Generously equipped Honda S2000

HONDA S2000 may be a lightweight, high performance roadster, but it is also well-equipped. Included in the standard specification are driver and passenger airbags, central locking, immobiliser, power windows, power mirrors, power roof, leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather seats, stereo radio/cassette, roll over bars, alloy wheels, ABS, limited slip differential, electric power steering, and high intensity discharge headlamps. Air conditioning will be a factory fit option for the UK from year 2000 model. There are three colours to choose from: silver and black complemented by either black or red leather upholstery and red with black leather upholstery.

HONDA S2000, along with other Honda models, is covered by a comprehensive 3 years / 90,000 mile warranty.


HONDA S2000 philosophy

Released to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, the HONDA S2000 is designed to reflect the company's exemplary tradition in sportscars and its rich motorsport heritage: a thoroughbred sportscar crammed with racing-derived technology in other words. In particular, Honda sees it as the spiritual successor to the S800 sports car launched in 1965; indeed, the HONDA S2000 is the first front-engined, rear-wheel drive Honda since that model.

In positioning the new car, Honda identified three categories of affordable sportscars currently available: 'Ultra-enthusiast' cars which provide enormous driving pleasure but which may not be easy to live with in everyday usage; 'nostalgic' sportscars, which are often based on the floorpans of ordinary saloons, use conventional technology and lack much of the technical content of a traditional sportscar; and thirdly, 'advanced' sportscars, which match luxury with technology, may therefore be compromised, and aimed at owners more concerned with making a style statement than the driving experience.

With its new sportscar, Honda wanted to match the driving excitement of the ultra-enthusiast cars with the sophistication and comfort of the advanced class rivals, while also minimising environmental impact. To do this Honda elected to develop an all-new car, with an all-new drivetrain, and the SSM (sports study model) concept roadster first shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show formed the basis of the new model.

The complete project was handled by Honda's engineers at the Wako and Tochigi, Japan R&D Centres. Development lasted almost three years, longer than that required by a typical Honda, but reflecting the challenge of creating the first front-engine, rear wheel drive model for 34 years, and the project team's desire for outstanding performance. As part of the development programme, the HONDA S2000 was optimised for European driving conditions with a comprehensive test programme in Europe.


Honda S2000 Is Manufactured at the NSX plant

HONDA S2000 is built at the Takanezawa plant in Tochigi, Japan alongside the Honda NSX and production is limited to around 12,000 cars a year. It is subject to the same meticulous build process as the NSX, and the prime objective of the low volume, high technology plant is the achievement of world-leading levels of quality. Rather than a heavily automated assembly line, the HONDA S2000 is constructed at a series of work-stations by a number of teams.

HONDA S2000 has already picked up an award even though it has yet to go on sale. 17 motoring journalists from 10 countries voted it Cabrio of the Year at the 1999 Geneva International Motor Show. UK sales are set to commence in early September.

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