The S2000 is Honda's small, two-seat roadster sports car for 2008. A 237-horsepower, 2.2L four-cylinder VTEC engine powers the S2000, along with a six-speed manual transmission. With rear-wheel drive, the S2000 has an ideal 50/50 weight distribution, along with front and rear double-wishbone suspension, electric power steering, and a torque-sensing, limited-slip rear differential for crisp, capable handling on curvy, challenging roads.
With a curb weight below 3,000 pounds, the S2000 squeezes surprisingly fast acceleration from its VTEC four-cylinder engine; it's been widely tested as accelerating to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
The S2000 now comes in two models--a standard model, and the racetrack-oriented CR. The standard S2000 includes a power-operated soft top that quickly opens or closes. Honda's VSA electronic stability control is standard on the S2000, along with anti-lock brakes and brake assist.
The standard S2000 come well equipped, with features including air conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, and leather upholstery.
The CR model incorporates a number of weight-saving measures and expanded high-performance equipment. The CR includes more aggressive suspension settings, a more rigid body, and aerodynamic spoilers that reduce high-speed lift. It also gets a quicker steering ratio, more aggressive tires with a larger rear size, a sport-tuned muffler, and larger stabilizer bars. Appearance-wise, it includes a spherical aluminum shift knob, sport seats with yellow stitching and synthetic suede bolsters, and a "peak power" indicator in the instrument panel. The model has a removable aluminum hard top instead of the convertible soft top, and air conditioning and a sound system are optional. The overall weight savings for the model is 51 pounds, with the hard top in place.
Lively Acceleration
Sporty Handling
Ideal Top-down Roadster Experience
Convenient Soft-top Arrangement.
A new racetrack-oriented, lightweight S2000 CR model joins the Honda lineup for 2008.
On all S2000s, the suspension has been recalibrated, with new spring and damper tuning, for better steering feel and high-speed stability. Also for 2008, the fuel and temperature gauges have been relocated in the instrument panel, and a new 17-inch wheel design is standard.
The 2008 Honda S2000 straddles a middle ground among roadsters, between the simple-is-fun Mazda Miata and Saturn Sky and the more image-conscious Mercedes-Benz SLK and BMW Z4. Its rip-roaring VTEC engine offers surprising acceleration when revved and a more visceral experience than the heavier, more luxurious competitors, yet it offers more creature comforts than those more basic roadsters. With the new lightweight CR, the aging S2000 now has extended appeal for weekend racers who want maximum performance and can do without the frills.
