The Honda S2000 is a front mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, 2-door open-top roadster manufactured by Honda from 1999 to 2009 based on the design of Daisuke Sawai. The Sport Study Model (SSM) concept previewed the S2000 production version at the April 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. This concept version featured an X-bone frame, a 2.0L inline-5 engine, and a rear-wheel driveline. It was from this two-litre powertrain that the S2000 derived its name.
Throughout its ten-year production stint, the car underwent several modifications, including changes in the gearbox, suspension, engine, exterior, and interior trims. Honda produced two versions - the AP1 from 1999 to 2003 and the AP2, aka AP1 facelift, from 2004 to 2009.
While Honda marketed the AP2 in Japan and North America with a bigger engine, it retained the 2.0L engine for Australia but included most upgrades in the drivetrain, suspension, and trims. The model designation for this updated version remained as AP1 for the Australian, European, and Japanese marketplace.
The AP1 (1999-2003)
The launch edition of the S2000 had the chassis designation of AP1. It came powered by a 1,997cc 2.0L F20C inline-4 DOHC-VTEC naturally-aspirated engine coupled with a Torsen limited-slip differential and six-speed manual gearbox. There were two engine versions - the JDM (184 kW at 8,600rpm, 203 Nm at 7,500rpm) and USDM (174 kW at 8,300rpm, 210 Nm at 7,500rpm). The AP1 released in Australia had the F20C USDM version, which had a rating of 177 kW and 208 Nm and consumed fuel at the rate of 10L/100km of combined driving.
The engine displacement of 1,997cc (rounded to 2,000) lent the roadster its name. Honda used this nomenclature system for the Japanese marque's S-segment lineup, e.g., S500, S600, and S800.
This production car achieved, as Honda claimed, the highest specific output of a naturally-aspirated engine at the time. Some other features of the vehicle included an independent double-wishbone suspension and power steering. Standard features included an electrically-powered vinyl top with internal cloth lining.
In 2001, an aluminum hardtop was made available as an option. Also, a digital clock on the radio display, a rear wind blocker, revised taillamps, leather gearshift knob, and a revised engine control unit, among others, were added that same year.
The AP2 (2004-2009)
Honda corrected several issues found in the AP1 with this new model. The AP1 released in Australia (and other markets that retained the 2.0L engine) also received these corrections and upgrades, except the engine, that is. The facelift introduced new tyres and a retuned suspension, resulting in reduced oversteer. Honda altered the spring rates and shock absorber damping, coupled with modified suspension geometry, now made the S2000 more stable.
The upgrade included the revision of the subframe to improve rigidity, the use of carbon fibre to replace the brass synchronizers in the gearbox, new headlights and LED taillights, and oval-shaped exhaust pipes. As mentioned earlier, the S2000 in Australia still used the 2.0L in the previous version.
When Honda introduced the AP2 in the USA, the carmaker also offered a track-oriented model, dubbed as the Club Racer (CR). It had its debut at the New York International Auto Show in 2007. Honda built it to be more lightweight with fewer amenities and designed it for optimum performance. This track variant was only available in black and yellow Alcantara interiors. Though Honda initially planned on building 2,000 CRs, they only managed to produce 699 units.
The S2000 was a perfect roadster. It mixed modernity, reliability, and distilled classic driver's car elements coupled with Honda's race-bred 21st-century technology, positioning the S2000 as a game-changer.
If you have this roadster lying idle in your garage, you can sell your car parts or buy parts to restore it through Carpart.com.au. Contact us today, and we'll help you make the right connections.
-Eric Anyega