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08.27.08
2009 Honda S2000 Defines Racing-Inspired Performance
Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is
the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready
performance with everyday usability. 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 is further evolved with a club racer-inspired S2000 CR trim, first
offered in the 2008 model year.
The S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 237 horsepower, 2.2-liter,
16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short throw 6-speed
manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and a perfect 50/50 weight
balance. The S2000 includes an electronic Drive-by-Wire (DBW) Throttle Systemâ„¢,
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), Maintenance Minder™ system, standard
headrest speakers, an outside temperature gauge and an engine start button.
Air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are standard equipment on the
S2000, optional on the S2000 CR for weight savings.
“The Honda S2000 is a true performance vehicle that provides customers
with an exciting experience behind the wheel,” said John Mendel, executive
vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Because the S2000 is
a car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, it can easily satisfy daily driving
needs without sacrificing track-worthy performance.”
The S2000’s renowned high-revving, 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder
engine remains the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance technology, delivering
237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. Perfectly
complimenting the engine’s output characteristics is a compact, longitudinally-mounted,
close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise
shifting and quick throws.
The S2000 comes equipped with a Drive-by-Wire throttle control system eliminating
the need for a mechanical connection between the throttle pedal and the engine.
This enables continuous electronic monitoring and adjustment of throttle pedal
sensitivity to create an ideal match between throttle response and driving conditions.
The system also manages the S2000’s cruise control function for greater
precision.
Honda’s VSA makes the S2000 more stable and forgiving during street driving
or in inclement weather conditions. Working in concert with the Drive-by-Wire
system, VSA continuously monitors yaw rate, steering input, throttle input,
and braking pressure to determine if the car is following the driver’s
intended path, and can independently coordinate each of the disc brakes through
the 4-channel anti-lock brake system, along with the throttle, to enhance vehicle
stability. While this 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 it. To help provide optimum stopping power, the braking
system also features Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The S2000’s rear-wheel-drive chassis and powertrain layout results in
a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for perfect balance when cornering, while
its hybrid monocoque body and “high X-bone frame” results in exceptional
structural rigidity. Combined with a front and rear double wishbone suspension,
precise electric power steering, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential,
the end result is a complete, no compromise performance package for the enthusiast
driver.
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.
Standard features for the S2000 include a power retractable convertible top,
17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats and High Intensity Discharge
(HID) headlamps with daytime running lights. An aluminum hardtop and XM®
Satellite Radio are available as dealer installed options.
S2000 CR
The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design of the S2000 CR 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 suspension on the S2000 CR provides more aggressive
track-oriented 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
a darker shade of gray on the wheel design. A rear body brace occupies the area
previously occupied by the soft top on the S2000, resulting in additional rigidity
on the S2000 CR. Relative to the base 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. To save weight, air
conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are only available as factory-installed
optional equipment.
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 resides 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.
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.
For 2009, the S2000 is available in six colors, including, Laguna Blue Pearl,
Silverstone Metallic, New Formula Red, Rio Yellow Pearl, Berlina Black and Grand
Prix White. The S2000 CR is available in four colors: Rio Yellow Pearl; Grand
Prix White; Berlina Black; and the CR exclusive, Apex Blue Pearl.
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There is no greater condemnation of an industry’s lack of competitive spirit than seeing its executives hanging around political conventions. Their sudden interest in the future direction of America sends a single resounding message: we have failed on our merits and our misery demands company. And while Detroit snuggles up to Obama, courtesy of McCain’s semi-stand against a D2.8 bailout, the E85 lobby gets to represent the failures of America’s auto and energy businesses at the Republican convention in Minneapolis. Of course, it helps that Minnesota is a standard-bearer for ethanol, bringing countless millions in pork to the land of a thousand lakes. But the mere presence of E85-backers at the RNC convention isn’t enough to hammer home the ugly, thoughtless greed of the corn-juice movement. Domesticfuel.com reports that the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest has purchased a number of pro-ethanol TV spots and billboards aimed specifically at the Donkey do. “Addicted to Oil?” asks a sign on the St. Paul skyway. The query that really begs an answer here is “what the hell is a respiratory health advocacy group doing schilling for agribusiness?” Meanwhile, yesterday’s E85BOTD poster child POET has given the University of South Dakota a $3.9m grant to study cellulosic ethanol. First, why not just build another plant, considering POET’s first cellulosic ethanol plant in Scotland cost $4m? Second, will this research grant simply provide academic fodder for the corn farming lobby’s campaigns? And third, why didn’t POET ask the government to fund this grant? Is ethanol finally learning to stand on its own? Don’t count on it.
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