2002 Honda S2000

The 1990s were a pivotal period for Honda in motorsport, as their engines were being used to power some of the era's most successful Formula One and IndyCar competitors. Their efforts were not solely reserved for the track, as their mid-engined NSX proved they were capable of building a world-class sports car. First shown in 1995 at the Tokyo Motor Show as the Sports Model Concept Study (SSM), a production version was introduced in 1999 to celebrate the company's 50 years in business. Remaining in production for a decade, the Honda S2000 was notable for its specific power output of about 124 hp per litre, or about two horsepower per cubic inch, the highest of any mass production, naturally aspirated engined car.

The Honda Sport Study Model (SSM) Concept
The Honda SSM Concept was fitted with a 2.0-liter inline five-cylinder engine placed at the front but moved as far back in the engine bay, helping to achieve a 50:50 weight distribution. It had a rigid 'high X-bone frame' clothed with aluminum body panels to a design penned by Honda designers and engineers.

The Honda S2000 (AP1) 1999 to 2003
The Honda S2000 was produced from 1999 to 2003 and received the chassis designation of 'AP1.' It was manufactured at Honda's Takanezawa plant, alongside the NSX and Insight hybrid.

Mechanical Specification
The Honda S2000 rested on a 94.5-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 162.2 inches, stood 50.6 inches tall, and was 68.9 inches wide. The independent suspension employed double wishbones, the steering was electrically assisted, and the 16-inch wheels were wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza. The 1,997cc inline four-cylinder DOHC VTEC engine was light and compact, and mated to a six-speed manual transmission and Torsen limited-slip differential. For the U.S. and E.U. markets, the normally aspirated engine delivered 237 horsepower at 8,300 RPM and 153 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 RPM. The home market received the JDM F20 version with higher 11.7:1 compression and output of 247 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque.

The engine was positioned behind the front axle, helping with weight distribution and offering lower rotational inertia.

Colors
Initially, the Honda S2000 was offered in New Formula Red, Grand Prix White, Berlina Black, and Silverstone Metallic exterior colours in the US domestic market. Monte Carlo Blue Pearl and Spa Yellow Pearl / Indy Yellow Pearl were available in some other markets.

The Honda S2000 came standard with a driver-focused interior and an electrically powered vinyl top with internal cloth lining and a plastic rear window.

Updates
A digital clock was added to the radio display in 2001, and the rear window blocker became standard equipment. A Spa Yellow exterior color was added as an option to the cars destined for the U.S. market.

The suspension settings were revised in 2002, and the previous plastic rear window was replaced by a glass unit incorporating an electric defroster. The tail lamps received chrome rings, the engine control unit was revised, and the radio was upgraded with separate tweeters. The gearshift knob was now wrapped in leather, and so was the console cover. Sebring Silver Metallic and Suzuka Blue Metallic were added to the list of available exterior colors offered to the U.S. market.

The Honda S2000 (AP2) 2004 to 2009
The AP1 was manufactured at Honda's Takanezawa plant, but the AP2 production was at Suzuka. The wheelbase continued to measure 94.5 inches and the transmission remained a six-speed manual, although carbon fiber replaced the previous brass synchronizers. The gear ratios were changed by shortening the first five gears and lengthening the sixth. The 17-inch wheels with Bridgestone RE-050 tires were new, and with a retuned suspension helped in reducing oversteer. Stability improved by altering the spring rates and shock absorber damping, along with changes to the suspension geometry. Revisions to the subframe increased rigidity.

For the North American market, the engine's stroke was lengthened, and displacement grew to 2,157cc (2.2 liters / 131 cubic inches). The redline was reduced from 8,800 RPM to 8,000 RPM, and the fuel cutoff from 9,000 RPM to 8,200 RPM. Horsepower remained unchanged at 237 hp but achieved at a lower 7,800 RPM, and peak torque increased to 162 lb-ft at 6,800 RPM.

The Japanese, Australian, and European models continued to use the 2.0-liter F20C engines, but received the suspension, cosmetic and most of the drivetrain upgrades of the AP2.

Updates to the vehicle's styling were minimal, with revised headlight assemblies, new front and rear bumpers, new LED tail-lights, and oval-tipped exhaust pipes.

By the time production ceased in 2009, a total of 113,889 examples had been produced. Of those, 66,544 examples were sold in the U.S., 19,793 in Europe, and 21,661 in Japan. Canada received 2,585 examples.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2023