05/14/2007 - From its push-button starter to its power top that transforms it to an open cockpit roadster, the Honda S2000 fits the definition of a true sports car. It is cozy, fast and fun.
The first generation of S2000 hit the streets in 1999 and created excitement as a hip driver’s car. The 2007 version enhances that perception and more, as it puts Honda firmly on the fun-car map.
You sit back in race car seats that fit like they are molded to your back and bottom. You engage the 2.2-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine that burbles out 237hp and 162 lbs.-ft. of power to the wheels, and despite a bit of torque steer, the car jumps like a real racer.
I was able to jet from zero to 60mph in 5.8 seconds, traveling the quarter-mile in 14.1. Inside the cockpit of the 2855-lb. convertible you feel as though you are going even faster, and while I, at 5-foot-9, fit inside this roadster as if it were custom-made for me, a 6-foot-3-inch buddy had some real difficulty adjusting to what he felt were cramped conditions.
I had no such problems, but I remember test driving an original GT40 and wearing a racing helmet and feeling as though my head were wedged into the low roof. I had no such negative sensation behind the wheel of the smart, sporty S2000, and with the top down, it was a thrill-ride, thanks to a smooth, short-throw shifter, responsive 6-speed manual transmission, torque-sensing limited slip differential, Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system and the efficient 16-valve DOHC VTEC engine.
The power system is rated at 20 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway. My test vehicle was tuned well enough to provide an average of 23.7mpg during my test runs.
Getting back to the cozy interior, with a height of 50 inches – that’s 10 inches higher than that GT40 I told you about – you have headroom of 34.6 inches with the top in place. That’s ample room for those of us under 6-foot-3. And with the top down, this convertible has plenty of comfort room. Other cabin measurements are a deceivingly roomy 44.3 inches of legroom, 50.7 inches of shoulder room and 49.8 inches of hiproom. That really is plenty inside, and while seating capacity is two, that’s what a roadster is all about … a fun ride for two. True, there is a bit of road noise, even with the top in place, but that’s certainly acceptable in a car that is a true roadster.
On the outside, the S2000 is reminiscent of the roadsters of the ’50s and ’60s … light, sleek, compact, wind-shearing and sexy. Exterior measurements create an aerodynamic and athletic stance, with a length of 162.2 inches, wheelbase of 94.5 and width of 68.8 inches.
Testing this pocket rocket on the autocross and in traffic, there was exhilarating acceleration when asked and responsive handling when needed. With a turning diameter only 35.4 inches, the S2000 is catlike in its maneuverability. A slight bit of yaw during tight, quick S-curves did nothing to tarnish the racecar feel of this fun roadster. A high x-bone monococque frame, independent in-wheel double wishbone suspension with coil springs make for a smooth and predictable ride. Stabilizer bar, electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and power-assisted ventilated front disc and solid rear brakes make accident avoidance an attended-to priority. Road-stickiness was accomplished via Bridgestone Potenza tires -- RE050 P215/45 R17 87Ws in front and 91Ws behind.
Honda has always championed safety and the S2000 lives up to the Honda commitment with anti-lock braking system, brake assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control, dual front airbags, side impact door beams, integrated roll bars, front 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning, driver’s and passenger’s seat belt reminder, daytime running lights, immbolizer theft-deterrent system and emergency trunk opener.
My Silverstone Metallic exterior Honda was mated to a black and red interior and came in with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $34,250. That’s a very aggressive price for such a sporty, attractive and high-performing roadster.
That interior combined thoughtful design with sports car appeal and luxury attributes. First, there’s that engine start button that puts you in a racing frame of mind. But there’s also air conditioning with air filtration system, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, short-throw direct shift linkage, aluminum shift knob with leather accents, textured aluminum sport pedals, aero windscreen (rear wind deflector), driver’s seat with 4-way manual adjustment, leather-trimmed seats, remote control audio controls, center console storage compartment with lock, two beverage holders, center-floor tunnel net-pocket, map lights, door mats and 12-volt outlet.
The well-lit instrumentation is easy to read and includes a digital instrument panel with clock, tachometer, digital odometer and two trip meters, exterior temperature indicator, fuel and coolant temperature indicators, low fuel and low oil-pressure directive and a maintenance minder system. You also get an 8-speaker premium audio system that includes four integrated roll-bar speakers and is AM/FM/XM ready.
The S2000 is a 21st century roadster with all the romance of a 1950s open-road, open-car ride.
Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.
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