2008 Honda S2000

2008 Honda S2000 Pricing Starts at $34,300

New club racer-inspired S2000 CR starts at $36,300
The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2008 Honda S2000 starts at $34,300, plus destination and handling charges, when the vehicle goes on sale today, announced American Honda Motor Co., Inc. The 2008 S2000 MSRP reflects a $50 increase compared to 2007 prices.
The MSRP* for the newly-introduced S2000 CR starts at $36,300, plus destination and handling charges. The S2000 CR enhances the S2000 with more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable aluminum hardtop that replaces the convertible soft top, higher rigidity and reduced weight. The S2000 CR equipped with air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system is available for the MSRP* of $37,300, plus destination and handling charges.
The S2000 represents the purest expression of Honda fun-to-drive DNA with its 2-seat, open-topped roadster configuration and sophisticated front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. As a true sports car that can serve as a practical and fun daily driver that can also feel equally at home on a racetrack, the 2008 S2000 further evolves with the addition of a club racer-inspired S2000 CR. The added S2000 CR features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track day events and also provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.
The front engine, rear-wheel-drive S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short-throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and an ideal 50/50 weight balance.
The renowned high-revving engine delivers 237 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6800 rpm. Perfectly complementing the engine's high-output characteristic is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws. Additional performance features include a front and rear double wishbone suspension, electric power steering and a torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential.
The S2000 comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (new wheel design for 2008), ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as electronic stability control. While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant. Air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are standard equipment on the S2000, optional on the S2000 CR for weight savings.
New for 2008, the S2000 has revised spring and damper tuning that subtly influences steering feel and high speed vehicle behavior. The instrument panel has a revised meter design for the fuel and temperature gauges, adding to the aesthetics of the display. Specifically, the fuel and temperature meters now reside along the arc formed by the tachometer instead of a semi-circle configuration below and to the right of the tachometer. Also, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been added.
The S2000 has dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) for the driver and passenger, three-point seat belts with load limiters and automatic tensioning system, roll bar hoops and reinforced windshield posts. For pedestrian safety, the hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots are designed to collapse and help minimize the severity of a head injury to a pedestrian.
S2000 CR
The S2000 CR is an entirely new trim level for 2008. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. Compared to the S2000, the factory-tuned S2000 CR provides more aggressive track-oriented suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction, and aerodynamic spoilers tuned for reduced lift and enhanced chassis balance at high speeds. A removable aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top.
The aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and specially-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, more aggressive Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires (in place of RE050 tires), a larger rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and the S2000's new wheel design in Kaiser Silver. A rear body brace has been added to the area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. Relative to the base 2008 S2000, cumulative weight savings total 51 pounds (hardtop installed) and 99 pounds (hardtop removed). A sport-tuned muffler adds to the vehicles heightened performance feel.
The S2000 CR interior follows traditional racecar themes. Fabric seating surfaces with yellow stitching help create a sporty appearance while synthetic suede bolsters enhance lateral grip. An exclusive spherical aluminum shift knob on the S2000 CR rests 12.6 mm lower for a 6 percent reduction in shift stroke compared to the conventional S2000 cylindrical shift knob (aluminum/leather wrapped). Additionally, shift load effort increases by 10 percent for even more direct feedback when engaging a gear.
The S2000 CR instrument panel meters include a 'peak-power indicator.' When the engine is operating at peak power, a round, green light illuminates to the right of the digital speedometer. To save weight, air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are only available as factory-installed optional equipment.
The design and engineering concept for the S2000 is to deliver race-car-like performance and handling-something an enthusiast driver could use and enjoy, even in everyday driving situations. In addition, the S2000 is intended to be a modern, socially-responsible automobile with low emissions. The S2000's roadster layout also captures the spirit of the legendary high-performance sports cars of the past, as well as Honda's very first sports car, the S500 roadster. However, the S2000 makes no attempt to be a retro sports car. It is a unique, Honda interpretation of a modern sports car - with high performance, state-of-the-art technology, style, and Honda durability, quality and refinement.
* MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $635.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

Source - Honda

2008 Honda S2000 Elevates Sports Car Formula with Tightly-focused CR 'Club Racer' Edition

Track-oriented S2000 CR expands lineup; minor updates enhance all models The 2008 Honda S2000 represents the purest expression of Honda fun-to-drive DNA with its 2-seat, open-topped roadster configuration and sophisticated front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. As a true sports car that can serve as a practical and fun daily driver and also feel equally at home on a racetrack, this concept further evolves with the addition of a club racer-inspired S2000 CR to the 2008 Honda lineup.
The S2000 CR introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight to the S2000 formula. The added features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track day events and also provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.
'Open track days and club racing events have rapidly gained popularity as new racing venues and dedicated organizations make track time increasingly more attainable,' said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'The S2000 CR is designed as the ideal car to drive to the track, drive at the track and drive home from the track with minimal fuss.'
As a quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is a performance icon for the Honda brand that combines racetrack-inspired performance with everyday usability. The front engine, rear-wheel-drive S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short-throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and an ideal 50/50 weight balance.
The renowned high-revving engine delivers 237 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6800 rpm. Perfectly complementing the engine's high-output characteristic is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws. Additional performance features include a front and rear double wishbone suspension, electric power steering and a torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential.
The S2000 comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (new wheel design for 2008), ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as electronic stability control. While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant. Air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are standard equipment on the S2000, optional on the S2000 CR for weight savings.
New for 2008, the S2000 has revised spring and damper tuning that subtly influences steering feel and high speed vehicle behavior. The instrument panel has a revised meter design for the fuel and temperature gauges, adding to the aesthetics of the display. Specifically, the fuel and temperature meters now reside along the arc formed by the tachometer instead of a semi-circle configuration below and to the right of the tachometer. Also, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been added.
The S2000 has dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) for the driver and passenger, three-point seat belts with load limiters and automatic tensioning system, roll bar hoops and reinforced windshield posts. For pedestrian safety, the hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots are designed to collapse and help minimize the severity of a head injury to a pedestrian.

Source - Honda

2008 S2000 CR to Make Racing Debut at the '25 Hours of Thunderhill' Severe Endurance Race

Seeking to highlight the on-track potential of the new 2008 S2000 CR, Honda announced today that two S2000 CRs will race in the annual '25 Hours of Thunderhill' endurance race on December 1 and 2. Billed as the 'most severe endurance race on the planet,' the 25 Hours of Thunderhill will mark the first time the 2008 S2000 CR will compete in a sanctioned motorsports event.
Cars in the race will be driven by two teams of four drivers comprised of Honda associates from its various North American operations, and two members of the automotive media.
Engineers from Honda R&D Americas built the cars to National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Performance Touring C (PTC) specs in an effort to demonstrate the on-track performance capability of the S2000 CR. The modifications were kept simple to show how easily track-day or amateur racing enthusiasts can convert their own CRs, and take them to the track. Each vehicle will be outfitted with a McMahen Autosports Roll Cage, BF Goodrich g-Force R1 DOT racing tires, custom single-outlet race exhaust by AEM, Goodridge stainless steel brake hoses and Cobalt Friction XR series racing brake pads.
Honda has already established a successful track record at the Thunderhill competition. In 2005, Honda associates campaigned two identically prepared 2006 Civic Si racecars which placed first and second in class and fourth and sixth overall in a field of 58 cars.
Building on the already great qualities of the S2000, the S2000 CR introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight to the S2000 formula. The added features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track-day events and to provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.

Source - Honda

Honda Hosts Largest Gathering of S2000s in History Nearly five-hundred S2000 roadsters and their owners attend the Honda S2000 Homecoming

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., hosted nearly 500 Honda S2000 roadsters and their owners at the first-ever Honda S2000 Homecoming at Honda's Torrance, California, facility, the company announced today. Held on Saturday, September 8, the event represented the largest gathering of S2000s to date. Almost 1,000 guests attended the show and had an opportunity to meet Shigeru Úehara, the chief engineer for the S2000 who flew from Japan to attend the event. S2000 enthusiasts also had an early viewing of the all-new S2000 CR before its scheduled on sale date in early October.
'It was very rewarding to see so many fans of the S2000 gathered together for this event,' said Shigeru Úehara, chief engineer of the Honda S2000. 'I was very happy to present the S2000 CR as my gift to enthusiasts in the Únited States.'
'This is what owners have wanted for a while,' said S2000 owner Mike Trinh, a Community Organizer of S2K International, a group of owners that meets regularly in Torrance and West Covina, California. 'The Homecoming isn't just about the car; it's about the community, getting all of the owners together to share stories and information.'
The Honda S2000 represents the purest expression of Honda fun-to-drive DNA with its two-seat, open-topped roadster configuration and sophisticated front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. As a true sports car that can serve as a practical and fun daily driver and also feel equally at-home on a racetrack, this concept further evolves with the addition of the club racer-inspired S2000 CR to the Honda lineup.
The S2000 CR (CR for 'Club Racer') introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight to the S2000 formula. The added features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track-day events and also provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.

Source - Honda

The Honda S2000 represents the purest expression of Honda fun-to-drive DNA with its 2-seat, open-topped roadster configuration and sophisticated front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. As a true sports car that can serve as a practical and fun daily driver and also feel equally at-home on a racetrack, this concept further evolves with the addition of a club racer-inspired S2000 CR to the Honda lineup.
The S2000 CR (CR for 'Club Racer') introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight to the S2000 formula. The added features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track day events and also provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.
'Open track days and club racing events have rapidly gained popularity as new racing venues and dedicated organizations make track time increasingly more attainable,' said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'The S2000 CR is designed as the ideal car to drive to the track, drive at the track and drive home from the track with minimal fuss.'

Source - Honda