Honda's first passenger production car, the S500 open two seater sportscar, was first announced in the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, going on sale the following year. After the production termination of its successor, the S800, Honda moved away from producing front-engine/rear-wheel drive sports cars. September of 1998 saw the sensational rebirth of this type, with the announcement of the S2000. This open two seater features the traditional sports car look with a puposeful long nose/short deck styling. Futuristic headlights wrap around the side, appearing to be pulled back, poised for speed. The naturally aspirated 2.0 liter inline-4 DOHC-VTEC powerplant pumps out over 250hp, yet still manages to reduce toxic exhaust emissions to 1/10th the level of its predecessors. The positioning of the engine is also ideal, sitting just behind the front wheel axle in interest of 50/50 weight distribution. The sturdy body and superior road handling, meshed with a four-wheel double wishbone suspension and a newly developed 6-speed manual transmission, offer high tractability and synthesis between car and driver. The inside of the cabin features bucket seats, state of the art digital indicators, and a red button for starting the engine. Of course, the impact safe design, air bag, and all the other safety features of modern sports cars have also been thoroughly considered. Developed in celebration of Honda's 50th anniversary, the S2000 will surely take it place as the 2000cc sports car to beat in the 21st century. |  |
