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The distinctive blend of purist sportscar layout – rear wheel drive, front-engined two seater roadster – and advanced race bred technology – high X-bone chassis frame and potent 240 PS 2.0 litre race-bred VTEC engine mated to a six-speed gearbox – have made the Honda S2000 highly desirable around the world. Now that package is about to get even better thanks to a series of chassis revisions aimed at delivering greater stability, responsiveness and ride comfort, together with a whole range of styling changes and detail refinements. Package of improvements for even more driving fun It is in the dynamic characteristics of the chassis that the current Honda S2000 and the new ’04 model differ most significantly. Sharper, more predictable handling for an even more enjoyable driving experience results from a number of key changes to the suspension set-up and body structure: Honda has set out to improve grip levels, while simultaneously providing greater precision and more benign chassis responses, particularly during at-the-limit driving. Already noted for its outstanding rigidity characteristics, the Honda S2000’s bodyshell has been further stiffened to play its part in the improved chassis dynamics. Enhancements include a new performance strut between the two ends of the front frame and ahead of the radiator; together with additional bracing applied to the front suspension upper arm brackets, the rear wheel arch/bulkhead area, and the front cross member. Subtle changes to the rear suspension include strengthened upper arm bushes. Springs and dampers are now stiffer at the front and softer in the rear suspension, while the rear anti-roll bar is reduced in diameter by 1.8mm. Bump steer characteristics in the rear suspension meanwhile have been reduced for greater stability and roadholding. This has been achieved by reducing the level of toe-in both during bump compression, and in the neutral wheel position, while the rear roll centre is now lowered by 9 mm. Part of the enhanced ride and handling package are stylish new alloy wheels with a twin 5-spoke pattern, increased from 16 inch to 17 inch for a more aggressive appearance, and riding on wider Bridgestone Potenza tyres for increased grip. 205/55R16 tyres are replaced by 215/45 R17 ones at the front and 225/50R 16 by 245/40R17 at the rear. A corresponding change in tread pattern, from S-02 to RE050, gives a better balance between wet and dry performance. Steering characteristics don’t go unchanged, and new settings to the Electrical Power Steering (EPS) system – the steering gear ratio is now 7 per cent ‘slower’ – and a more rigid mounting provide greater precision, feel and response. And finally a lighter and more advanced ABS system features software that deals more effectively and intelligently with situations in which levels of surface grip differ momentarily between one wheel and another, for added stability. The overall result is a dynamic capability that enables the exhilarating performance of the Honda S2000’s race-bred 2.0 litre VTEC engine – 150 mph top speed and 0-162 mph dash in 6.2 seconds – to be exploited to the full. Improved controls boost driving experience The driving experience also benefits from some small, but nonetheless effective improvements to the drivetrain. There is now a smoother, more positive feel to gear shifting thanks to the use of carbon fibre-type synchromesh components on all forward gears, which reduce wear, are lighter in weight and have a greater capacity. Greater refinement, and the reduced transmission of noise and vibration to the cabin are the benefits of a more rigid clutch housing, while at the same time the differential casing is strengthened. A new clutch delay system ensures that the engine’s high levels of torque are transferred smoothly and seamlessly. And Honda has now increased accelerator pedal effort, while reducing pedal travel, which provides greater consistency and a more linear feel. Subtle styling changes to stunning good looks Externally, the Honda S2000’s distinctive arrow-like nose with its sweeping headlamp covers now takes on a subtly different, more sporty appearance with the adoption of a ‘triple beam’ headlamp assembly. Projector style HID (high intensity discharge) low beam headlamps are now flanked by a traditional reflector design high beam and separate indicators and parking lights.
The design motif is complemented at the rear by new triple lens taillights, which make use of LED technology for greater brightness and responsiveness, set beneath a clear lens. Innermost is the rear foglamp; next is the indicator with reflective surround, and outside of this is a combined LED brake light/ LED tail light unit. Finally, there is an LED side marker set in a reflective housing. A revised bumper provides a more powerful presence to the overall appearance of the Honda S2000’s rear view. Its lower edge now reaches down to, and is flush with, new twin chromed and oval-shaped exhaust tailpipes. While the high-revving, 240 PS DOHC VTEC engine remains unchanged in the latest Honda S2000, under the bonnet there is no mistaking its pedigree and advanced characteristics: ‘HONDA’ is now prominently emblazoned on the red and black cam cover alongside the ‘DOHC VTEC’ notation. Inner evolution The ‘cockpit’ flavour of the Honda S2000’s cabin is retained, but for 2004, occupants now have more room to move thanks to resculpted door panels at both elbow and shoulder level – elbow room is increased by up to 20mm. At the same time, a deeper door pocket can accommodate even more items. New detailing includes a seamless leather trim for the gear knob, a leather gear shift surround, and the application of silver trim to the headrests, audio panel and centre console – here a new storage tray provides useful storage space for small items as well as two cup holders (rather than one), covered by a one-touch sliding lid. Finally a new ‘H’ mark is applied to the steering wheel boss. The styling of the metal-finish interior elements is mirrored in the design of a new, distinctive key, with its anti-slip fob, Honda S2000 logo, and, most significantly ‘wave type’ design for added security. The digital instrument display is now more legible, with the distance between the segments of the tachometer reduced. A digital clock has also been added. In a novel solution to the inherent problem of providing good audio performance in a convertible sportscar, Honda now offers customers the option of an additional pair of 30W speakers that are mounted in the seat headrests. The neat installation behind the headrest aperture mesh is unobtrusive and the output perfectly complements the standard door-mounted main speakers and tweeters. Additions to already comprehensive levels of equipment include heated door mirrors, while security is boosted by a microwave based intrusion-detection system that remains unaffected by subtle movements of the hood fabric. A new door handle lock rod protector is a further security enhancement. The new red and black interior trim is complemented by an extended choice of body colours which includes a new and richer Indy Yellow pearlescent, selected to fully convey the Honda S2000’s sporting intent. The new Honda S2000 will be available from January 2004 priced as follows. S2000 £26,500 S2000 GT £27,500 PLUS : FOR A WHOLE WEALTH OF MOTORING ARTICLES GOING BACK MANY MONTHS, DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUR PREVIOUS ARTICLES ARCHIVES If you wish to contact us either : PHONE
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