Honda Aims to Create a New S2000, But It's More Complicated Than It Seems | Carscoops

      The S2000 might make a comeback, but only if certain financial and platform challenges are resolved.

      Honda engineers are eager to resurrect the iconic S2000 sports car.

      Currently, factors such as cost, demand, and platform constraints make a new version unlikely.

      The company emphasizes that any revival must honor its legacy and identity.

      Enthusiast wish lists often revert to the question of which brands still offer a straightforward, focused two-seater designed for weekend drives and back roads. A close examination of Honda’s lineup reveals a notable absence: a performance-focused coupe or roadster.

      For years, the S2000 held that position in Honda's offerings, a role that the significantly milder hybrid Prelude will not be able to fulfill unless a more aggressive Type R variant is created. Recently, the company suggested that the S2000 could return, but only after several critical elements align.

      The Financial Equation

      Chief Engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami noted that reviving the S2000 name holds significant importance for Honda. The ongoing challenge revolves around numbers and available resources.

      On the sidelines of the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Yamagami-san, who oversaw the new Prelude's development, shared with Australian publication Drive that the S2000 remains a cherished model for Honda.

      “Of course, everyone thinks so,” he stated when asked about the possibility of a second-generation model. “Every Honda employee loves the S2000. Someday, I would like to [build another one].”

      The issue is that the S2000 sets a high standard, and Honda won’t attempt to launch a modern version unless it meets or surpasses that expectation.

      Currently, Honda lacks a suitable platform for an S2000 successor. Yamagami clarified that Honda wouldn’t partner with another brand for such a vehicle, unlike Toyota's collaborations with Subaru on the GR86 and with BMW on the GR Supra.

      “We understand the expectations for a Honda [S2000], so it’s crucial for us to maintain Honda’s DNA,” he explained.

      Can Honda Make the Numbers Work?

      In addition to engineering concerns, pricing is another hurdle. “A conventional sports car is very costly [to design, develop, and build], and the younger generation cannot afford [to purchase them],” Yamagami elaborated. “A sports car, due to its limited production, leads to high prices.”

      When the original S2000 debuted in 1999, it was priced around AU$69,950 in Australia, which translates to approximately AU$140,000 today. In the US, it started at $32,000, roughly $61,573 when adjusted for inflation.

      Models like the new Prelude benefit from shared parts and a broader market. The automaker can price it competitively because it draws from the Civic, including the platform, hybrid powertrain, and various unseen components.

      The new Honda Prelude hybrid coupe.

      In contrast, the S2000 was a specialized vehicle with a completely unique layout and drivetrain. Its high-revving 2.0-liter F20C and later 2.2-liter F22C1 engines, both mounted longitudinally for rear-wheel drive, are among the few Honda four-cylinder engines engineered specifically for that configuration.

      Nonetheless, Honda reports that customers are still expressing concerns over the pricing of the new two-door HEV.

      “This new Prelude was created, produced, and developed as a blend of the Civic, Civic Type R, and HEV, allowing us to lower the price. Yet, we still receive feedback from buyers indicating that it’s considered too expensive.”

      In summary, Honda needs to determine a way to validate the costs of producing a new S2000, and as of now, they are unable to do so.