Thursday 5th April 2007

S2000's track attack

Honda unveils lightweight S2000 at New York Show

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CR for the USA only - for now

This is the S2000 CR that Honda is launching at the New York Motor Show. It’s a lightweight version of the long-serving roadster aimed at the track day enthusiast, and will become part of the standard S2000 range when it goes on sale this autumn over there.

Although the 2.2 litre VTEC screamer is unchanged at 237bhp, there have been significant changes to the S2000’s chassis. There’s a quicker-acting steering rack, stiffer springs and dampers and larger anti-roll bars. The new, dark grey alloy wheels are wider at the rear and wear more aggressive compound Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres.

Aero kit designed to reduce lift

Air conditioning and a stereo have been relegated to the options list, and the soft top replaced with a lightweight detachable hardtop in aluminium – although we’ve no official figures for the CR’s overall weight loss. However, the most obvious tweak from the outside is the new aero kit that Honda claims reduces lift, although we're not too sure about those spoilers when compared to the standard car.

There’s no word on whether the CR will come to the UK, but Honda has confirmed recently that it won't be arriving on these shores within the next eighteen months.

 

[fido]

dinkel said:

How light is it?

I'd like to see an S3500 . . . with the 300 hp+ V6 in.

And yup, of course that will be heavier . . .

Inline-5 would be good enough for me.

They'd also have to stick some weight at the back - maybe a transaxle gearbox (ala 968).

But I like the idea of a stripped out version. The standard S2000 feels a bit bloated. It should murder a 118bhp Elise, but it doesn't because of all the unneccessary gadgets (electric roof).

[fido]

dinkel said:

Imagine a V8 . . . S4400, now that would kill competition.

Does Honda have a 5 yet?

Used to be a 2.5 5-cylinder 'G-series' in the Acura line-up. Decent revvy unit as well.

Oh and the V5 in their GP bike

Edited by fido on Thursday 5th April 11:54

[fido]

176hp without VTEC or twincams. Hmmm.

Well yeah, erm okay, it might need to be breathed on just a bit.

I meant extending the existing S2000 engine. Though i suspect it's going to be killed off in a year or so At which point i will buy a Nissan instead.

[fido]

peter450 said:

Bada Bing! said:

In the US in 2004. Never here. I think it's recently been introduced in Japan too.

The problem is with the stroke increase taking it to 2.2, they dropped the redline by 1100rpm, making it go to 8200, and it develops 3bhp less. All for a flatter torque curve, and an extra 6lb/ft.

They're slowly destroying the entire idea of the car.

Hardly, it's still a very revvy engine, but loosing 3bhp at the top an getting a bit more torque throught the rev range, is not a bad trade, in power terms.

As to if it's against the concept of the car, maybe, it's really a preferance thing

yep, i recall that the reviews in US car magazines were very positive about the newer 2.2 engine - more 'Boxster' like etc. assuming it delivers 8%-10% more torque (and lower down) - i'd happily loses a few ponies (though i'm sure it produced the same bhp but 300rpm lower?). again, it's odd that the UK still gets the 2.0litre.