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| S2000 in London |
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| Looking for the world's greatest roads |
Remembered as Honda's first and last rear-wheel drive two seater roadster, the S2000 is probably an all-time favorite among JDM fans because this the only Honda that can drift well because of its FR layout. Too bad they don't make one of these anymore, which is sad...
How did the Honda S2000 began? First of all, back in the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, the Honda Sport Study Model was a concept car serving as a template for the production of the S2000. As years pass by, the Sport Study Model concept remain unchanged when appeared in most motor shows until Honda decided to produce the S2000 in the spring of 1999, serving as a spiritual successor of the classic S800.
Most enthusiasts nicknamed this as "S2" or "S2K" but that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, when it came out in 1999, it costs 3,380,000 Japanese Yen and for that, it comes with a 2.0L DOHC VTEC (F20C) engine that produces 250PS of power and 218Nm of torque. It was mated with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential. Other stuff includes a double wishbone suspension, electronically assisted steering, and integrated roll hoops. This S2000, designated as AP1, was produced in Honda's Takanezawa plant in Tochigi prefecture, Japan until 2003 and in the following year, production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan.
The AP1 S2000 is somewhat extraordinary for me because this is one of the easiest Hondas you can drive. The way you handle is somewhat very soft, very comfortable, and this is more of a spongecake but with added hot sauce on it. Don't know how to eat one but still, it's a skull-breaking sensation, something that you want to be completely bonkers on the open road.
When I first drive one in the past Gran Turismo video games, it felt like that the S2000 is somewhat very unique and I think its a rare opportunity for a car that is part of my childhood memories. Little known fact that the S2000 was featured on the Caltex Vortex commercial, remember that?
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| The Stig meets God Hand's S2000 |
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| That's how God Hand can do in the corners! |
As production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan, the S2000 received some minor changes and the AP1 designation has now changed to AP2. The F20C engine was been replaced by a 2.2L DOHC 4-cylinder VTEC (F22C) engine. This engine produces about 242PS of power and 221Nm of torque. This comes with a drive by wire throttle, an electronic stability control system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. Interior changes included revised seats and additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests. I should told that this AP2 S2000 went on sale in Japan since late 2005 and by the 2008MY, it comes with a new variant called the S2000 Type S, which comes with sportier exterior look. As the Lehman Shock affected the world market since the end of 2008, production of the S2000 was ended in the summer of 2009 with no direct successor whatsoever. You know that during its existence, it's still a fun to drive Honda and now, it's just a worthless litter due to the economy, the environment, tensions in the Middle East (especially Iran and Syria), and the relentless war on speed.
I have no regrets to this AP2 S2000. Even though it handles like the AP1, the 2.2L VTEC engine really copes it up with more power than the old 2.0L VTEC engine I found on the AP1.
No wonder the S2000 was served as a primary weapon for Initial D 4th Stage's "God Hand" Joushima...
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| God Foot vs. God Hand at the Top Gear Test Track! |
Even when the Honda S2000 was gone since the summer of 2009, it's hard to remember why did Honda want to get rid of the only FR sportscar in existence but for some enthusiasts, it's still considered to be a national treasure, a treasure that only made them laughed because it was made for one purpose; FUN.
