lift

Air conditioning and a stereo have been relegated to the options list, and the soft top replaced with a lightweight detachable hardtop in aluminium – although we’ve no official figures for the CR’s overall weight loss. However, the most obvious tweak from the outside is the new aero kit that Honda claims reduces lift, although we're not too sure about those spoilers when compared to the standard car.

There’s no word on whether the CR will come to the UK, but Honda has confirmed recently that it won't be arriving on these shores within the next eighteen months.

 

[bencollins]

A very nice fast convertible is not a good basis for a track car.
That back end is still gonna generate massive lift.

[goochie]

I thought the S2000 was being retired this year anyway ?

[dinkel]

How light is it?

I'd like to see an S3500 . . . with the 300 hp+ V6 in.

And yup, of course that will be heavier . . .

[fido]

dinkel said:

How light is it?

I'd like to see an S3500 . . . with the 300 hp+ V6 in.

And yup, of course that will be heavier . . .

Inline-5 would be good enough for me.

They'd also have to stick some weight at the back - maybe a transaxle gearbox (ala 968).

But I like the idea of a stripped out version. The standard S2000 feels a bit bloated. It should murder a 118bhp Elise, but it doesn't because of all the unneccessary gadgets (electric roof).

[dinkel]

Imagine a V8 . . . S4400, now that would kill competition.

Does Honda have a 5 yet?

[fido]

dinkel said:

Imagine a V8 . . . S4400, now that would kill competition.

Does Honda have a 5 yet?

Used to be a 2.5 5-cylinder 'G-series' in the Acura line-up. Decent revvy unit as well.

Oh and the V5 in their GP bike

Edited by fido on Thursday 5th April 11:54

[mafioso]

Yes cos the Americans sure need a good track car to really unleash their driving talent before anyone else!!

[turbo tim]

bencollins said:

A very nice fast convertible is not a good basis for a track car

I'm sure Westfield, Caterham and Lotus would beg to differ!!




p.s. are you the Stig?

[dinkel]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_G_

You must be kiddin'. If you mean this one it's no match for the current S2000 mill.

[joetait]

That just looks Chavtastic......

[fido]

176hp without VTEC or twincams. Hmmm.

Well yeah, erm okay, it might need to be breathed on just a bit.

I meant extending the existing S2000 engine. Though i suspect it's going to be killed off in a year or so At which point i will buy a Nissan instead.

[dinkel]

A Z350 . . . exactly my point why Honda should drop in the V6.

[cej]

fido said:

But I like the idea of a stripped out version. The standard S2000 feels a bit bloated. It should murder a 118bhp Elise, but it doesn't because of all the unneccessary gadgets (electric roof).

How can it when the S2000 is 4-500kg heavier ? It's all about power to weight

My Elise weighs in at 730kg with a full tank of gas, the S2000 is more like 1250kg or perhaps even more.

[Bibbs]

It's getting a slating on the S2k owners club, both sides of the pond, for not being hardcore enough.

It really needed +100kg weight loss (bin the eletric part of the roof, the AC, the stock exhaust weights a lot (25kg) as do suspension arma dn calipers, add a few light panels etc)

Needs a power hike (Either blown, or get the 2.2 to rev more)

And needs better shocks and brakes.

Looks like the S is going out with a whimper, not a bang.

[hahithestevieboy]

How about a straight 6 version of the s2000 mill with a 3L capacity and the same specific output of arround 120bhp/l? Now that would be more like it. I always thought that it was a pity that honda never did a proper V8 replacement for the NSX to really take it to the likes of porsche and ferrari. Either that or a super lightweight V6 (again with S2000 specific engine output) to make a modern day dino type car. Those boys at honda sure know how to build and engine that is an enthusiasts wet dream and reliable and good to drive, i imagine that it would be easy to let them off the leash to do something with more than 4cyl.

[Bibbs]

hahithestevieboy said:

How about a straight 6 version of the s2000 mill with a 3L capacity and the same specific output of arround 120bhp/l?

A guy in the US has put a Supra 2JZ into the S2000. So it's defo do-able.

I strapped a charger to mine and it's now 316 @ wheels (about 370/380 fly), I know it's not "Honda" but still.

[gwatson]

It's about time they re-design the S2000 from scratch, it's getting on a bit now.

[pasthim]

So a lightwieght roof cancelled out by the additional weight of the bodykit. Bit of damper/steering tweaking and there you have it..a track day lightweight special...NOT!

[hahithestevieboy]

I think honda has dropped the ball recently with their performance cars. I mean, look at the new civic type-r...urrrhhh..... I mean joe 90 looks and interior with naff suspension and an effectively out of date engine that has alledgedly been tuned for torque. I think its definately a case of can do better...

[Famous Graham]

goochie said:

I thought the S2000 was being retired this year anyway ?

Roadmapped on the EU emissions targets to 2009. So going by previous history, there should be one final revision for next year and then that's it.