Honda’s glorious days was in the Nineties, when it had a whole lineup of sports cars, ranging from the Honda Integra, Honda S2000 and the Honda NSX. But as the years passed by, the number of models dwindled down. The Honda S2000 was axed in 2009.
Well, that may soon change as Honda could very well be working on a revival project of the iconic S2000. According to Autocar, officials from Honda’s advanced engineering department visited a recent Honda S2000 meeting at the British Isles. Looks like Honda is reconnecting with the S2000 fanbase in order to develop the next-gen roadster.
The third generation Honda S2000, like its forefathers, will be a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive roadster. Honda plans to have the S2000 pitched against the successful Mazda MX-5, and also the upcoming Fiat 124 Spider.
The Honda S2000, if given the green light, will use their soon-to-be-popular 1.5-litre VTEC turbo mill. In Japan, this engine is fitted to a range of models, including the Honda Jade. In the range-topping Jade RS form, the 1.5-litre turbocharged mill pushes out 150 PS and 203 Nm of torque. Autocar said that the entry-level S2000 should be getting the same mill, though with power figures cranked up to 180 bhp, which gives the S2000 a healthy advantage over the Fiat 124 Spider’s 158 bhp.
As for the hotter Type R, that could use a detuned version of the Honda Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Similar to Type Rs of yore, the performance S2000 variant should be getting revised suspension settings as well as enhanced chassis strengthening. A short-shifting six-speed manual is also expected.
The only holdback at the moment is the lack of a proper platform, as Honda is currently committed to a new global front-wheel drive platform. Chances to spread the cost to develop a rear-wheel drive platform won’t be easy, however.
What do you think? Would the Honda S2000’s revival be worthy of our attention?
News & photos via: Autocar
