Honda S2000 Roadster Set to Take Green Flag
24 September 1998
Honda S2000 Roadster Set to Take Green FlagTORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 24 -- The Honda S2000 prototype, a two-seat roadster balancing high performance with the latest safety and low emission technologies, was unveiled today in Japan at ceremonies marking the company's 50th anniversary. The car will go on sale in the United States as a year 2000 model, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced. The S2000 prototype is based on Honda's SSM (Sports Study Model) concept vehicle, first shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. The S2000 combines superb driving performance with innovative technologies. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive S2000 roadster will be powered by an all-new, compact and naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine, producing more than 240-horsepower and mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission. The new engine will generate about 120-horsepower per liter while meeting California's stringent Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. The Honda S2000 features an electrically-operated convertible soft top and highly rigid body construction of the type normally reserved for closed-body vehicles, providing the foundation for open-air driving enjoyment with outstanding dynamic performance and world-class safety protection. With the engine mounted behind the front axle, the S2000 boasts a 50/50 weight distribution for optimal handling balance. The S2000 prototype is based on Honda's philosophy of producing world- class automobiles that deliver outstanding individual driving enjoyment while meeting the needs of society at large. "With today's focus on performance, safety and the environment, the S2000 is the latest edition to Honda's long line of sports cars designed for driving pleasure, while showing the direction for Honda's future car designs," said Hiroyuki Yoshino, president of Honda Motor Co. The S2000 also embodies the technological advances developed by Honda engineers over the past four decades on racing circuits around the world. Honda's racing accomplishments include both Formula One Constructor and CART Manufacturer championships, as well as numerous motorcycle racing titles. Honda S2000 Prototype Facts and Specifications * Dimensions (inches) Length 162.00 Width 68.90 Height 50.60 Wheelbase 94.49 * Body Two-seat roadster Highly rigid body construction 50/50 weight distribution Electrically-powered convertible soft top * Powertrain Front-engine, rear-drive Compact 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder DOHC VTEC engine Maximum output of more than 240-horsepower LEV emissions New, 6-speed manual transmission * Produced at Honda's Tochigi Factory, Takanezawa Plant, Tochigi, Japan * U.S. market release: summer of 1999 as a 2000 model