The world's most sensible carmaker lets loose in a big way
Honda may very well be the most highly regarded automaker when it comes to sensible and level-headed products. This is the very reason that it's hard to believe they could have created anything like the radical S2000.
Every line carved into its taut body oozes with performance, its figure stops people dead in their tracks, and it's got an exhaust sound that could cut solid steel.
It's almost no wonder why the rest of their lineup is a bit conservative looking, and it's because all of the sauce has gone into here.
Honda's take on the classic roadster look materializes with a long nose, short rear deck, big wheels and a wedgy shape to the fenders and roof. It always looks like its flexing in a mirror, and if it were any leaner, it'd have a six-pack. The rear terminates with a small spoiler and dual outlet exhaust large enough to vent waste gasses from a 454.
Sounds great, but for exactly the opposite reason you'd probably buy any other Honda product, you may find the S2000 is not your cup of tea.
Inside are two leather sports seats, a six-speed shifter, some digital instruments, a decent stereo system and little else. Storage space is at a premium with only a few small compartments available to stow your glasses, CD's and coffee money. There is a small trunk for larger items, and a sliver of space where most cars keep their glovebox to store your wallet or cell phone. Visibility is limited with the roof up as in any convertible, and drivers are best advised to set up their mirrors in as trustworthy a manner as possible.
Bend, twist, plop and you're into the seat, followed by a few more seconds of carefully finagling your legs into the cockpit over the high door sills and underneath the fixed steering wheel. Then, you can exhale again.
It was a tight squeeze for a broad-shouldered guy like me, and the S2000 is certainly not intended for folks of my size. Getting back out is equally as demanding- it's like being born all over again.
I imagine I could have skipped the gym for a day and just gotten into and out of the S2000 a few times instead.
But, the interior is dark and foreboding as a true performance car should be. It's trimmed entirely in black leather and controls for the stereo and climate control are centralized around the steering wheel for easy access.
Honda may very well be the most highly regarded automaker when it comes to sensible and level-headed products. This is the very reason that it's hard to believe they could have created anything like the radical S2000.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
It's almost no wonder why the rest of their lineup is a bit conservative looking, and it's because all of the sauce has gone into here.
Honda's take on the classic roadster look materializes with a long nose, short rear deck, big wheels and a wedgy shape to the fenders and roof. It always looks like its flexing in a mirror, and if it were any leaner, it'd have a six-pack. The rear terminates with a small spoiler and dual outlet exhaust large enough to vent waste gasses from a 454.
Sounds great, but for exactly the opposite reason you'd probably buy any other Honda product, you may find the S2000 is not your cup of tea.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Bend, twist, plop and you're into the seat, followed by a few more seconds of carefully finagling your legs into the cockpit over the high door sills and underneath the fixed steering wheel. Then, you can exhale again.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
I imagine I could have skipped the gym for a day and just gotten into and out of the S2000 a few times instead.
But, the interior is dark and foreboding as a true performance car should be. It's trimmed entirely in black leather and controls for the stereo and climate control are centralized around the steering wheel for easy access.