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2004 Honda S2000 The Auto Channel New Car Review


PHOTO

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD
WITH CAREY RUSS
Senior Editor
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

2004 Honda S2000

With the first changes since its introduction four years ago, Honda's S2000 sports car has matured. It's lost some of its frenetic, semi-exotic character, and has become a better all-around car for that.

A quick glance at a 2004 S2000 won't show much difference, although there are minor styling changes. What has changed is under the skin, in both the driveline and chassis departments.

Engine displacement has been increased from 2.0 to 2.2 liters. Although horsepower is the same, 240, it is developed at a lower engine speed, and low-rpm and midrange torque have been improved.

Ratios in the six-speed gearbox have been changed to take advantage of the new engine characteristics.

Larger wheels and tires have been fitted, and the chassis structure further reinforced.

My introduction to the S2000 was back in 1999, when Honda debuted it to the press at Laguna Seca Raceway. I could find no fault with its handling, but the car's gearing and power characteristics kept it out of its powerband over much of that tight, twisting, and hilly track. Afterwards I drove one home through pretty hideous rush-hour traffic and found it to be as composed as a Civic in the real world. It was very impressive, with truly exotic engineering at a reasonable price in a car that could be a daily driver. With a top-end rush that could only rarely (but joyfully) be sampled, it was a two-liter sports car with an afterburner.

After a week with a 2004 S2000, I can say that Honda has addressed any shortcomings the S2000 ever had. Yes, I miss the screaming top-end power, but the retuned engine is much, much more useable. And performance is better because of it.

Handling differences are hard to tell in street use, but should make life easier for any owners who want to use their car for autocrossing or time trials.

The result of the changes is a car that is only a touch softer, and much easier to drive in the everyday world. It's still one of the most impressive vehicles ever made.

APPEARANCE: Only the most hardcore S2000 fans will notice the changes to the 2004 model without a very close inspection. The classic long hood, short deck sports car proportions remain. The major body panels are unchanged. Sleek curves in the fenders and hood are defined by crisp edges, and moderate fender flares suggest speed and power without being overbearing. The headlight covers have been slightly reshaped, and the lights underneath have been changed for better illumination. Ditto for the taillights. The 2004's S2000's front bumper fascia has been restyled, and its grille is wider and incorporates the brake vents that were previously to the side. The rear bumper is also new, and twin oval exhaust peek out from underneath.

COMFORT: There are even fewer changes to the interior. Despite redesigned doors that give an extra inch of shoulder room, the S2000 is still a small, snug car. It's made for high-performance driving, with wonderfully comfortable and supportive seats, great placement of the steering wheel and shift lever, and pedals designed for heel-and-toe control. Yet it's well-equipped, with power windows and mirrors and even a power top and remote entry. A new console has cup-holders and a bit of storage, with small, locking compartment on the rear bulkhead taking place of the glove box. The trunk is large enough for a duffle bag or even a small set of golf clubs.

SAFETY: In addition to the usual air bags and crumple zones, the S2000 has built-in roll bars and seriously impressive antilock brakes.

ROADABILITY: With its engine placed behind the front axle centerline, the S2000's weight distribution is an optimal 50/50 and its mass is centered in a manner similar to that of a mid-engined car. Like a mid-engined car, it turns almost telepathically in response to steering inputs. Also like a mid-engined car, an earlier S2000 could be tricky for any but the most skilled driver when pushed to its (high) limits. The 2004 S2000 uses the same fully-independent double wishbone suspension as earlier models, but it has been retuned to improve high-speed stability, to decrease bump steer, and to be more easily controlled at extreme cornering limits. Larger wheels and tires, and stiffer front springs and softer rear springs (with matching shocks) do the trick. The larger wheels and tires and a little more bracing for the backbone-cum-monocoque frame (which was quite possibly the stiffest convertible chassis ever anyway) add a trivial 24 lbs. to the overall weight. The ride is firm but not overly so; the biggest impediment to long-distance travel is the same as found in any convertible roadster - road and wind noise through the convertible top. That can be reduced with the optional aluminum hardtop. The wider tires increase the contact patch, making it stick even better. The S2000 is still a laser scalpel for carving corners, it's just a touch friendlier.

PERFORMANCE: The 2.0-liter S2000 engine made its 240 horsepower at 8300 rpm, with the fuel cutoff at 9000. This was great for bench racing bragging rights, and the top-end surge between 7000 and 9000 was truly exhilarating, with a sound like a 1970s Cosworth-powered Formula One car. But at lesser speeds, power was adequate but not all that impressive, and the light flywheel which allowed fast revving also allowed revs to drop precipitously below the heart of the power band when upshifting.

For 2004, the light switch has been turned into a rheostat. A stroker crankshaft increases displacement to 2.2 liters, and lowers the redline from 9000 to 8200 rpm. But, although horsepower is the same 240, it peaks at 7800 rpm, with maximum torque now 162 lb-ft at 6500 rpm - more torque at lower engine speeds. Really useful power is now available from 3500 rpm, rather than 6000, to redline. It keeps building until the rev limiter steps in, and the healthier midrange blends into the top-end rush.

The six-speed gearbox gets new ratios, with first through fifth lower for better acceleration and sixth higher for better highway cruising. The shift linkage is still as great as ever, and revs don't seem to drop as much when upshifting. I found myself usually a gear higher than in an earlier S2000 in any given situation. Still, unless you're used to modern sport motorcycles, an S2000 will require recalibration of your mechanical sympathies. 65 mph in sixth gear is a busy-sounding 3500 rpm, but the engine has just begun to get happy at that speed.

CONCLUSIONS: Maturity has only improved the Honda S2000.

SPECIFICATIONS 2004 HONDA S2000

Base Price $ 32,800
Price As Tested $ 33,290
Engine Type: dual overhead cam aluminum alloy inline 4-cylinder with VTEC variable valve timing
Engine Size: 2.2 liters / 132 cu. in.
Horsepower: 240 @ 7700 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 162 @ 6500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Wheelbase / Length: 94.5 in. / 162.2 in.
Curb Weight: 2835 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower: 11.8
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gal.
Fuel Requirement: 91 octane premium unleaded gasoline
Tires f: P215/45 WR17, R: P245/40 WR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE050
Brakes, front/rear: vented disc / solid disc
Suspension, front/rear independent double wishbone with coil springs
Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 20 / 25 / 22 0 to 60 mph 5.8 sec

OPTIONS AND CHARGES Destination charge $ 490

Honda Press Release on 2004 S2000

Honda S2000 Receives Enhanced Power and Improved Handling for 2004
Larger displacement engine and revised suspension tuning highlight changes

October 6, 2003 -- Torrance, Calif. -- The S2000 receives a comprehensive list of improvements for 2004 to deliver a more potent and sporting driving experience. Improvements for 2004 include a larger displacement engine with a broader power band, a re-tuned suspension, and enhancements to the body and interior designed to make the roadster an even more compelling track car and a more refined daily driver.

The 2004 S2000 accelerates with increased authority and more pull through corners with an enhanced powerband that comes on sooner and stronger. High performance power now starts as soon as 3,000 rpm compared to 6,000 rpm on the 2003 model. New suspension tuning with larger wheels and tires improves cornering grip while minimizing the effects of road disturbances. Compared to the 2003 model, the 2004 S2000 benefits from the following major enhancements:

Larger displacement 2.2-liter engine (+0.2 liters) produces 240 horsepower @ 7800 rpm (+0 @ -500) and 162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 6500 (+8 @ -1000)

  • 17-inch wheels and tires replace 16-inch wheels and tires
  • Body rigidity increased
  • Revised suspension tuning
  • Revised transmission gear ratios with carbon synchronizers on all forward gears
  • Bolder front and rear exterior styling with triple-beam lens designs
  • Freshened interior design with improved shoulder and elbow room
  • New options including XM Satellite Radio and headrest speakers

On the street, the 2004 S2000 transmits less ride harshness. Inside, shoulder and elbow room increases by as much as 20 mm and a redesigned center console has been added with two cupholders (previously just one) and a one-touch sliding lid.

The 2004 S2000 engine has been re-designed and displacement increased by 0.2 liters through lengthening the stroke of piston travel. Improvements to the engine result in available torque and horsepower increasing between 4- and 10-percent among 1000 rpm and 8000 rpm, which helps to boost acceleration at lower rpms. The 2.2-liter, DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine meets California's strict Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. Honda's innovative VTEC advanced variable valve-timing system, operates the S2000 engine's 16 valves (4 per cylinder) in both intake and exhaust modes. This system is compact and tailored to the high-output, high-rpm operating characteristics of the S2000 engine.

A revised 6-speed, manual transmission provides lower gear ratios on gears one through five. To further magnify the increase in engine performance, gears one through four are 4 percent lower than the 2003 model. The transmission is a compact design and features a direct shift linkage with class-leading feel and short throws. New carbon synchronizers on gears one through six replace brass double and triple cone synchronizers on select gears to enhance the already excellent "direct feel" associated with the S2000 transmission.

A Torsen limited-slip differential smoothly delivers power to the rear wheels, regardless of traction conditions. The S2000 engine and transmission are capable of accelerating the S2000 from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds.

Honda's racing experience is also evident in the S2000's responsive handling. The chassis has an ideal 50/50 weight distribution, and the body and frame are a hybrid monocoque-frame structure that forms a highly rigid platform for the S2000's in-wheel double wishbone suspension system,and plays an important role in helping the S2000 achieve its high level of safety protection. Body rigidity has been increased for 2004 by strengthening key points on the body and chassis. The power steering system is a highly responsive, electrically assisted type, which has been retuned for 2004 to provide enhanced feedback to the driver.

Larger front 215/45 and rear 245/40 R-rated tires are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16"), while large11-inch brake discs (vented in front) provide excellent stopping power and brake feel. New brake pad material improves the pedal feel and resists fading in high performance driving. An anti-lock braking system is standard.

The exterior styling of the S2000's body is bolder with new front and rear styling elements. The nose has slightly improved aerodynamics for 2004 that involve a new front bumper design and re-positioned air intakes. The front headlights employ a new triple beam design and the rear taillights are also a new triple beam design with LED illumination.

The S2000's exterior features the following colors: Berlina Black, Grand Prix White, New Formula Red, Sebring Silver Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Rio Yellow Pearl and Suzuka Blue Metallic. Sebring Silver Metallic and Silverstone Metallic exterior colors are available with either a new red and black interior color combination or an all black interior.

The interior is modern and designed with the driver's needs in mind. A redesigned center console contains two cupholders (previously just one) and a new storage tray and overall enhanced functionality. The radio features XM Satellite Radio capability with an optional dealer-installed receiver and antenna. Dealer-installed headrest speakers (two per seat) are also now available.

For 2004, controls such as the steering, brakes and clutch, operate with a new level of precision and have an even more direct feel. The aluminum leather-wrapped shift knob, F1-inspired digital instrument display and separate engine-start button serve as a reminder of the racing heritage of the S2000.

2004 S2000 Improvements

  • Performance and Handling
    • Dynamic acceleration increased
    • Transmission shifter direct feel increased
    • High-speed stability enhanced
    • At-the-limit performance increased with more gradual fall-off
    • Sensitivity to disturbances decreased (less bump steer)
    • Steering feedback enhanced
    • Brake pedal dynamic feel enhanced
  • Comfort and Convenience
    • Interior space increased
    • Interior storage functionality increased
    • Optional audio features added - XM Satellite Radio capability
    • Dealer-installed speaker headrests (2 per seat) available
    2004 Honda S2000 vs. 2003 Honda S2000

    2004

    2003

    Change/Notes

    Powertrain

    Engine

    2.2-liter DOHC VTEC

    2.0-liter DOHC VTEC

    + 0.2 liters, attributable to engine stroke change

    Horsepower

    240 @ 7800 rpm

    240 @ 8300 rpm

    + 0 hp @ -500 rpm, same peak horsepower with overall powerband characteristics strengthened 4% to 10% between 1000 -8000 rpm

    Torque (lbs.-ft.)

    162 @ 6500 rpm

    153 @ 7500 rpm

    +8 lb.-ft. @ -1000 rpm with improved powerband characteristics strengthened between 4% and 10% between 1000-8000 rpm. Max torque increases 5%.

    Rev Limit (fuel cutoff)

    8200

    9000

    Piston travel configuration decreases rpm limit by 9% because of piston speed increase.

    Compression Ratio

    11.1:1

    11.0:1

    +0.1:1

    Transmission Ratios

    Reconfigured

    -

    Gears 1-4 = 4% lower for performance
    Gear 5 = 1% lower
    Gear 6 = 2% higher

    Suspension

    Wheels (inches)

    Front: 17x7
    Rear: 17x8.5

    Front: 16x6.5
    Rear: 16x7.5

    Front: + 1x0.5 (new wheel design)
    Rear: + 1x1 (new wheel design)

    Tires

    Front: P215/45R17
    Rear: P245/40R17

    Front: P205/55R16
    Rear: P225/50R16

    Larger contact patch

    Springs

    New Tuning

    -

    Front: Increased spring rate 6.7%
    Rear: Decreased spring rate 10%

    Shock Absorbers

    New Tuning

    -

    Tuned for new suspension settings

    Stabilizer Bars (mm)

    Front: 26.5x t4.5
    Rear: 25.4 x t4.5

    Front: 26.5x t4.5
    Rear: 27.2 x t4.5

    Front: Same
    Rear: -1.8 x 0

    Ride Height

    Non-Load: 5.1
    Full-Load: 4.2

    Non-Load: 5.1
    Full-Load: 4.2

    No Change

    Body

    Aerodynamics

    Enhanced

    -

    5% improvement in Cd from new front bumper design

    Body Rigidity

    Enhanced

    -

    Rigidity increased

    Front Bumper

    Redesigned

    -

    New bumper and new triple-beam headlight designs

    Rear Bumper

    Redesigned

    -

    New bumper, triple beam LED taillights and oval exhaust tips designs

    Weight (lbs.)

    2835

    2811

    +24, attributable to body rigidity increase and new wheels and tires

    Exterior Dimensions
    L x W x H (inches)

    162.2 x 68.9 x 50.0

    162.2 x 68.9 x 50.0

    0 x 0 x 0

    Interior

    Shoulder Room (in.)

    50.7

    48.4

    +0.9 (20mm)

    Interior Console

    Redesigned

    New console with two cupholders (+1) and storage compartment, new trim pieces

    Interior Doors

    Redesigned

    Increased elbow and shoulder room, new speaker enclosures

    Steering Wheel

    Minor update

    New Honda emblem

    Radio

    New design

    XM Satellite Radio available and optional headrest speakers added

     Downloads 

    For more information on downloadable high-resolution images of the Honda S2000 and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.hondacars.com.


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