Prototype Honda S2000: Celebrating 20 Years of an Iconic Roadster
The legendary Honda S2000 was an iconic roadster that debuted in 1999 (as a 2000 model) and was an instant hit. During its 10-year run, Honda sold over 66,000 units across the U.S. before it ended production in 2009. The rear-wheel-drive convertible was widely renowned for its high-revving engine, agile handling characteristics, and ultimate reliability.
It’s 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine produced 240 horsepower and revved up to a staggering 9,000 rpm; the car was practically a motorcycle with two seats and four wheels. And while die-hard enthusiasts lamented over the S2000’s passing and the public at large vaguely remembers it, the Honda S2000 is making a comeback. In prototype form, anyway.
Don’t Call it a Comeback
While we would love nothing more than to see the brand bring back the S2000 in some kind of futuristic form, Honda gave us a little bit of a tease in the form of the 20th Anniversary prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January. While the Honda faithful held their breath in hopes that it meant a glimpse of a new model, the prototype was more an exhumed body with a healthy dose of make-up slathered on it.
A Little Bit of the Old and the New
The S2000 prototype is a custom version of the 2000-2003 model (AP1) with an updated suspension, exterior aesthetics, and audio system. On the exterior, Honda outfitted the car with a wide-mouth front bumper, wider fenders, a decklid spoiler, and a lowered suspension system. The side mirrors and windshield surround were given a blackout treatment and round out the entire look, a set of 17-inch Advan RZ2 wheels fill the fender wells.
On the inside, the S2000 sports the original red and black color scheme with the original red seats taking up most of the attention. The center dash area houses an updated screen display for the audio system and the rest of the interior remains untouched.
Fingers Crossed
While the appearance of this prototype was merely to showcase parts, especially considering it was at the Tokyo Auto Salon, we can at least keep our fingers crossed that Honda will be releasing some of the parts displayed to throw current S2000 owners a bone. Finding a completely stock Honda S2000 on the pre-owned market is hard enough, but if this S2000 prototype means anything, it’s at least a glimmer of hope that Honda is listening to its enthusiast crowd.
