And brand builds business case for S2000
ELSEWHERE, Honda has once again hinted it could introduce a successor to the S2000 sports car – if the company decides it can sell enough to make a solid business case.
Speaking at the Tokyo Motor Show, CEO Takahiro Hachigo said: “Honda is quick to develop sporty cars if requests are there.
“I’ve heard many voices expressing desire for a new S2000. Yet we need more time to evaluate. Our first priority is to have an evolution of our current performance cars for the next generation, but if the sales people give us a commitment then [S2000] might get the green light.”
Back in 2015 we reported that an S2000 replacement, dubbed the ‘Baby NSX’, would feature a mid-mounted version of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo motor. Now, according to a source close to Honda, pressure to adhere to emissions regulations has forced the company to move towards a downsized 1.5-litre turbo, which, when linked to an electric motor, is expected to generate around 300bhp.p.
Design inspiration will mainly comeme from Honda’s flagship NSX, seen in the angular LED headlamps, wide air intakes andnd sculpted rear end of our exclusive imagemage (right). And while the original S20000 was only available as a roadster, Honda is set to offer the successor solely as a coupé.oupé.
In 2015, a source close to Honda told us a price of around £50,000 would be the sweet spot for any new sub-nsx sportsorts car. Another critical factor for the neww coupé is the company’s relationshipip with Formula One. The original was launched to coincide with Honda’s return to the sport in 1999, and the new S2000 could even incorporate F1 tech – developed in conjunction withith Honda’s F1 engine programme.