Honda's performance rebirth will include a new S2000 with turbocharged power

By Miles Branman December 7, 2015

honda-s200-autocar render — Autocar Honda S2000 Rendering

While performance enthusiasts are thankful to finally have a new Acura NSX, there’s still a hole in the hearts of those who value attainable thrills.

For its dearest fans, Honda will reportedly bring back one its greatest creations: the S2000 sports car. Since it was discontinued in 2009, rumors have been circulating about if and when the Japanese automaker would deliver a successor, and now Autocar estimates the third generation is on its way.

The new model reportedly will stay true to its original recipe of a rear-wheel drive platform, front-mounted engine, and folding ragtop. With new and redesigned competitors to content with, the next S2000 will look to lightweight motors, superb handling characteristics, and inspired design as distinguishing factors. Honda’s sights are set on the Mazda MX-5 though it plans to exceed the little roadster’s performance, as it did with prior generations.

Most likely, Fiat’s 124 Spider (based on the Mazda MX-5 but with turbocharged power) will more directly contend with Honda’s next S2000. Presently, Honda has yet to decide on an engine for its roadster but one option is its 1.5-liter turbocharged motor with 180 horsepower — more than both the Fiat 124 and MX-5.

There’s also talk of a Type R version of the upcoming S2000 that would use the Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter turbocharged motor to make over 300 horsepower. In addition to the extra power, the Type R variant would use a more aggressive suspension setup, a limited slip differential, and unique bodywork. The hotter S2000 would stand off against Fiat’s planned 124 Abarth.

The third generation S2000 sounds like a winner on paper, but first it needs to find a platform. Honda is investing heavily in its new front-wheel drive platforms, which may force the S2000 over to the Acura side of the ledger as an entry-level model in the luxury brand. If that happens then the S2000 would match up more closely with Audi’s TT Roadster and BMW’s Z4.

However it arrives on the scene, Honda’s reborn S2000 is still a few years off and awaited eagerly by enthusiasts.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.

Cars

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan gets new face, bigger battery

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan front-quarter view.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan arrived during the 2022 model year as the flagship of Mercedes' EV fleet. But now that it's been on sale for a few years, it's time for this flagship to get a refit so that it can stay competitive with other six-figure electric sedans like the BMW i7, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S. The updated EQS sedan is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year as a 2025 model.

One of the most controversial features of the EQS has been its unorthodox streamlined shape, which makes the EQS one of the most aerodynamic sedans around, but also means it doesn't look much like a traditional Mercedes. For 2025, the EQS takes a step closer to that traditional look with a new grille featuring chrome bars like on the Mercedes S-Class. It also sports the brand's trademark hood ornament.

Cars

Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations

The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.