There's also a dangerous looking red button to fire up the engine, which brings the digital instruments to life like a piece of high-precision measuring equipment.
That's fitting, because the 2.2 litre naturally aspirated VTEC engine belts out 240 horsepower and runs screaming all the way to over 8000 RPM. Compared to this powerplant, most other mills have the volumetric efficiency of a sump-pump.
It provides a generous pull up to around 6000 RPM where the VTEC system kicks in. Then, the exhaust note steps up, and so does the g-force holding your head and neck to the seat. The engine shrieks with amusement until just over 8000 rpm, and the acceleration when the engine remains in its VTEC range is unrelenting. Over 6000 revs, all thoughts of sensibility give way to motoring enjoyment in its purest form.
When the high-revving fury maxes out, the next gear is a split second away by means of a very short throw shifter with a precise and accurate action. It's a mechanism that is often used to describe perfect shifter feel when rating other machines, and it's very good indeed. This is all backed up by a reasonably soft clutch which works to make rowing the cogs a treat. You'll be working them all to keep the engine on a rolling boil.
Taking in the S2000 with the roof down is even better- and the powered top drops away in a few seconds with a few released latches and a press on a button. The heater keeps the car warm enough inside to go topless down to about 5 degrees Celsius.
Handling is equally as aggressive and purposeful. Stiff springs, a low ride and huge wheels mean the S2000's slight frame digs into the tarmac with confident poise. The chassis has a little more softness than your average cinder-block and there is very little forgiveness dialed into the setup. The result is the sort of handling may make novice drivers a bit nervous, though the experienced hand is rewarded with unparalleled corner carving.
Ask any track-going S2000 owner and they'll tell you that for the money, few if any cars can match it's prowess for lapping a circuit. There are countless stories about them keeping up to some of the ultimate performance cars available in North America at track day, and I've driven nothing quite so well set up to go around corners very, very quickly.
But there is one car that comes close. It's a similarly high-revving bandit from Japan with video game styling and world class performance. Mazda calls it the RX8, and it's a touch quicker off the line, handles near as well, brakes more quickly and has even got a usable trunk and back seat. A nicely loaded model comes in some $8,000 less than the S2000's $50,300 pricetag- making it a more sensible buy for some.
Trouble is, the RX8 is a bit too sensible soft for those after an extremely focused performance machine. The S2000 is nearly a better match for the old RX7- with its old school charm, noise, darkness, overwhelming presence and attitude. Little of this is present in the Mazda, but there is little else present in the Honda.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
It provides a generous pull up to around 6000 RPM where the VTEC system kicks in. Then, the exhaust note steps up, and so does the g-force holding your head and neck to the seat. The engine shrieks with amusement until just over 8000 rpm, and the acceleration when the engine remains in its VTEC range is unrelenting. Over 6000 revs, all thoughts of sensibility give way to motoring enjoyment in its purest form.
When the high-revving fury maxes out, the next gear is a split second away by means of a very short throw shifter with a precise and accurate action. It's a mechanism that is often used to describe perfect shifter feel when rating other machines, and it's very good indeed. This is all backed up by a reasonably soft clutch which works to make rowing the cogs a treat. You'll be working them all to keep the engine on a rolling boil.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Handling is equally as aggressive and purposeful. Stiff springs, a low ride and huge wheels mean the S2000's slight frame digs into the tarmac with confident poise. The chassis has a little more softness than your average cinder-block and there is very little forgiveness dialed into the setup. The result is the sort of handling may make novice drivers a bit nervous, though the experienced hand is rewarded with unparalleled corner carving.
Ask any track-going S2000 owner and they'll tell you that for the money, few if any cars can match it's prowess for lapping a circuit. There are countless stories about them keeping up to some of the ultimate performance cars available in North America at track day, and I've driven nothing quite so well set up to go around corners very, very quickly.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Trouble is, the RX8 is a bit too sensible soft for those after an extremely focused performance machine. The S2000 is nearly a better match for the old RX7- with its old school charm, noise, darkness, overwhelming presence and attitude. Little of this is present in the Mazda, but there is little else present in the Honda.