Honda was probably right at the top of the sports car game back in the 90s. In 1990, the Japanese carmaker brought out the legendary mid-engined NSX and in 1999, followed it up with the smaller but equally brilliant S2000. While we have already seen the resurrected NSX by Acura, Honda is now said to be developing a successor to the S2000.
According to recent report by Autocar UK, Honda is planning to take on the latest-gen Mazda MX-5 and the recently introduced Fiat 124 Spider with its S2000 successor.
Like the original model, this forthcoming model will feature front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration; however, there could be more than one engine options. The base-spec versions could get an up rated version of Honda’s new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine while the hottest S2000 could come with a detuned form of the new Civic Type R’s 2-litre turbocharged engine that currently makes slightly over 300bhp.
The S2000 is deemed by many as a future classic and until this new model shows up, here are a few interesting facts about the original model.
The S2000 traces its roots back to 1995 when it was first showcased as the Sports Study Model Concept. Four years later, Honda put it into production as the S2000. The sports car gets its name after its own 2-litre VTEC power-plant.
The original model had a 2-litre engine with a ludicrously high 8,800rpm redline and a 9,000rpm fuel cut-out. In 2003, however, Honda introduced the second-gen AP2 model with a bigger 2.2-litre unit for the US markets. Although the latter had a bit more torque, the redline was brought down to 8,000rpm.
Developing 240bhp from its 2-litre engine, the original S2000 made 120bhp per litre, the highest specific output of any normally aspirated production motor.
Honda made quite a few special editions of the S2000 up until 2009 when the popular sports car was taken off the markets globally.
